
Course Description
The Automotive Technology program at Northern Penobscot Tech integrates high school classroom studies with on-the-job experiences. Participating students study the concepts in the classroom and apply their understanding of those concepts in the lab environment demonstrating everyday live “workplace skills”. Students benefit for they can more readily grasp the direct relationship between academic theory and the very real world needs of employment skills through lab demonstrations. Region III offers real advantages to college-bound students regardless of their pursuant careers, practical work experiences help challenge students by offering real life learning, assisting students to define their career plans and identify an appropriate course of study.
No matter which route the graduate chooses to get started in a professional career, those early hands-on work experiences will prove valuable later in life by providing greater depth of understanding of the practical aspects of technology.
Prerequisite
Students need to posses the right combination of academic skills and strong mechanical aptitude, more importantly are critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students must be able to utilize applied math, basic algebraic concepts and be able to read and understand technical information demonstrated through critical thinking skills applied. Students will be required to operate technical equipment independently making decisions along the way while working safely. Students will be involved in tasks that require concentration, problem solving and logical reasoning throughout their training. This course requires considerable attention for safety due to the nature of safety concerns.
Class Format
In the classroom(theory applied learning) students will study automotive theory supported by component demonstrations assisting visual learners. The theory portion of the course will be put into practice once in the auto-lab. Initially, students will be given demonstrations by the auto instructors to build a solid foundational knowledge. Once students become familiar with the shop they will practice and learn hands-on skills with live customers’ vehicles. Classroom instruction will include videos, movies, DVDs, and power point presentations viewed through LCD projector on a large white board. Students will be required to participate in discussions, provide feedback and give presentations on assigned subjects. Students are responsible for completing all assignments and exercises on time. Students must always be aware that shop work requires a high level of responsibility and focus when working on customers vehicles.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
• Diagnosis General Brake Systems
• Diagnosis and Repair Drum Brake Systems
• Diagnosis and Repair DISC Brake Systems
• Understand Anti lock Brake and Traction Control Systems
• Diagnosis General Suspension and Steering Systems
• Diagnosis and Repair Steering Systems
• Diagnosis and Repair Suspension Systems
• Diagnose, Adjust and Repair Wheel Alignment
• Diagnose and Repair Wheel and Tire
• Diagnosis General Electrical System
• Diagnosis and Repair Batteries
• Diagnose and Repair Starting Systems
• Diagnosis and Repair Charging Systems
• Diagnosis and Repair Electrical Systems
• Understand Gauges, Warning Devices, and Driver Information Systems
• Diagnose and Repair Horn and Wiper/Washers
Certificates/Licensing Opportunities:
ASE Certifications: A5 Brakes, A4 Steering&Suspension, A6Electrical Electronics
Maine State Motor Vehicle Inspection License
SP2 safety certificates
NAPA Auto Tech Certifications
Student ASE Certification Pre & Post Testing
Dual Enrollment Opportunities:
Eastern Maine Community College
Central Maine Community College:
Brakes AUT110 (2 credits)
Steering & Suspension AUT210 (2 credits)
Electrical/Electronics AUT310 (2credits)
Articulation Agreements:
Southern Maine Community College AUT101 Maintenance and Repair
Eastern Maine Community College ATA 171 Failure Analysis and Motor Vehicle
Inspection
ATA 171 Failure Analysis and Motor Vehicle
Inspection
ATA 161 Automotive Steering and Suspension
ATA 111 Automotive Braking Systems
Washington County Community College MET 123 Maine State Inspection
MET 112 Engine Performance
MET 114 Electrical systems
MET 116 Brakes I
MET118 Steering & Suspension I
Course Outline
BRAKES
A. General Brake Systems Diagnosis
B. Hydraulic System Diagnosis and Repair
C. Drum Brake Diagnosis and Repair
D. Disc Brake Diagnosis and Repair
E. Power Assist Units Diagnosis and Repair
F. Miscellaneous (Wheel Bearings s, Parking Brakes, Electrical l, Etc.) Diagnosis and
Repair
G. Anti lock Brake and Traction Control Systems
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
A. General Suspension and Steering Systems Diagnosis
B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Repair
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
A. General Electrical System Diagnosis
B. Battery Diagnosis and Service
C. Starting System Diagnosis and Repair
D. Charging System Diagnosis and Repair
E. Lighting Systems Diagnosis and Repair
F. Gauges, Warning Devices, and Driver Information Systems Diagnosis and Repair
G. Horn and Wiper/Washer Diagnosis and Repair
H. Accessories Diagnosis and Repair
Grading/Evaluation
Excellent A+ (98-100) A (96-97) A-
(93-95) Skill level 4
Good B+ (91-92) B (88-90) B-
(86-87) Skill level 3
Satisfactory C+ (84-85) C (80-83) C-
(76-79) Skill level 2
Needs improvement D+ (74-75) D
(70-73) Skill level 1
Failing F
(0-69) Skill level 0
Quarterly Grade
Daily grade 40%
Career Prep JMG 25%
Worksheets 15%
Test, quizes and HW 35%
Daily Grades = Possible 100 points
Quarter daily grade is figured on % of max points possible for days in
quarter.
Attitude = 50 points
Poor attitude = 0 points
No participation = 0 points
Good attitude and participation = 0 to 15 points
Work output = 50 points
Works steady 0 to 10 points
No or very little work 0 points
Student Portfolio
All students in any automotive class must have a current portfolio. It shall include transcripts, a resume; skill sets certificates, technical update training certificates, ASE Certification certificates, and any other documents pertaining to your professional career. The portfolio will count as part of your homework grade and will be reviewed and graded periodically.
Safety Requirements
Steel toe/safety shoes are required in the automotive shop
Safety glasses are required in the automotive shop
OSHA guidelines for industry must be followed at all times
SP/2 certification