Curriculum

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides the automotive technology student with a detailed practical study of how to be successful in the automotive service, parts, and sales industry. It provides a practical study of current service, parts, and sales practices performed in dealerships and independent repair shops, while also discussing the review and preparation of the theory and skills necessary to successfully pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams relevant to industry standards. Topics include becoming efficient in the shop, mastering various pay systems, understanding managers and owners, building customer loyalty, demonstrating workplace and social ethics, and making Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) values work for all employees.

In addition, vehicle engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, and air-conditioning; and engine performance systems, parts, and components, and new and emerging technologies that support the service and repair of the modern automobile will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed upon the important tasks of proper repair procedures; the safe use of tools, equipment, technical data, and scan tools; and the ins-and-outs of the business of service, parts, and sales. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies will be discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The goal of this course is for the student to apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical study of the development of the automobile from its beginnings to the present day. The course is a practical study of the invention of the first suitable power source to be adopted to self-propel a road vehicle and how it resulted in a major paradigm shift that revolutionized transportation and mobility. Topics include the development of animal-drawn transportation devices and the quest for a prime mover, the pioneering era of the automobile and how it led to being an industrial product, mass production of the automobile and how it became a consumer product, and new and emerging technologies that support the automobile and motorized traffic and transportation systems.

Emphasis is placed upon the global perspective—particularly the developments that occurred in the United States, Europe, and Asia—and the numerous technological and business revolutions of the first and second half of the 20th century. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical study of the development of automotive technology from its beginnings to the present day, focusing on the basics and its long-term development. The course is a practical and contextualized study of the importance of the technological automotive changes that have evolved as a result of engineering improvements and cultural changes. Topics include the development of vehicle layout and design; the needs and behaviors of drivers, producers, non-users, and other stakeholders; and the ever-changing, computerized control of its systems and other emerging technologies.

Emphasis will be placed upon the systematic overview of the mechanization and electrification of the automobile, not only as machines, but as a testimony to their important role in the way we live today. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H, PHY 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course explores the use of hybrid and electric power for vehicle transportation. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are studied and examined, with particular attention paid to power flows, losses, and energy usage as these things relate to isolated powertrain components and HEV configurations. Topics include powertrain architecture, vehicle testing, fuel consumption, aerodynamics and rolling resistance, engines, batteries, electric machines, power electronics, idle reduction, and regenerative braking.

Concepts that are explored include power flows, losses, energy usage, and drive quality over drive cycles to determine vehicle performance measures; HEV analysis to examine the operation, integration, and design of powertrain components; vehicle applications and integrated systems from various manufacturers, with emphasis placed on the design of the system parts; and the operation characteristics of components and subsystems. Current, industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of electrical and electronic systems of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of computerized vehicle controls and diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and vehicle on-board diagnostic and communication systems of the engine, powertrain, brakes, suspension, safety, convenience, and emission control systems. Topics include emerging technologies (such as modern instrumentation, navigation, and telematics) and the use of vehicle network configuration systems used by late-model automotive manufacturers.

Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, and subsystems; and their operational characteristics, including programmed microprocessors, microcontrollers, and computer-language protocol. Current industry-approved diagnostic, troubleshooting, and reprogramming techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H, PHY 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with a detailed, practical study of current and future automotive sales and service in a retail setting, and is a practical and contextualized study of the importance of automotive industry business practices that have evolved from dealer salesmen to Internet car sales. Topics include the history of sales and finance, client expectations, and future strategies. Current automotive industry practices and recent case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

Students apply and demonstrate skills and knowledge in retail sales and service that will enable them to advance their careers in the automotive industry.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of the fuels, lubricants, and combustion systems of the modern automobile. The course is a realistic study of the physical and chemical properties of fuels, lubricants, and combustion, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of the systems and subsystems of the automotive internal combustion engine and related powertrain components. Topics include emerging technologies, such as modern fuel and lubricant requirements and how they affect combustion, emissions, and maintenance schedules used by late-model automotive manufacturers.

Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including failure analysis. Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H, PHY 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with a detailed, practical study of current and future means of mobility, and is a practical and contextualized study of the importance of automotive industry business practices that have evolved from ownership to vehicle membership services. Topics include consumer perception, lifestyles, types of ownership, alternatives to ownership, future ownership experiences, and ownership expectations and future strategies.

Current automotive industry practices and recent case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. Students apply and demonstrate skills and knowledge in current vehicle ownership and future trends that will enable them to advance their careers in the automotive industry.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of stability, dynamics, and noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of the systems that provide vehicle operation safety, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of automotive tires, brakes, steering, and suspension systems. Topics include emerging technologies such as modern antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability assist, electronic power steering, active suspension, and tire construction and pressure monitoring systems used by late-model automotive manufacturers.

Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including techniques in reducing NVH. Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of electromechanical and hydraulic functions of transmission and drivetrain systems of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of the systems that provide vehicle mobility, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of automotive transmission, differential, and drive axle systems. Topics include emerging technologies such as modern dual-clutch transmissions, continuously-variable transmissions, real-time gear shifting mechanisms and controls, torque convertor and convertor clutch designs, torque-management strategies, and innovative designs of gears, bearings, seals, and friction materials used by late-model automotive manufacturers.

Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, and subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including techniques in reducing noise-vibration-harshness (NVH). Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H, PHY 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with a detailed, practical study of numerous federal, state, and local agency laws and regulations that pertain to the operation of an automotive wholesale and retail business, including the function of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Topics include automotive products, franchise agreements, partnerships, and sustainability. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course.

Students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the automotive manufacturing landscape.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of vehicle occupant protection, comfort, and security systems of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of the systems that provide integrated vehicle and driving protection against hazardous and inadvertent situations, as well as occupant amenities, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of active/passive safety, comfort, and convenience systems. Topics include emerging technologies such as modern airbag systems, accident avoidance and pre-crash/post-crash mitigation of injuries, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) infrastructure technology, and innovative driver assistance, infotainment, and occupant contentment and security systems used by late-model automotive manufacturers.

Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, and subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including techniques in reducing vehicle crashes and improving occupant/pedestrian protection. Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires special approval from the Automotive Technology Department.
Advisory: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H, PHY 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an opportunity for students to keep well informed about the ever-changing trends, technology, and business management practices related to the transportation industry. Students may be expected to attend presentations by industry representatives and/or to conduct research about new trends, technology, and/or business management practices, and then present their findings in class. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 units since the subject matter changes each offering.

Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and GEOG 101
Transfers to: CSU

This upper division General Education course is designed for students pursuing a bachelor of science degree within the California Community College system. This course examines how the environment is impacted by human activity in different geographical regions and how the environment responds. Topics include global cycles and systems of the air, water and soil, and the effects of human activity on the environment and living systems.
Case studies will be used to investigate specific environmental issues.

Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and HIST 101 or HIST 102 or HIST 143 or HIST 143H or HIST 144 or HIST 144H
Transfers to: CSU

This upper division General Education course is designed for students pursuing a bachelor of science degree within the California Community College system. The course explores the history of science and technology, from initial Ptolemaic and Aristotelian understandings of the universe, through the challenges brought by the scholars of the Scientific Revolution, to the modern innovators of scientific developments and advancements in technology. The course provides an overview of how individuals, societies, and nations were impacted by these developments and how science and technology impact political, social, economic, and cultural changes over time.

Since both science and technology are vital in the twenty-first century, this course aims to highlight the long history behind each from a global historical perspective.