Automotive Technology

General Option

High Performance Option

Light-Duty Diesel Option

47.0604

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

Linn State Technical College offers the person who wants to become a skilled automotive service technician the opportunity to work in one of the best-equipped shops in Missouri under the supervision of competent, thoroughly trained instructors. The Automotive Technology program at Linn State Technical College is one of only a select few in the country that meet the strict industry standards required for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). As a result of its commitment to quality automotive service technology training, Linn State Technical College has been awarded ASE MASTER certification. The Automotive Technology program is also accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

Enrollment in the Automotive Technology program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis. Contact the Office of Admissions for the specific application requirements and deadline.

Students have three Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science degree options from which to choose. All options fully educate students in the fundamentals of the automobile field so that they have a background that supports advancement within the industry or that allows them to begin a business of their own. The General Option includes instruction on internal combustion engines. The Light-Duty Diesel Option also includes instruction in diesel engines. The High Performance Option provides training in the modification and construction of performance vehicles used in motorsports. If time allows, students in the General Option may elect to take additional courses in welding and diesel engines to develop additional skills and should consult their advisors if they wish to do so.

Students may also choose to pursue a one-year technical certificate in the areas of Automotive Transmission/Transaxle, Maintenance and Light Repair, Engine Performance or General Automotive. Automotive Technology certificate students receive supportive training in related fields such as shop math, metal work and technical communications.

The Automotive Technology program contributes to the green economy by teaching students to repair and maintain vehicles that may otherwise be discarded. Instruction on hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels is also included in the program. During their education, students use computers to diagnose and correct problems that affect automotive emission systems to help reduce the carbon footprint. The program is certified by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) as complying with the 1990 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act requirements for refrigerant recovery and recycling to protect the environment. Solvents and other chemicals are recycled to help reduce water, air, and soil contamination.

Students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology may pursue a second Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Collision Technology. Basic Welding (MPT 165) is a prerequisite for Automotive Technology students who wish to obtain a second degree or certificate in Automotive Collision Technology. The courses for the second Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Collision Technology will be offered in the same sequence and semester that they are being taught for the full-time Automotive Collision Technology program. The second Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Collision Technology may be completed in two semesters if scheduling permits.

It is a graduation requirement of the Automotive Technology (AMT) program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses.

Program Mission
The mission of the Automotive Technology program is to prepare students with the higher education, technical, and interpersonal skills needed for employment in the challenging and highly technical career of Automotive Technology, with the foundation for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician Certification.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:

• Provide the opportunity for students to develop effective communication skills.
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills for troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques.
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop technical knowledge and understanding necessary for applied tasks in the 8 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas.
  
• Assure that the students have the opportunity to develop computer skills to find and research automotive data using multiple software databases and via the Internet.
  
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop skills in repairing automotive systems.
  
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop personal social traits, which are essential for the successful automotive technician.
  
• Provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate a professional attitude toward the automotive industry including continuing education.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
47.0604
(One-Year Certificates in Automotive Transmission/Transaxle or Maintenance & Light Repair or Engine Performance or General Automotive)

Students may select two specialized certificates or the stand-alone General Automotive Certificate.

AMT 101 Automotive Electrical/Electronics I. Theory/application of the operation and repair of electrical systems generally associated with the automotive engine. Includes the discussion and use of specific hand tools and equipment. Safety is stressed. 4 credit hours.

AMT 102 Automotive Electrical/Electronics II. Application/Service of electrical systems generally associated with the automotive engine. Emphasis is put on advanced system diagnostics, engine performance, failure analysis, and proper service procedures. Safety is stressed. Prerequisite: AMT 101 with a grade of “C” or better. 4 credit hours.

AMT 120 Project Management. This course is designed to give the student the opportunity to handle problems facing management, better equipping him/her for the automotive technician career. Some topics discussed include: keeping accurate records, merchandising, writing repair orders, figuring flat rate time, handling customer relations, and terminology as applied to the automotive industry. 3 credit hours.

AMT 134 Automotive Engine Performance. Theory/application/operation and diagnosis of automotive fuel and emission systems. Special emphasis on individual component operation, proper testing and diagnosis. Safety is stressed. 6 credit hours.

AMT 145 Automotive Engine Mechanical. Theory/Construction/Operation of the internal combustion engine. Emphasis is put on proper diagnosis, failure analysis, and using the proper service procedures according to manufacturers specifications. Safety is stressed. 5 credit hours.

AMT 154 Automotive Electrical Systems. Construction, operation and servicing of the electrical, air conditioning, and safety systems of the automobile. Battery, starting and generating systems, and power accessories are also covered. 6 credit hours.

AMT 191 Internship (Optional). The optional internship is a paid work experience in the automotive industry that develops and reinforces the student’s skills. The minimum hours worked will be 320 hours. Only Associate of Applied Science degree students who have successfully completed at least 12 credit hours of AMT classes and earned a 2.5 GPA in all classes are eligible for the AMT internship. Prerequisites: AMT 101, AMT 102, AMT 145 or AMT 101, AMT 145, MHT 255 and Department Chair approval. 6 credit hours.

AMT 203 Automotive Electrical/Electronics III. Theory/Application/Service of electronic type power accessories with emphasis put on failure analysis and proper service procedures. Special emphasis is put on accessories such as electric windows, door locks, electric seats, cruise controls, and body computers. Will have a large component of advanced engine performance and electronic diagnostics. Safety is stressed. 5 credit hours. Prerequisite: AMT 101 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: AMT 134 or AMT 242. 5 credit hours.

AMT 205 Automotive Brake Systems. Theory/Application/Service of the automotive brake systems components. Emphasis is given to live work, diagnosis, failure analysis, and following service procedures as outlined by the manufacturer. A component of electronic brake systems is also included. Safety is stressed. 4 credit hours.

AMT 206 Automotive Suspension and Steering. Theory/Application/Service of the automotive suspension and steering system components. Emphasis is given to live work, diagnosis, failure analysis, and following service procedures as outlined by the manufacturer. A component of electronic suspension systems and wheel alignment is also included. Safety is stressed. 4 credit hours.

AMT 207 Heating/Air Conditioning. Theory/Application/Service of the component functions of the heating and air conditioning systems. Emphasis is given to live work diagnosis, failure analysis, and following the proper service procedures as outlined by the manufacturers specifications. Special emphasis is put on the proper handling of refrigerants. Safety is stressed. 5 credit hours.

AMT 242 Light-Duty Diesel Engine Control Systems. Theory, application, and service of light-duty diesel engine fuel and electronic engine management systems. Prerequisite: AMT 101 with a grade of “C” or better. 5 credit hours.

AMT 252 Automotive Drivetrains and Axles. Theory, application, and service of the components used in automotive and light truck drivertrain systems. Emphasis is given to live work diagnosis, failure analysis, and following proper service procedures as outlined by the manufacturers specifications. Safety is stressed. 8 credit hours.

AMT 254 Performance Suspension Design. This course teaches the design and theory of performance suspension modifications used in motorsports competition vehicles. Prerequisites: AMT 205 and AMT 206 with a grade of “C” or better. Concurrent: AMT 256. 1 credit hour.

AMT 256 Performance Suspension Design Lab. This lab course teaches the procedures used when making performance suspension modifications for motorsports competition vehicles. Prerequisite: AMT 205 and AMT 206 with a grade of “C” or better. Concurrent: AMT 254. 2 credit hours.

AMT 264 High Performance Drivetrains. This course teaches design and theory of engine and transmission modifications used in high performance vehicles. Emphasis will be on safety, selecting proper components, and calculating vehicle demand. Prerequisites: AMT 145 and AMT 252 with a grade of “C” or better. Concurrent: AMT 266. 1 credit hour.

AMT 266 High Performance Drivetrains Lab. This lab course teaches the modification and testing of engines and transmissions used in high performance vehicles. Emphasis will be on safety, selecting proper components, and calculating vehicle demand. Prerequisites: AMT 145 and AMT 252 with a grade of “C” or better. Concurrent: AMT 264. 2 credit hours.

AMT 267 Mechanical Systems and Power Accessories. Theory/Application/Service of automobile mechanical systems as applied to collision repair. Emphasis is placed on brake, suspension, and steering systems. 6 credit hours.

AMT 299 Special Topics in Automotive Technology. Special Topics in Automotive Technology (AMT) may include instruction on topics not covered in other AMT courses. Topics covered in other AMT courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course. Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement. The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours. The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office. Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits. 1-4 credit hours.