Cypress College

Course Description

The Automotive Technology Department at Cypress College provides career technical education in high-wage high-skill career pathways. The Automotive Department offers transfers to four-year institutions, associate od science degrees, technical training, certificate programs, coursework in basic automotive skills and opportunities for lifelong learning in emerging technologies.

The Cypress College Automotive Technology Department is strongly dedicated to student learning, academic achievement, personal success embracing diversity, promoting career pathways into the highly sought after “green” technology sector, contributing to the social well-being of the surrounding community and the delivery of economic and workforce development programs. The main purpose of the automotive program is to provide training to students who plan to enter into the various areas of the automotive technology field. Every student must choose a training path that will accomplish his/her goals. Each career path is different. Students have many options that allow them to complete their automotive technology course work at a pace that best fits their schedule along with taking related general education courses to meet the requirements for an Associate degree. You will have the opportunity to develop your own specialized educational plan.

There are many levels of specialization that lead to skill certificates. A student may wish to develop specialized skills necessary to enter a specific automotive area. The Toyota Technician Training & Education Network (Toyota T-TEN) program is an example of one of our specialized training programs that will train students to become Toyota/Lexus/Scion technicians. Each student should meet with a counselor or an instructor to develop an individual educational plan.

Courses

The automotive technology courses at Cypress College are a combination of class time, lab time and outside of class time that create a learning environment that allows working on real cars, whether they are customer vehicles (“live”), lab vehicles or student cars and automotive instruction units in the shop. Our goal is to simulate operating conditions similar to those found in actual automotive service-repair and dealership facilities. Your lab time will be scheduled to include various multimedia demonstrations, lectures, and other activities to provide you with the necessary technical information needed to service the modern complex automobile. One of your goals should be to learn how to work efficiently by using your time in the lab wisely. Good work habits will serve you well in your future as an Automotive Technician. All students are expected to participate in class and lab sessions.

The automotive technology program is anchored by our 12 unit “core courses”. These courses meet four days week for 4 hours and 45 minutes each day. These include:

AT 120 Auto Engine Repair/Machining:
This course covers the acquisition of practical skills needed for accurate internal combustion engine diagnosis and repair and all phases of engine rebuilding machine work. Demonstrated lecture, simulated problem diagnosis, and practical application on “live” vehicles will be used Individualized instruction on Automotive rebuilding tools and machinery is an integral part of this course Engine theory, design, repair, practical and theoretical high performance modifications are part of the course Preparation for ASE certification test A1 will be covered.

AT 130 Auto Chassis and Brake Systems:
This course emphasizes the design, operating principles, service, repair and diagnosis of chassis and brake systems used on current production vehicles Major topics of study will be wheel alignment procedures, tire and wheel balance, suspension and steering, system repair, hydraulics, and brake system service and repair Application will be applied under simulated repair shop procedures using “live” vehicles Preparation for ASE (A4 and A5) certification will be covered.

AT 140 Auto Drivetrains/Transmissions:
This course will include operation principles, design, repair, rebuild and service procedures for manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, clutch assemblies, drive lines, final drive axles and trans-axle units Demonstrated lectures and shop laboratory work on drivetrain components will be covered with emphasis on procedures to industry standards Practical application will be under simulated shop conditions on “live” and “lab” vehicles Preparation of ASE certification will be covered.

AT 150 Auto Performance/Driveability:
This course will include operating principles, design, and repair procedures of the computerized engine management system and the application of related diagnostic tools and equipment In addition, alternators, starters, batteries, ignition systems, emission control systems, 5 gas analysis, and scan tool use will be covered Skill competency development will be under simulated shop conditions on “live” vehicles Preparation for ASE certification test A8 will be covered.

AT 200 Electronic/Electrical Diagnostics:
This course emphasizes operating principles, design and repair procedures of automotive electrical/electronic systems In addition, lighting systems, power windows, power door locks, under dash components, charging systems, starters, batteries, and computerized engine management systems will be covered. Modern test equipment such as engine analyzers, lab scopes, scan tools, and electrical/ electronic analyzers will be used Skill competency development will be simulated under shop conditions on OBD II and newer vehicles.

Cypress also offers smaller units courses that meet from 3 to 6 hours each week. Here is a list of these courses:

AT 100 C Technician Safety:
1 Unit This course covers the concepts and practices of a safe industrial work environment, including the use of tools and equipment, handling materials, rigging, fire prevention, power tools, accident investigation, personal protective equipment, hearing safety and the correct use of body mechanics will be covered.

AT 101 Survey of the Automobile 3 Units:
This course provides basic knowledge of the automobile, including engines, power trains, suspension and brakes, electrical and fuel systems Other areas of instruction will be in the discussion of services typically required to maintain modern automobiles and the use of tools and equipment normally used in the care of the automobile.

AT 102 Automotive History 3 Units:
This course details the growth of the automotive industry in the U S from the late 1890’s through the global business climate of today Topics include biographical sketches of industry pioneers, geographical why’s and where’s of the industry, the roots of automotive design, and an in depth review of major engineering achievements The course includes visits to historical automotive collections at a cost not to exceed $40 00.

AT 105 Automotive Electrical I 4 Units:
This course introduces the concepts of electrical systems and electronic control of the automobile Areas covered will include basic electrical concepts, batteries, starting systems, charging systems, and body electrical diagnosis Course instruction will consist of lecture, demonstration, web based learning with student application in the use of test equipment on simulator boards and “on-car” diagnosis with electrical wiring diagrams, charts, and schematics.

AT 106 Automotive Electrical II 4 Units:
This course covers the concepts of body electrical systems and electronic control of the automobile Areas covered will include vehicle body electrical system diagnosis, batteries, starting systems, charging systems, extensive use of service information and wiring diagrams, and computer control of electronic systems Course instruction will consist of lecture, demonstration, web based learning with student application in the use of test equipment on simulator boards and “on-car” diagnosis with electrical wiring diagrams, charts, and schematics

AT 107 Automotive Electrical III 4 Units:
This course covers the concepts of advanced diagnostic principles of power train and body electrical systems as they relate to modern vehicle network systems including CAN, Powernet, and other manufacturer’s network systems Course instruction will consist of lecture, demonstration, web based learning with student application in the use of test equipment on simulator boards and “on-car” diagnosis with electrical wiring diagrams, charts, and schematics $25 00 Materials Fee –

AT 109 Introduction to Toyota Automotive Technology 4 Units:
This course provides fundamental knowledge of the automobile, including engines, power trains, suspension and brakes, electrical and fuel systems to the concepts of automotive technology required for the Toyota Technician Training Education Network (Toyota T-TEN)

AT 110 Automotive Fundamentals 4 Units:
This course provides fundamental knowledge of the automobile, including engines, power trains, suspension and brakes, electrical and fuel systems Other areas of instruction will be in the use of tools and equipment normally used in automotive service and repair. Emphasis will be on the operating principles, nomenclature of car care, inspection, preventive maintenance, and minor repair proceduresOther areas of instruction will be in the use of tools and equipment normally used in automotive service and repair Emphasis will be on the operating principles, nomenclature of car care, inspection, preventive maintenance, and minor repair procedures

AT 111 Automotive Quick Service 6 Units:
This course covers the essential content and skill practice for a technician to perform quick service skills including, shop safety, correct use of required tools, service information use, repair order write up/documentation, vehicle inspection, oil change, fluid flush and other quick service maintenance work.

AT 115 Automotive Air Conditioning 4 Units:
This course emphasizes the acquisition of the practical skills needed to both understand principles of refrigeration and perform system diagnosis and repair Demonstrated lecture, shop lab simulators and “live” vehicles will be used to learn service diagnosis, repair and installation of air conditioning systems including automatic temperature control Safety and environmental concerns along with CFC recovery, recycling, retrofitting, and R-134A will be covered.

AT 170 Clean Air Car Level 1 and 2:
4 Units: This course prepares students for the State of California Smog Check license for level 1 and 2 applicants Course includes safety, BAR rules and regulations, engine performance, and emission control devices Modern diagnostic equipment including a BAR 5 gas analyzer, low pressure EVAP tester,and scan tools will be covered as applicable to California’s emissions inspection program.

AT 171 Advanced Clean Air Car Course 2 Units:
This course covers operating procedures, diagnostic strategies, and repair procedures for loaded mode emissions testing. Course emphasizes baseline techniques, five gas analysis and lab scope use Course meets California BAR Smog Check licensing requirements

AT 180 Introduction to Alternative Fuels 3 Units:This course is an introductory course on alternative fuels as used in the transportation industry Various fuels will be compared, with an emphasis on compressed natural gas Topics include the theory, design, operation, conversion, diagnosis, and repair of gaseous fuel systems Laboratory activities will emphasize skill competency in vehicle preparation, fuel system conversion and the diagnosis and repair of alternative fuel vehicles.

AT 181 Introduction to Electric/Hybrid Vehicles 2 Units:
This course is an introductory course in electric (EV) and electric/hybrid vehicles as used in the transportation industry Topics include the theory, design, operation, maintenance, and repair of batteries, motors, controllers, chargers, and regenerative braking systems Technician safety is also covered.

AT 195 Automotive Service Advisor 4 Units:
This is a course in the concepts and application of the Service Advisor’s job duties primarily as they apply to job skills required in the service department of new vehicle dealerships. Course instruction will include lecture, role playing, repair order writing, interactive computer based assignments, use of dealer management

AT 220 Lower Engine Blueprinting 2 Units:
The course emphasizes the design, operation, and modification of modern engines Students will learn how to use formulas, and software to design and modify the lower engine assembly Students will also learn how to use precision tools to measurements in accordance with blueprint specifications.

AT 221 Upper Engine Blueprinting 2 Units:
This course emphasizes the design, operation, and modification of modern engines Students will learn how to use formulas, and software to design and modify the upper engine assembly Students will also learn how to modify and prepare cylinder heads, intake systems and exhaust systems to optimize engine performance.

AT 230 Advanced Alignment and Chassis 4 Units:
This course covers advanced alignment concepts Custom suspension theory and service is explored with practical laboratory experience included.

AT 250 Advanced Performance/Driveability 4 Units:
The course includes advanced principles, design and repair procedures of automotive electrical, ignition and computerized engine management systems, including emission controls Demonstrated lectures and laboratory work using modern testing equipment, oscilloscopes, dynamometer and other diagnostic equipment are included Practical application under simulated repair shop conditions on “live” vehicles is an integral part of the course

AT 050 Auto Tech Special Projects .5 to 3 Units:
This course will include supervised independent lab work on lab units and “live” vehicles It is designed to allow the student to gain more practical experience repairing components and servicing automotive systems Only approved project work will be allowed.

Degrees

The following degree program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians and in numerous other related areas of the automotive and transportation industry Training is given in both theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in all areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs. To earn an Associate in Science Degree: Automotive Technology (Program Code: 1S03771), students must complete:
(1) all major course requirements with a minimum grade of “C”;
(2) 25 units of General Education Graduation Requirements;
(3) any elective courses to complete a minimum of 60 units; and,
(4) have a minimum GPA of 2 0

At least 50% of all major course work must be completed at Cypress College. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at a transfer institution offering a Baccalaureate Degree.

Required courses are listed in suggested sequence. Select 4 of the following 5 core Automotive Technology 12 unit courses from the following:

Course # Title Units

AT 120 Auto Engine Repair/Machining - 12 Units
AT 130 Auto Chassis and Brake Systems - 12 Units
AT 140 Auto Drivetrains/Transmissions - 12 Units
AT 150 Auto Performance/Driveability - 12 Units

AT 200 Electronic/Electrical Diagnostics - 12 Units
Total Units Required - 48 Units

Suggested electives — 25 units of general education course work with advisement from counselor

Certificates

The Automotive Technology Department offers a variety of skill certificates that offer students the flexibility to concentrate on different aspects of the program:

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE Program Code: 1C21109
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians Training is given in both theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in all areas of the automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive technician The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs. Primary emphasis is to prepare the student for occupational competency in automotive technology.

To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College. Required courses are listed in suggested sequence. The student must take AT 105 Basic Electricity and then choose four of the five listed 12 units courses:

AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units

Plus choose four of the five listed 12 unit courses:

AT 120 Auto Engine Repair/Machining - 12 Units
AT 130 Auto Chassis and Brake Systems - 12 Units
AT 140 Auto Drivetrains/Transmissions - 12 Units
AT 150 Auto Performance/Driveability - 12 Units
AT 200 Electronic/Electrical Diagnostics - 12 Units

Select a minimum of 3–4 units from the elective courses listed below:

Total Units Required - 55-56 Units

Electives

AT 050 Auto Tech Special Projects - .5-3 Units
AT 101 Survey of the Automobile - 3 Units
AT 102 Automotive History - 3 Units
AT 110 Automotive Fundamentals - 4 Units
AT 115 Automotive Air Conditioning - 4 Units
AT 170 Clean Air Car Level 1 and 2 - 4 Units
AT 171 Advanced Clean Air Car Course - 2 Units
AT 180 Introduction to Alternative Fuels - 3 Units
AT 181 Introduction to Electric/Hybrid Vehicles - 2 Units
AT 209 Toyota Portfolio TPORT - 1 Units
AT 220 Lower Engine Blueprinting - 2 Units
AT 221 Upper Engine Blueprinting - 2 Units
AT 250 Advanced Performance/Driveability - 4 Units
AT 298 Automotive Service Seminar - .5-12 Units
MGT 266 Human Relations in Business - 3 Units

BRAKE AND ALIGNMENTSPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive brake and alignment technicians Training is given in theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of brake, suspension, and alignment technicians The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive brake, suspension, and alignment technician. The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs. To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 130 Auto Chassis and Brake Systems - 12 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
Total Units Required - 16 Units

EMISSION CONTROL SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as an automotive emission control specialist Training is given in theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of emission control technicians The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive emission control specialist The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs. To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 050 Auto Tech Special Projects - 3 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
AT 170 Clean Air Car Level 1 and 2 - 2 Units
AT 171 Advanced Clean Air Car Course - 2 Units
AT 250 Advanced Performance/Driveability - 4 Units
Total Units Required - 17 Units

ENGINE SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as an automotive engine repair specialist Training is given in theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in all areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of engine repair technicians and machinists The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive engine specialist. The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs. To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 120 Auto Engine Repair/Machining - 12 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
Total Units Required - 16 Units

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive maintenance technicians in dealerships and independent repair shops Training is given in theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in all areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of maintenance technicians The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern maintenance technician The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs To earn a certificate, complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 110 Automotive Fundamentals - 4 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
AT 111 Automotive Quick Service - 6 Units
AT 130 Auto Chassis and Brake Systems - 12 Units
AT 150 Auto Performance/Driveability - 12 Units
Total Units Required - 38 Units

PERFORMANCE AND DRIVEABILITY CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as an automotive performance and driveability specialist Training is given in theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of performance and driveability technicians The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive performance and driveability specialist The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 150 Auto Performance/Driveability - 12 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
Total Units Required - 16 Units

AUTOMOTIVE SALES AND SERVICE CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for customer service and sales positions in the automotive industry It provides students with a basic knowledge of automobile operations, general maintenance requirements, and damage appraisal procedures along with marketing and management principles The certificate will enable students to work in a variety of non-technical areas in an automobile dealership, repair shop, or insurance company as a service representative, salesperson, or estimator To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 101 Survey of the Automobile - 3 Units

AT 110 Automotive Fundamentals - 4 Units
ACR 012 Automotive Damage Appraisal - 3 Units
MKT 222 Principles of Marketing - 3 Units
MKT 208 Principles of Selling - 3 Units
MGT 266 Human Relations in Business - 3 Units
Total Units Required - 15-16 Units

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE ADVISOR CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as an automotive service advisor Course work includes theory and operation of all automotive systems, the use of test instruments, and skill competency in the ability to write service work The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive service advisor The sequence in which the courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 101 Survey of the Automobile - 3 Units

AT 110 Automotive Fundamentals - 4 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
AT 275 Automotive Svc Advisor Intern - 4 Units
AT 209 Toyota Portfolio TPORT - 1 Units
Total Units Required - 12-13 Units

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY TOYOTA SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians in Toyota dealerships Training is given in theory and practical skills Directed practical work is given in all areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of Toyota technicians The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern Toyota technician The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
AT 106 Automotive Electrical II - 4 Units
AT 107 Automotive Electrical lll - 4 Units
AT 109 Introduction to Toyota Automotive Technology - 4 Units
AT 115 Automotive Air Conditioning - 4 Units
AT 121 Auto Engine Mechanical Concept - 6 Units
AT 130 Auto Chassis and Brake Systems - 12 Units
AT 140 Auto Drivetrains/Transmissions - 12 Units
AT 150 Auto Performance/Driveability - 12 Units
Total Units Required - 62 Units

TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive transmission and power train specialist Training is given in theory and practical skills. Directed practical work is given in areas of automotive maintenance and repair under simulated on-the-job conditions Particular emphasis is placed on those competencies required of transmission and power train technicians The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive transmission and power train specialist The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 140 Auto Drivetrains/Transmissions - 12 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
Total Units Required - 16 Units

ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as an automotive electrical system diagnostic specialist Course work includes theory and operation of electrical systems, the use of test instruments, and skill competency in electrical system diagnosis and repair. The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills demanded of the modern automotive electrical system specialist The sequence in which the courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs To earn a certificate, students must complete the required courses as listed with a minimum grade of “C ” At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College.

AT 200 Electronic/Electrical Diagnostics - 12 Units
AT 105 Automotive Electrical I - 4 Units
Total Units Required - 16 Units

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