About the Program
The Associate of Science Degree in Diesel Technology has been developed to provide the light and medium duty diesel industry with well-prepared, entry-level technicians. Our rural location and its heavy agricultural influence necessitate the need for technicians who are trained in the area of diesel powered trucks and equipment. This program will prepare the student to diagnose the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems found on over the road diesel powered vehicles and equipment.
Upon successful completion of the Diesel Technology Program, students will enter the industry with their Section 609 Compliance Certification, making it possible to service refrigeration units. Along with the 609 Certification, students will also receive their Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) brake inspection certification.
A career as a Diesel Technician offers a higher starting and hourly mean wage than that of a light car and truck technicians (Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2016). With that, the areas that offer employment opportunities range from heavy equipment dealers/shops, fleet maintenance facilities, public and private, along with new car/truck dealers. This diversity offers a lot of flexibility regarding location. Employment can be found in urban areas as well as rural farming communities.
Admission to the Program:
There is a limitation on enrollment into the Automotive Program. If you are interested in this program and would like to make an appointment to get on the Automotive waiting list, please refer to our website: www.butte.edu/departments/careertech/automotive/
From our greeting page follow the links:
“Get Started Today”, or “Sign UP!”
Then click on “Sign up (click here)”
Fill out the information fields on the Program Tour Sign-Up sheet, and then click the “Send Form” button. You will receive an appointment confirmation within two to three weeks.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Automotive Department Chair (see www.butte.edu/departments/careertech/automotive and click on “Instructor Contact”)
Prerequisite: Beginning in Fall 2024 students will be required to have completed AUT 101 or equivalent.
Program Requirements
For current program requirements -> 2024-2025
Program Goal: Career
GE Pattern(s): Butte Local
Program Code: 38059.01AS
Program Learning Outcome(s):
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Explain the operation of diesel engine components and systems.
Identify various diesel engine applications.
Apply the state and federal regulations of Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Apply general principles of preventive maintenance to diesel repair.
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of industry standard tools and precision measuring instruments.
Apply safe work habits and practices.
Troubleshoot and perform repairs on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and electronic systems.
Use computers to diagnose equipment and research information
Perform preventative maintenance such as engine tune-ups, front-end alignments, and brake adjustments.
Operate shop machinery and equipment including hoists, hydraulic jacks, steam cleaners, floor jacks, disassembly stands, grinders, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and bead blasters.
Select and use precision tools such as torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, tap and dies, and bore gauges.
Maintain professional attitude in challenging working conditions.
Unit(s): 6.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
68.00 hours Lecture
/ 102.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 136.00
Total Course Hours: 306.00
This course teaches students the fundamentals of electricity and electronics used currently in the Automotive industry, including semi-conductors and microcomputers. Electrical measuring devices, wire repair, circuits, schematics and practical diagnostic procedures are emphasized. Microcomputer inputs, processing, outputs, testing, and operation will be explained. Students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills to diagnose and service modern automotive electrical and electronic systems, with emphasis on advanced diagnostic routines needed to correct circuit anomalies such as shorts, opens, and parasitic draws.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 7
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
35.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 70.00
Total Course Hours: 105.00
This course introduces the theory, operation, and repair in the areas of electrical/electronics systems. Battery function and diagnosis including hybrid vehicle battery function and charging are covered. Topics also include vehicle lighting systems, starting and charging systems, and the electrical accessories that function in a modern vehicle.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 6
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 105.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 105.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to repair automotive electrical/electronics systems. Topics include verification, diagnosis and repair of vehicle charging and starting systems, lighting systems, and electrical accessories, including hybrid vehicles.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 9
Unit(s): 2.50
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
45.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 90.00
Total Course Hours: 135.00
This course covers the operation, design, construction, fault diagnosis, service and repair procedures of the internal combustion engine.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 8
Unit(s): 2.50
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 135.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 135.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to repair the internal combustion engine and related components. Students will learn the proper use of hand and power tools and test equipment used in the automotive industry.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 21
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
50.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 100.00
Total Course Hours: 150.00
This course introduces the theory, operation, and repair in the areas of base brake systems, anti-lock brake systems, and steering and suspension systems. Topics include: the application of Pascal's Law, disk brake systems and their related components, drum brake systems, anti-lock brake system operation and repair, suspension system operation and repair including electronic suspension and steering systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 20
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 150.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 150.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to verify, diagnose and repair vehicle systems, sub systems, and components. Topics include: brake systems including both drum and disc brake systems, Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), steering and suspension systems, and electronic steering and suspension systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 23
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
40.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 80.00
Total Course Hours: 120.00
In this course students study the theory and principles of operation of automotive Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as engine cooling system operation and repair. Basic laws of heat transfer, refrigeration and compression/expansion of liquid/vapor are introduced.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 22
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 120.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 120.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills required to diagnose, adjust, repair and maintain modern automotive Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and engine cooling systems. Students will use modern test equipment for diagnosis. Specific skills are developed by the use of special tools used in servicing and repair of automotive HVAC and engine cooling systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3
Corequisite(s): AUT 31
Unit(s): 5.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
85.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 170.00
Total Course Hours: 255.00
This course introduces the theory, operation, and repair of the ignition, fuel, engine management, and emission control systems on gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. This course is designed to help prepare the student to take the California State Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Licensing exams.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3
Corequisite(s): AUT 30
Unit(s): 5.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 255.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 255.00
In this course, students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to diagnose and repair the ignition, fuel, engine management, and emission control systems used in today's gasoline and diesel vehicles. This course will help prepare the student to take the California State Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Licensing Exams.
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 68.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 68.00
Total Course Hours: 170.00
This course consists of California BAR Level 1 and Level 2 Smog inspector training. The Smog Check Procedures Training must be completed by all Inspector candidates. This training provides students the procedural knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform Smog Check inspections. Students who complete and pass this training will have met the Bureau's training requirements to qualify to take the Smog Check Inspector state licensing examination.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 53
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
50.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 100.00
Total Course Hours: 150.00
This course provides theory and principles of operation in automatic transmissions/transaxles, to include diagnostic, testing and repair of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 52
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 150.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 150.00
This course enhances skills in diagnosing, testing, and repair procedures of automotive transmissions/transaxles, drive lines and axles. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 57
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
35.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 70.00
Total Course Hours: 105.00
This course provides theory and principles of operation in automotive manual transmissions/transaxles, drive lines and axles. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 56
Unit(s): 2.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 105.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 105.00
This course provides theory and principles of operation in manual transmissions and transaxles, front and rear axles, drive lines and transfer cases. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 74
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Out of Class Hours: 102.00
Total Course Hours: 153.00
This course develops the skills needed to safely diagnose, repair and maintain the systems and sub-systems specific to over-the-road diesel powered vehicles. Topics will include: Diagnosing problems in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and electronic systems with industry standard test equipment; Troubleshooting the sophisticated electronic controls that govern engine performance and horsepower as well as transmission and braking systems; Troubleshooting steering, hydraulic, pneumatic systems, brakes, axles, differentials, electric motors, and compressors. Students will learn industry standardized safety inspection procedures.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 73
Unit(s): 3.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 153.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 153.00
In this course, students will develop and demonstrate safe work habits along with the hands-on skills needed to diagnose and repair refrigeration units, mobile hydraulic components, heavy duty powertrain units, pneumatic systems, and truck wheel alignments. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to accurately perform maintenance and safety inspections in a timely manner.
Unit(s): 4.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
17.00 hours Lecture
/ 153.00 hours Lab
Out of Class Hours: 34.00
Total Course Hours: 204.00
This course includes oxyacetylene welding (OAW), oxyacetylene cutting (OFC-A) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) processes, in the flat and horizontal positions on various joint details. It will also include safety procedures, electrode identification, joint fit-up and alignment, base metal preparation, weld quality, beads and fillet welds, with focus on theory and practice. All welds will meet the American Welding Society (AWS) qualification standards.
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Contacts
Craig Kielb, Chair
(530) 892-3013
Department Office: WM 105 or SC 115
(530) 893-7726
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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