Build your core skills in our ASE-Certified program. Learn from instructors with decades of real-world experience in our clean and spacious automotive lab, using state-of-the-art technology used in shops today.

Program location

  

Skills you'll learn

Earn ASE certificates in a number of areas including brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, engine performance, automatic transmissions, electrical systems, drivetrains and axles, heating and air conditioning.

Get experience working in a real shop during a semester-long internship.

Where this program can take you

• Repair Technician
• Service Writer
• Parts Specialist
• Shop owner/manager

Industry partners

• Shottenkirk-West Burlington
• Snap On Tools

Contact Us

Schedule an Appointment

The Automotive Technology program is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified program. This certification assures the student that the program meets the standards set by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) regarding equipment, tools, scheduling, instructors, and curriculum.

In order for a technician to become ASE certified, they must have two years experience in addition to passing tests in the various areas of automotive repair. However, by attending the SCC Automotive Technology program, students may take these tests at any time during their education. If a student passes these tests, they will become ASE certified pro-tem upon graduation. After just one year of experience in the field, they become officially ASE certified.

The Automotive Technology - Automotive Mechanics diploma is awarded after successful completion of the first two semesters.

*Diploma can be earned one time.

Please view the technical standards for this course.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Automotive Program Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
AUT-106	Introduction to Automotive Technology	2
AUT-126	Fundamentals of Automotive Servicing	2
AUT-405	Automotive Suspension and Steering	5
AUT-505	Automotive Brake Systems	5
HSC-181	First Aid/CPR for Non-Health Care Workers	1.5
MAT-702	Introduction to Math Applications	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	18.5

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
AUT-166	Automotive Engine Repair	6
AUT-244	Manual Drivetrains I	3
AUT-610	Automotive Electrical I	4
ENG-110	Writing for the Workplace	3
ELT-295	AC/DC Fundamentals	2
Take WBL-110 as 1 credit
WBL-110	Employability Skills	1-3
	TOTAL CREDITS	19

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Summer Semester	Course Title	Credit
Take 1 of 2 courses
SOC-114	Conflict Resolution in the Workplace	3
SOC-115	Social Problems	3
Take 1 of 3 courses
HUM-287	Leadership Development Studies	3
HIS-251	US History: 1945 to Present	3
PHI-105	Introduction to Ethics	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	6

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Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
AUT-625	Automotive Electrical II	8
AUT-800	Engine Performance	8
Take 1 of 2 courses
PSY-111	Introduction to Psychology	3
SOC-110	Introduction to Sociology	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	19

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Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
AUT-190	Hybrid Fundamentals	2
AUT-207	Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles	6
AUT-246	Manual Drivetrains II	3
AUT-700	Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning	2.5
AUT-911	Internship	4
	TOTAL CREDITS	17.5

AUT-106 - Introduction to Automotive Technology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course will serve as an introduction to the complete automotive field, including safety, ASE certification, employment potential, customer service, employer/employee relations and the parts and service industry.

AUT-126 - Fundamentals of Automotive Servicing

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course will familiarize students with basic scheduled maintenance. Proper usage of hand and power tools will be covered, as well as precision measuring systems and equipment. Prerequisite: AUT-106 with a minimum grade of C-.

AUT-405 - Automotive Suspension and Steering

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course will look closely at automotive suspension systems, manual, power and four-wheel steering and proper vehicle wheel alignment.

AUT-505 - Automotive Brake Systems

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course will explain and demonstrate the principles of friction and the components and operation of hydraulic brakes, including power and anti-lock brakes. Prerequisite: AUT-126 with a minimum grade of C-.

HSC-181 - First Aid/CPR for Non-Health Care Workers

Lecture: 1

Lab: 1

Credit: 1.5

This course follows the American heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) Heart Saver for the Lay Person. It includes AED and basic first aid. This course is not for health care workers.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

AUT-166 - Automotive Engine Repair

Lecture: 3

Lab: 6

Credit: 6

This course will introduce the internal combustion engine and the variety of designs in popular usage today. It also offers a general introduction to engine diagnosis and testing. The engine will be explored piece by piece, and the description and function of each part explained.

AUT-244 - Manual Drivetrains I

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course will introduce the student to the concepts of front- and rear-wheel drive, four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles. Clutches, CV joints and universal joints will also be covered.

AUT-610 - Automotive Electrical I

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

This course will introduce to the student the theory and operation of basic electrical and electronic principles as a science. How the basics are applied to automotive electrical circuits and the proper procedures to diagnose and repair are covered. Lab sessions are spent turning theory into "hands-on" practice with meters and basic circuits.

ENG-110 - Writing for the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Writing for the Workplace prepares students for the various types of written communication required by professional employers. In this class, students learn how to write informal and formal documents and reports in the design and style of career-related communication with a focus on audience, purpose, subject and genre and how they affect our writing choices. This course also includes a review of grammar and usage skills, as well as emphasizes effective language use in real-world applications. Prerequisites: ENG-013 with a minimum grade of C-or meet minimum placement test score requirements. No Waivers.

ELT-295 - AC/DC Fundamentals

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course introduces students to the components used in most electronic circuits and how they are measured, tested and function. Students will learn the fundamentals of AC and DC electrical systems used for power and control in industrial applications. Students will learn how to operate, install, design and troubleshoot basic AC and DC electrical circuits.

WBL-110 - Employability Skills

Lecture: 1-3

Credit: 1-3

This course is designed to assist students in developing the skills necessary to obtain employment, and to learn and practice the skills and attitudes required for job success. Students will practice resume writing, job application completion and interviewing techniques. Additionally, students will practice work-place problem solving strategies and demonstrate skills required to work in a diverse environment. Prerequisite: WBL-150 is recommended.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

SOC-115 - Social Problems

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An investigation into a selection of social problems involving alternative solutions. Topics may include drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, prejudice and discrimination, and human sexuality.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

HIS-251 - US History: 1945 to Present

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An intensive study of the history of the United States since 1945, with an emphasis upon America's national and international problems during this period.

PHI-105 - Introduction to Ethics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A survey of the major ethical emphases from ancient to modern times with pertinent reading in the works of representative philosophers.

AUT-625 - Automotive Electrical II

Lecture: 4

Lab: 8

Credit: 8

This course will build on the electrical and electronic basics learned in AUT-610, Automotive Electrical I. The semi-conductor will be explained and the application used in the automobile will be explored. The students will learn digital logic and computer functions and operations, which make today's automobiles run. Prerequisite: AUT-610.

AUT-800 - Engine Performance

Lecture: 4

Lab: 8

Credit: 8

This course will study the fuel and ignition delivery systems that make the internal combustion engine perform. The course covers early carburetion through fuel injection and point type ignition to distributorless ignition systems. The students will learn the diagnosis and repair techniques needed to repair the computer-controlled automobiles of today.

PSY-111 - Introduction to Psychology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A basic course in the understanding of behavior, designed to give the student a scientific background in the fundamental problems and techniques covered in the field of psychology.

SOC-110 - Introduction to Sociology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An analysis of social organization (or the social order). This course deals with the nature of sociology as a science, the original nature of man, the socialization of the individual, the development of groups and group behavior, the nature of culture and culture patterns, the organization of institutions, the nature of social order, the organization of human stratification and examination of major social processes. Special emphasis is placed upon the American cultural patterns.

AUT-190 - Hybrid Fundamentals

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course will familiarize students with general hybrid history and benefits, basic safety precautions, specific maintenance procedures, location and description of hybrid components for hybrid vehicles. Prerequisite: ELT-295.

AUT-207 - Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles

Lecture: 2

Lab: 8

Credit: 6

This course discusses automatic transmission and transaxle theory, components, operation and service.

AUT-246 - Manual Drivetrains II

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course will provide the student with an understanding of differentials, as well as the major parts of a manual transmission. Inspection, maintenance, lubrication, disassembly and reassembly will be emphasized. Prerequisite: AUT-244.

AUT-700 - Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning

Lecture: 1

Lab: 3

Credit: 2.5

This course will cover heating, venting, and air conditioning theory, components and operation. Alternative refrigerants, retrofitting, troubleshooting and service procedures will also be covered.

AUT-911 - Internship

On Job Training: 16

Credit: 4

Supervised work experience with an approved auto technology employer. Individual student eligibility will be determined by the instructor. Placement will depend on the student’s skill level and the availability of appropriate training sites. Prerequisites: AUT-166, AUT-244, AUT-405, AUT-505, AUT-610, AUT-625 and AUT-800. The following courses must have a minimum grade of C-: AUT-106 and AUT-126. Corequisites: AUT-190, AUT-207, AUT-246 and AUT-700.

Wes Carpenter - Assistant Professor - Automotive Technology

Email: wcarpenter@scciowa.edu
AAS, Lincoln Technical Institute
BA, Western Illinois University
ASE Master Tech, ASE Advanced Engine Performance
GM and Ford Certified

Austen Totsch - Instructor - Automotive Technology

Email: atotsch@scciowa.edu
Diploma, Southeastern Community College
AAS, Southeastern Community College
ASE Master Technician
Toyota, Nissan and Mazda Certified