Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the 21st century automobile. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, batteries, starting, charging, ignition, and lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of automotive electrical tools and equipment and how to safely perform basic vehicle electrical repair and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 103, and is one of the three prerequisite courses for AUTO 107. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject.

Prerequisite:AUTO 106
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides an overview of the principles of automotive electronics. Topics covered include electrical theory, fundamentals of circuit construction, computers, semiconductors, microprocessors, integrated circuits (IC), types of output signals, wire repair techniques, meter usage and strategy based diagnostics. A demonstration General Motors circuit board will be used to illustrate circuit board function. This course is designed for entry level technicians or students who need an understanding of the basics of automotive electronics.

Prerequisite: AUTO 157
Transfers to:CSU

This course explores the use of hybrid and electric power for vehicle transportation. Topics will include safety when using high voltage, maintenance, drivability, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, hydrogen electric power, and fuel cell technology. The physics of battery storage, hybrid generation systems, and electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from various manufacturers will be discussed. This course is suitable for students entering into the alternative fuels or power generation and energy technology fields.

Prerequisite: AUTO 147
Advisory:AUTO 157
Transfer to: CSU

This course continues the study of the use and service of hybrid electronic generation and plug-in battery electric power for vehicle transportation. The course is not for beginner technicians. Topics will include Occupational Safety and Health Administration/National Electrical Code/National Fire Protection Association (OSHA/NEC/NFPA) safety when using high voltage; vehicle maintenance; drivability conditions; inverter power transfer; battery storage technologies; regeneration of electrical power from kinetic energy; and Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 battery charging and fuel cell technology. Dynamics of battery storage, hybrid generation systems, electric vehicle applications, and their integrated systems from many manufactures are discussed. High-voltage battery management systems including active/passive design to charging systems will be the primary focus of the course. This course is for students working in the hybrid and electric vehicle or power engineering and technology fields.

AUTO 260
Advisory: AUTO 147; Students are highly recommended to have completed the AUTO 147 course to understand the basic electronic powertrain theory.
Transfer to: CSU

This course addresses the fundamentals of the different types of fuel cells and their application for the generation of mobile, vehicular, and stationary power. Topics will include: safety standards (OSHA/NEC/NFPA) when developing, servicing, and working in a high voltage/power inverter transfer; battery storage technologies, and regeneration of electrical power from kinetic energy. A descriptive overview of key fuel cell technologies, including proton exchange membrane (PEM), direct methanol fuel cell, alkaline, and solid oxide fuel cell, will be provided together with potential applications for transportation, stationary, and portable power. Hydrogen production/storage and high voltage safety will also be covered.