Course Catalog

Automotive Fundamentals, Diploma (AF12)  Diploma


Campus Locations: Valdosta, Ben Hill Irwin

The Automotive Fundamentals Diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive service and repair profession. Learning opportunities enable students to develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Auto Fundamentals diploma that qualifies them as entry-level technicians.

This program qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant.

Program Outcomes: Upon graduation, students will systematically diagnose and repair vehicles in a service shop. They will perform essential maintenance procedures proficiently and use technical information to diagnose issues. Graduates will communicate effectively with peers and customers during repair processes. Additionally, they will prioritize ongoing training to stay updated on vehicle systems.

Careers: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Length of Program: 3 Terms

Admission Requirements:

Start Terms:

  • This program begins each Fall and Spring semester on the Ben Hill Campus.
  • This program begins each Fall and Spring semester on the Valdosta Campus.

Additional Information:

Gainful Employment Information
Curriculum Outline (40 hours)
General Core Courses 8
ENGL 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Diploma Level Reading and Writing Scores OR READ 0090 and/or ENGL 0090 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

3
MATH 1012

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Diploma Level Math Scores or MATH 0090 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, geometric concepts, technical applications, and basic statistics.

3
EMPL 1000

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

2
Occupational Courses 18
AUTT 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: None Co-Requisite: COLL 1010 Introduces basic concepts and practices necessary for safe and effective automotive shop operations. Topics include: safety procedures; legal/ethical responsibilities; general service; hand tools; shop organization, management, and work flow systems.

2
AUTT 1030

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): AUTT 1010 This course introduces brake systems theory and its application to automotive barking systems and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Topics include: hydraulic system diagnosis and repair; drum brake diagnosis and repair; disc brake diagnosis and repair; power assist units diagnosis and repair; related systems (wheel bearings, parking brakes, electrical, etc.) diagnosis and repair; and electronic brake control systems.

4
AUTT 1050

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 3.33333 Lab 3 - 4 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): AUTT 1010 Introduces students to principles of steering, suspension, wheel alignment, electronic steering, and electronic active suspension. Topics include: general suspension and steering systems diagnosis; steering systems diagnosis and repair; suspension systems diagnosis and repair; related suspension and steering service; wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment and repair, wheel and tire diagnosis and repair.

4
AUTT 1060

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3.5 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 2 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): AUTT 1020 Introduces the theory and operation of automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Students attain proficiency in inspection, testing, service, and repair of heating and air conditioning systems and related components. Topics include: a/c system diagnosis and repair; refrigeration system component diagnosis and repair; heating, ventilation, and engine cooling systems diagnosis and repair; operating systems and related controls diagnosis and repair; refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling.

5
COMP 1000

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture -1.667; Lab – 2.667 Pre-Requisites: None Co-Requisite: None This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include introductions to computer and digital terminology and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications. Please note that this course may not transfer to a 4-year institution. Students should check with their transferring institution for transferability of courses. COMP 2000 may be taken in place of COMP 1000 if it is required by a transferring institution.

3
Auto Electrical Course Options (7 Hours) 7
AUTT 1020

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): AUTT 1010 This course introduces automotive electrical systems emphasizing the basic operating principles, diagnosis, and service/repair of batteries, starting systems, charging systems, lighting systems, instrument cluster and driver information systems, and body electrical systems.

7
AUTT 1021

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 1.13333 Lab 3 - 6.9 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): AUTT 1010 This course introduces automotive electrical systems emphasizing the basic principles, diagnosis, and service/repair of batteries, starting systems, starting system components, and basic lighting systems.

4
AUTT 1022

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0.86667 Lab 3 - 5.1 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): AUTT 1021 This course emphasizes the basic principles, diagnosis, and service/repair of charging systems, advanced lighting systems, instrument cluster and driver information systems, and body electrical systems.

3
Auto Engine Performance Course Options (7 Hours) 7
AUTT 1040

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 3.33333 Lab 3 - 10 Pre-requisite(s): AUTT 1020 Co-requisite(s): None Introduces basic engine performance systems which support and control four stroke gasoline engine operations and reduce emissions. Topics include: general engine diagnosis, computerized engine controls and diagnosis, ignition system diagnosis and repair, fuel and air induction, exhaust systems, emission control systems diagnosis and repair, and other related engine service.

7
AUTT 1041

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 1.2 Lab 3 - 4.6 Pre-requisite(s): AUTT 1020 Co-requisite(s): None Introduces basic engine performance systems which support and control four stroke gasoline engine operations and reduce emissions. Topics include: general engine diagnosis, fuel and air induction, exhaust systems, PCV control system diagnosis and repair, and other related engine service.

3
AUTT 1042

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.5 Lab 2 - 2.13333 Lab 3 - 5.4 Pre-requisite(s): AUTT 1020, AUTT 1022 Co-requisite(s): None Continues basic engine performance systems which support and control four stroke gasoline engine operations and reduce emissions. Topics include: computerized engine controls and diagnosis, ignition system diagnosis and repair, and advanced emission control systems diagnosis and repair.

4
Faculty
Program Chair

Automotive Program Coordinator
Valdosta Campus

Berrien Hall, Room 127
Advisor

Automotive Instructor
Ben Hill-Irwin Campus

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