The Degree is designed to prepare students and incumbent employees as Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology specialists. Training is in theory and practical skills. Directed practical work is given in all fuel areas, compressed and biodiesel, under simulated on-the-job conditions. The program will provide the student with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and hand skills demanded of modern transportation specialists. The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
AUTO 101 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Underhood ServiceM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 101 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Underhood Service (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This is an introductory course designed to provide the student with the fundamentals of the engine and its subsystems of the modern automobile. Students will learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. Students will have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 103 and AUTO 106, 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, and it is required for the General Service Technician Certificate Program. | ||
AUTO 103 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar ServiceM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 103 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar Service (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This is an introductory course designed to provide the student with the fundamentals of the transmission, brakes, suspension, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and emission control systems of the modern automobile. Students will learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. Students will have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 106, 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, and it is required for the General Service Technician Certificate Program. | ||
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This is an introductory course designed to provide the student with the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the modern automobile. Emphasis will be placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, batteries, starting, charging, ignition, and lighting systems. Students will learn the proper use of automotive electrical tools and equipment, and how to safely perform basic vehicle electrical repair and maintenance operations. Students will have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course 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, and it is required for the General Service Technician Certificate Program. | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchGE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This is a composition course that enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary to academic and professional success. Students will become proficient in research techniques, learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections, and apply these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills. Students will complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics TrainingM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics Training (4.0 units) Prerequisite: AUTO 106 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. | ||
AUTO 143 - Alternative Fuels TechnicianM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 143 - Alternative Fuels Technician (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course covers gaseous alternative fuels as they pertain to modern vehicles. Various alternative fuels (e.g., compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, and biofuels) are examined and compared; and the operation, system components, and safe handling of these fuels is discussed. Students will develop skills in the areas of vehicle preparation, system component identification, and repair procedures related to alternative fuel vehicles. The course is designed for students and technicians working on stationary power engines, transportation, and clean fuels who seek to improve skills related to the maintenance and repair of gaseous fuels; and will provide students with information related to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) F1 or H1 test preparation. | ||
AUTO 107 - Introduction to Automotive Light ServiceM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 107 - Introduction to Automotive Light Service (3.0 units) Prerequisite: AUTO 101, AUTO 103, and AUTO 106 This is an introductory course to provide students with working knowledge of light duty service. Students will learn underhood and undercar systems service, battery and basic electrical service, pre-delivery inspection procedures, and preventative maintenance operations. Emphasis will be placed on the safe operation of light-duty service tools and equipment, and general repair procedures of wheels and tires, suspension & steering components, engine and transmission components, engine & vehicle electrical components, and brake system components. This course offers further practice and more experience in the subjects taught in three other introduction courses (AUTO 101, AUTO 103, & AUTO 106). | ||
RHC GE 2 - Math CompetencyGE | 3.0† | |
† some classes may have higher units. Note: Students intending to transfer should begin at transfer level math. Transfer math courses are numbered 100+. Please meet with a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical SystemsM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical Systems (4.0 units) Prerequisite: AUTO 106 This course provides an overview of the modern automobile’s electrical system as related to the engine and engine-related systems. The theory of operation, operational characteristics, methods of problem diagnosis, and repair of the following systems are included: electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, engine management, emission control, charging, cooling and starting. This course prepares the student for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A8 Engine Performance test and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the division may re-enroll only one time for certification and licensure standards. | ||
AUTO 147 - Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle TechnologyM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 147 - Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology (3.0 units) Prerequisite: AUTO 157 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. | ||
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE | 4.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one Natural Science with Lab: | ||
RHC GE 8b - Communication/Analytical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 16.0† | |
Total Units for Automotive/Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology AS program | 60.5† | |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Students will access legal rules and regulations from a variety of resources (state and federal), providing the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and hand skills demanded of modern transportation specialists.
Students will be able to describe and demonstrate simulated on-the-job conditions regarding the nine congressional alternative fuel sources.
Students who complete the career path cartographically examine and assemble information for a target audience who might use the alternative fuel types.
Regardless of career path (private, government, or fleet) the Alternative Fuels AS degree or CoA student obtains transferable credit to a university and points towards qualifying as a certified CSA Fuel Tank Inspector.
Students will be able to pass the safety requirements with complete knowledge of NFPA, CSA, CGA 6.4, and OSHA standards.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
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Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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