Automotive Technology

Alex Leon, left, and George East, work together on their coursework in the UAF Community and Technical College autoshop

Community and Technical College
Automotive Technology
907-455-2800 

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 Technology

sconell@alaska.edu
907-455-2917
Hutchison Center, Fairbanks, AK