Academic Programs - Butte College

Certificate of Achievement in Diesel Technology

2025-2026 Map

Total Units: 56

Term 1

6 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.

	Course Name	Units	Notes
	AUT 3: Specialized Automotive Electronics	6.00
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.

Course Name

Units

Notes

AUT 3: Specialized Automotive Electronics

6.00

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.

Term 2

10 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.

	Course Name	Units
	AUT 6: Automotive Electrical Systems Lecture	2.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 7 Unit(s): 2.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 34.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 68.00 Total Course Hours: 102.00 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.
	AUT 7: Automotive Electrical Systems Lab	2.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 6 Unit(s): 2.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 0.00 hours Lecture / 102.00 hours Lab Total Course Hours: 102.00 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.
	AUT 20: Automotive Brakes/Suspension and Steering Systems Lecture	3.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 21 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 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.
	AUT 21: Automotive Brakes/Suspension and Steering Systems Lab	3.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 20 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 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.

Term 3

16 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.

	Course Name	Units
	AUT 8: Auto Engines Lecture	3.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 9 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 covers the operation, design, construction, fault diagnosis, service and repair procedures of the internal combustion engine.
	AUT 9: Automotive Engines Lab	3.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 8 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 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.
	AUT 22: Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Lecture	2.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 23 Unit(s): 2.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 34.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 68.00 Total Course Hours: 102.00 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.
	AUT 23: Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Lab	2.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 22 Unit(s): 2.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 0.00 hours Lecture / 102.00 hours Lab Total Course Hours: 102.00 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.
	AUT 73: Diesel Industry Technologies Lecture	3.00
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.
	AUT 74: Diesel Industry Technologies Lab	3.00
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.

Term 4

14 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.

	Course Name	Units
	AUT 52: Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lecture	3.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 53 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 provides theory and principles of operation in automatic transmissions/transaxles, to include diagnostic, testing and repair of each system.
	AUT 53: Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab	3.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 52 Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 0.00 hours Lecture / 153.00 hours Lab Total Course Hours: 153.00 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.
	AUT 56: Manual Transmissions/Drivetrains Lecture	2.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 57 Unit(s): 2.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 34.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 68.00 Total Course Hours: 102.00 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.
	AUT 57: Manual Transmissions/Drivetrains Lab	2.00
Prerequisite(s): AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment) Corequisite(s): AUT 56 Unit(s): 2.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 0.00 hours Lecture / 102.00 hours Lab Total Course Hours: 102.00 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.
	WLD 20: Beginning Welding	4.00
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.

Term 5