Automotive Technology
Department Overview
The automotive technology program at the UAF Community & Technical College offers a certificate program designed to prepare students for entry into the automotive service industry as highly trained technicians capable of diagnosing, repairing and maintaining today’s modern automobiles.
Learn more about the Automotive Technology program, including an overview of the program, career opportunities, and more.
Certificate, Automotive Technology
The automotive technology program gives students the education and training to become an entry-level automotive technician. The automotive service industry is constantly changing as cars become more complicated. Highly trained technicians are needed to understand, diagnose and repair modern automobiles.
The program emphasizes hands-on training and in-class experience as students perform preventive maintenance inspections, determine causes of equipment problems and make necessary repairs and adjustments to the complex systems that make up today’s cars. The certificate training qualifies students for entry-level positions within the automotive service and repair industry in the areas of electricity/electronics, brakes, suspension and alignment, and engine performance.
Successful graduates from the automotive technology program go on to careers in dealerships, independent shops, service/IM stations, fleet repair facilities and aviation ground support. Salaries vary depending on job placement and the student’s skill level.
Minimum Requirements for Automotive Technology Certificate: 34 credits
Courses
Automotive Technology (AUTO)
AUTO F080 Driver and Safety Education
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Driver education for the beginning driver. Alaska Driver's Manual and material necessary to gain an Alaska Driver's Permit. Defensive driving methods for accident-free driving and basic mechanical information.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F081 Behind-the-Wheel Training
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Practical driver training in actual situations. Expected student outcome is obtaining a State of Alaska driver's license.
Prerequisites: Current Alaska driver's permit required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F100 Introduction to Small Engine Repair
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Parts and functions of a small engine and its electrical system. Dismantling procedures, cleaning and reassembly techniques, gasket-making, lubrication, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F102 Introduction to Automotive Technology
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Provides career information in the automotive industry. Shop safety, hand tools, fasteners, fittings, and an introduction to the major automotive systems.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F103 Auto Tune-Up
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F110 Basic Electrical Systems
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The history and origins of electrical theory, the generation of electricity and diagnosis, minor repair and general servicing of alternators, starters and batteries.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F112 Basic Auto Maintenance
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F113 Gasoline Fuel Delivery Systems
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Basics of carburation and electronic fuel injection. Emphasis on theory, diagnostic/repair skills, inputs and outputs of the PCM, engine performance, use of on-board diagnostic data (OBD II) and special test equipment.
Recommended: AUTO F110.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F122 Engine Theory and Diagnosis
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to fundamental aspects of engine design, general diagnosis and engine related service, to include combustion process, engine noise, basics of exhaust emissions, vacuum/pressure, compression, intake and exhaust systems, valve and ignition timing.
Prerequisites: AUTO F102.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F131 Automotive Electrical II
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Theory, diagnosis and repair of automotive electrical/electronic systems to include testing tools, schematics and on-board computers.
Prerequisites: AUTO F110.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F150 Brake Systems
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Theory, diagnosis and servicing of light- and heavy-duty vehicle hydraulic brake and traction control systems. Includes discussion and tasks on disc brakes, drum brakes, power assist systems and anti-lock/traction controls.
Prerequisite: AUTO F102.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F162 Suspension Alignment
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Theory, diagnosis and repair of suspension, steering and wheel alignment of automobiles and trucks.
Prerequisites: AUTO F102.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F170 Snowmachine Maintenance and Repair
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Fundamental skills for operation and repair. Engine tune-up, lubrication, belt and track repair, alignment and basic problems encountered during operation.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
AUTO F172 All-Terrain Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Teaches fundamental skills for maintenance and repair of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Engine tune-up, lubrication, clutch and belt (if applicable), transmission troubleshooting, tire and wheel repair, alignment and other basic problems encountered during operation along with safe shop procedures.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 3 times for up to 3 credits
AUTO F190 Automotive Practicum I
1-6 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Provides supervised workplace experience in selected industry settings. Integrates knowledge and practice to achieve competencies in basic skills. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned.
Prerequisites: Advisor approval required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 1-6
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F202 Auto Fuel and Emissions Systems
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in AUTO F122. Combustion chemistry, volumetric efficiency, design and function of emission control devices, laws and regulations concerning vehicle emissions are covered, with an emphasis on interfacing with on-board computers, automotive computer networking, and four and five gas analysis.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F209 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
5 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Automatic transmissions and transaxles. Includes the operation, diagnosis and repair of planetary gears, clutches, pumps, hydraulic controls and electronic shifting controls. Study and hands-on tasks.
Recommended: AUTO F110 strongly recommended.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F215 Engine Analyzer, Scopes and Scan Tools
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Use and interpretation of diagnostic analyzers for spark ignition engines, digital data, fault code and input/output information retrieval, scan tool usage and other diagnostic tools used in the vehicle repair industry.
Recommended: AUTO F110.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F219 The Auto/Diesel Repair Business
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Overview of practices common in the vehicle repair industry. Includes flat rate, repair order write-up, customer relations, repair industry related OSHA and EPA regulations, and financing and acquiring a repair business.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F222 Automotive Engine Performance
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Builds on skills and knowledge gained in AUTO F122 and AUTO F202. Applies strategies for diagnosing fuel and ignition systems, automotive computers and multiplexing. Includes communication strategies, on-board diagnostics, testing and diagnosis of engine performance-related components.
Prerequisites: AUTO F202.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
AUTO F227 Automotive Electrical III
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The theory, diagnosis and repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems to include accessories.
Prerequisites: AUTO F131.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Faculty
Shawn Conell
Associate Professor | Program Advisor | Program Director
Automotive Technologysconell@alaska.edu
907-455-2917
Hutchison Center, Fairbanks, AK