Services Cluster

About This Program

Automotive Technology provides students with comprehensive training and hands-on experience working with automobiles that are complex systems, and which combine computer technology and integrated systems that include gasoline, hybrid and battery-powered engines, electronic braking systems and automated support systems for drivers. Students in the Automotive Technology program learn to diagnose automotive system problems, to repair them, and to handle general maintenance on automobiles of all kinds. The program focuses on the latest techniques and diagnostic procedures used in the industry. Students work on vehicles donated by automobile manufacturers and private citizens, as well as on automobiles needing repairs from customers within the community. See below for full course descriptions.

Automotive Technology Course Descriptions

Course Number	Name	Credit	Grade Level
at101	Auto Technology Exploratory 9	1	Grade 9
at103	Automotive Technology 9	10	Grade 9
at200	Automotive Technology 10	16	Grade 10
at201	Automotive Technology Theory 10	4	Grade 10
at300	Automotive Technology 11	20	Grade 11
at301	Automotive Technology Theory 11	4	Grade 11
at305	Automotive Technology Cooperative Education 11	12	Grade 11
pcs301	CTAE Pathway: Services Leadership I	4	Grade 11
at400	Automotive Technology 12	20	Grade 12
at401	Automotive Technology Theory 12	4	Grade 12
at405	Automotive Technology Cooperative Education 12	24	Grade 12
pcs401	CTAE Pathway: Services Leadership II	4	Grade 12

Automotive Technology Exploratory 9

Course # at101 | Credit: 1
This five-day cycle exploratory course introduces grade 9 students to the basics of automotive repair and maintenance.  Students learn about safety precautions and procedures, hand tool, equipment, and power tool use. Students are provided with a general overview of vehicle systems, service information systems, and general services, including oil changes, safety inspection, fuse testing and replacement, battery testing and replacement, and tire rotation, balance, and repair. In addition to this basic technical training, students will be introduced to the many career paths in the automotive industry as well as post-secondary opportunities in the field.

Automotive Technology Grade 9                                                                                                       

Course # at103 | Credits: 10 
This semester-based course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills related to automotive repairs and maintenance.  After reviewing safety precautions and procedures, the proper use of equipment and hand and power tools, students will learn more about vehicle systems, service information systems, and preventative automotive services.  Instructional approaches will include presentations, software, instructor demonstrations, and hands-on practice using vehicles and equipment. 

Automotive Technology Grade 10                                                                                                     

Course # at200 | Credits: 16 
This full-year course provides general knowledge of diagnosing and repair of engine mechanical systems, including mechanical diagnostic testing; cylinder block measurement, service and repair; cylinder head measurement, service, and repair; valve timing service, lubrication system service and repair; and cooling system service and repair.  During Semester 2 students will acquire a general knowledge of brake systems diagnosis and repair, including disk brake service and repair; drum brake service and repair; hydraulic system service and repair; power assist service and repair; and anti-lock system fundamentals and service.

Automotive Technology Theory 10

Course # at201 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course provides students with the technical knowledge necessary for continued success in the Automotive Technology program. Students receive instruction in steering and suspension geometry; performance of pre-alignment checks and 4-wheel alignment; tire construction and service; fundamentals of electrical principles; use of digital multimeters, Ohm’s law; basic circuit design, testing, and repair of batteries; starters, alternators and their related circuits; and introduction to hybrid technology. Students will also learn braking system fundamentals, including Pascal’s law and how it relates to force/pressure, braking valves, and electronic brake controls.  Instructional delivery includes interactive multimedia presentations, reading and writing assignments, computer-based instruction, and classroom demonstrations.

Automotive Technology  11 

Course # at300 | Credits: 20
This full-year course focuses during Quarter 1 on providing students with a general knowledge of diagnosis and repair of steering and suspension systems.  This includes linkage steering systems, rack-and-pinion steering systems, power assist steering, steering column service, suspension design, Macpherson Struts, coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, air and electronic control suspensions, bearing and spindle service, tires, wheels and vehicle alignment.  The remainder of the school year, student learning shifts to a general knowledge of diagnosis and repair of electrical and electronic systems, including general electrical diagnosis using electrical test equipment; battery, starter and charging systems; electronic and body accessories systems; and computer systems general diagnosis.

Automotive Technology Theory 11

Course #  at301 | Credits:  4
This full-year, classroom-based course will provide students with a theoretical overview of steering and suspension systems. Topics include linkage steering, rack-and-pinion steering, power assist steering, steering column service, suspension design, Macpherson Struts, coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, air and electronic control suspensions, bearing and spindle service, tires, wheels, and vehicle alignment. Students will also explore the function of electronic systems: electrical test equipment, battery, starters and charging systems, electronic and body accessories systems, and computer systems.

Automotive Technology Cooperative Education 11

Course # at305 | Credits: 12
This semester-based course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study.  Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle.  Please note that juniors are eligible for Cooperative Education during third and fourth quarters only. 

Automotive Technology 12

Course # at400 | Credits: 20
This full-year course focuses for the first three quarters of the school year on general diagnosis and repair of engine performance and control systems, including ignition system repair and service; fuel delivery system service and repair; emission system service and repair; and computer control system diagnosis and repair.  In the final quarter, students will learn about the general diagnosis and repair of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, including  refrigerant system service and repair; compressor service and repair; air distribution service and repair; electronic climate control systems service and repair; and environmental concerns and regulation. Throughout the school year, students will also perform reinforcement work for previous technical courses that were completed.

Automotive Technology Theory 12 

Course #  at401 | Credits:  4
This full-year, classroom-based course provides students with systems overview of the diagnosis and repair of engine performance and control systems.  Systems topics explored include ignition, fuel delivery, emissions, computer control, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, including refrigerants, compressor service, air distribution, climate control and environmental regulations.

Automotive Technology Cooperative Education 12                                                          

Course # at405 | Credits: 24
This full-year course provides qualified students with a career  technical employment opportunity.  The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study.  Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle.