Automotive Technology Classes

 

Automotive learning strategy:

We have learned more than we could have bargained for during Covid. One of the main points is the teaching and learning must have the theory and hands-on. Theory/lecture can be delivered in any format. Hands-on must be in person and live. Because of this and our commitment to the environment and student learning, the Las Positas College Automotive program will be hybrid learning into the future. 

What does this mean to the student?    Flexibility and more learning opportunities.

Automotive classes will have a theory/lecture portion that will be online. Courses other than the introductory class will be asycrynous. Asynchronous means live participation is encouraged but not a requirement. A recording will be available. This will free up time for students to take other classes or work. Hands-on labs will be offered and part of every class. Coming to campus for labs is a requirement, but we have scheduled this to be two days a week. Wednesday and Thursday hand-on labs are offered. Once again, this will free up the student's time to have other options with their time. It will also lower our carbon footprint as we will not have students coming top campus four to five days a week. We took our cue from the hybrid and EV technologies in cars and have grown/changed with the times. 

Automotive Courses

AUTO INTR - Automotive Service and Introduction

4 units

Bumper-to-Bumper Automotive Knowledge. Starting with hazardous waste handling, tool identification, maintenance and lubrication, moving into engine mechanical, emissions controls, suspension systems, air conditioning, air bags and safety, transmissions, axels, and finishing off with the future of the automotive industry. This is an introductory class for people who want to know more about their vehicle or who are planning an automotive career. 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO INTZ - AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE AND INTRODUCTION LECTURE

2 Units

This class is lecture only, AUTO INTL must also be taken concurrently. Bumper-to-Bumper Automotive Knowledge. Starting with hazardous waste handling, tool identification, maintenance, and lubrication, moving into engine mechanical, emissions controls, suspension systems, air conditioning, airbags and safety, transmissions, axles, and finishing off with the future of the automotive industry. This is an introductory class for people who want to know more about their vehicle or who are planning an automotive career. 36 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO INTL - AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE AND INTRODUCTION HANDS-ON LAB

2 Units

This is the Lab section that can only be taken if you are also taking INTZ. Bumper-to-Bumper Automotive Knowledge. Starting with hazardous waste handling, tool identification, maintenance and lubrication, moving into engine mechanical,
emissions controls, suspension systems, air conditioning, airbags and safety, transmissions, axles, and finishing off with the future of the automotive industry. This is an introductory class for people who want to know more about their vehicle or who are planning an automotive career. 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A1 - Engine Repair

4 units

An in depth study of engines: mechanical, measurement, and assembly. A study of the above mentioned components including theory, teardown, evaluate, qualifying, and rebuilding. This class' emphasis is on engines. Students are encouraged to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A2 - Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

4 units

An in depth study of engine, transmission, transaxles: mechanical, measurement, and assembly. An in-depth study of the above mentioned components including theory, teardown, evaluate, qualifying, and rebuilding. Students are encouraged to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A3 - Manual Drive Train and Axles

4 units

An in-depth study of rear axle, front axle, and transfer cases: mechanical, measurement, and assembly. Including theory, teardown, qualifying, and rebuilding. Students are encouraged to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A4 - Suspension and Steering

4 units

Diagnosis, evaluation, testing, adjustment, alignment and repair of steering and suspension systems. Including all common automotive steering and suspension systems both car and truck. Future systems will also be covered. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A5 - Brakes

4 units

Diagnosis, evaluation, inspection, adjustment, and repair of braking, antilock braking systems, traction control and related devices. Class will involve California State law regarding brake and safety inspections. Includes the material on the California Brake Adjuster's Licensing Examination. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A6 - Electrical/Electronic Systems

5 units

Automotive electrical/electronic systems, including electrical circuits, ohms law, battery, starting, charging, ignition, fuel, accessories, brakes, chassis, suspension, steering, HVAC and wiring systems. Emphasis on diagnosis of electrical troubles, assembly, and repair of components and diagnostic equipment usage. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A7 - Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning

4 units

Diagnosing, evaluation, testing, adjustment, and repair of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Includes heat and energy, psychometrics, air flow, refrigerant recycling, equipment and controls. Student will be prepared to pass a nationally recognized HAVC certificate program, required by all California HVAC repair shops. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A8 - Engine Performance

5 units

Principles of automotive fuel induction, ignition and emission control systems, including inspection, diagnosis and repair of fuel and emission control systems/components governed by federal and state laws and standards. Electrical diagnosis of emission control systems. Relation of chassis and body systems to emissions. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO A9 - Light Vehicle Diesel Engine

4 units

An in depth study of diesel engines: mechanical, measurement, and assembly. A study of the above mentioned components including theory, teardown, evaluate, qualifying, and rebuilding. Diesel engine performance including emissions, turbos, exhaust and intake systems. This class' emphasis is on diesel engines and diesel engine performance/emissions. Students are encouraged to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO LABA - Automotive Lab

2 units

Automotive Lab is an open laboratory class for basic automotive students. This class is for students desiring to expand their hands-on experience using their own vehicle. Instructor will provide technical and supervisory support to guide students in completion of their self initiated projects. Service information via computer service manuals will be available for students to use for vehicle information and research. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO LABB - Automotive Lab Advanced

2 units

Automotive Lab Advanced is an open laboratory class for advanced automotive students. Th is class is for students desiring to expand their hands-on experience using their own vehicle. Instructor will provide technical and supervisory support to guide students in completion of their self initiated projects. Students are expected to help others in class and be able to work without guidance. Service information via computer service manuals will be available for students to use for vehicle information and research. Class is recommended for second year students only. Prerequisite: AUTO LABA with a minimum grade of C and AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C. 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO L1 - Advanced Engine Performance

5 units

Continuation of Automotive Technology A6 and A8 with an emphasis on diagnosis of electronic problems including computer controlled circuits/systems using schematics, diagnostic procedures and equipment. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO A6 with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently) or AUTO A8 minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently). 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO L3 - Light Duty Hybrid/Electrical Vehicles

4 units

A study in the history, current and future of alternative fuels, hybrids and electric vehicles in the automotive industry. Emphasis in shop safety, hazardous waste handling, high voltage electrical precautions, basic engine construction of hybrids, battery storage systems, fuel storage systems, compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, bio-diesel and hydrogen cell technology. Students are strongly recommended to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (May be taken concurrently). 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO P1 - Powertrains: Modifications for Performance

4 units

An in-depth study of engine and transmission modifications made in order to improve performance. This class will explain the differences in laws governing vehicles in all fifty states including those registered in California; how to improve performance legally; and the penalties of breaking the law. Students will learn to calculate the benefit versus cost of bolt-on performance products and major engine or transmission modifications. NOTE: Some modifications are intended for off-road applications only. Students are encouraged to enroll in Automotive Lab concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO C1 - Automobile Service Consultant

4 units (currently under review for DE offering)

Automotive Service Consultant fundamentals including: Communications, customer service, legal documents, business interactions, billing, parts and labor guides, shop management applications, shop operations, sales, vehicle identification and systems operations. Course content is aligned with tasks identified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Student is advised to take Auto LABA concurrently. Prerequisite: AUTO INTR with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently). 45 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

Smog Classes

AUTO L1L2 - Smog Level One and Level Two

5.5 units

This class includes classes/modules the State of California requires for a student/automotive technician to be prepared to take their Smog License Test. This class will include Level One and Level Two smog training only. At the end of the class students may or may not qualify for either EI or EO smog license, See www.smogcheck.ca.gov for more information. 90 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

AUTO SDR - Specified Diagnostic and Repair

5 units

This is a Bureau of Automotive Repair approved alternative to the ASE A6, A8 and L1 certification required for obtaining and maintaining smog technician licenses. Th is course will follow BAR guidelines for smog license prep. Student may or may not qualify for license exam after taking this class. For more information see www.smogcheck.ca.gov. 72 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP