This degree prepares students and incumbent employees to be technicians specializing in alternative fuels and advanced transportation technology. Training includes theory as well as practical skills. Directed practical work is given in all fuel areas, compressed and biodiesel, under simulated, on-the-job conditions. The program will provide students with an 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) (Formerly AUTOT 101) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the engine and its subsystems of the 21st century automobile. Students learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic 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 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. | ||
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) (Formerly AUTOT 103) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This is an introductory course designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the drive train, steering, suspension, and brake systems of the 21st century automobile. Students have access to training vehicles to complete required tasks by which they learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. 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 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. | ||
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units) (Formerly AUTOT 106) Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103 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. | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units) (Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101) Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process. In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics TrainingM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics Training (4.0 units) (Formerly AUTO 057, AUTOT 057) 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 144 - Alternative Fuels TechnicianM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 144 - Alternative Fuels Technician (3.0 units) (Formerly AUTO 143)Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts. 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) (Formerly AUTOT 107) Prerequisite: AUTO 101, AUTO 103, and AUTO 106 This introductory course provides 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). | ||
Select one: MATH 150 / FIN 101 / STAT C1000 / STAT C1000H / PSY 190 (RHC GE 2)GE | 3.0† | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course. In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer. FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts. This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning. STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH 130) (4.0 units) (Formerly MATH 012, MATH 130) Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. ENGL C1000, READ 101 This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. STAT C1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (formerly MATH 130H) (4.0 units) Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. READ 101, ENGL C1000 This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This course is recommended for students intending on participating in the Honors Transfer Program. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course. This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE | 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. | ||
ElectiveEL | 2.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 6.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical SystemsM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical Systems (4.0 units) (Formerly AUTOT 150, 038A) Prerequisite: AUTO 106 This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the engine and engine-related systems. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, methods of problem diagnosis, and repair of systems including electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, engine management, emission control, charging, cooling, and starting. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A8 Engine Performance test, and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or 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) (Formerly AUTO 0478, AUTOT 47.8) Prerequisite: AUTO 157 This course explores the use of hybrid and electric power for vehicle transportation. Topics 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 are 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 Sciences with LabGE | 4.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one Natural Science with Lab: | ||
RHC GE 8 - Oral Communication and Critical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: MATH 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 190H, 191, 250, 251, 260, 270; | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 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. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
Total Units for Automotive/Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology AS program | 59.5† | |
|
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
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) (Formerly AUTOT 101) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the engine and its subsystems of the 21st century automobile. Students learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic 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 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. | ||
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) (Formerly AUTOT 103) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. This is an introductory course designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the drive train, steering, suspension, and brake systems of the 21st century automobile. Students have access to training vehicles to complete required tasks by which they learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. 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 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. | ||
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units) (Formerly AUTOT 106) Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103 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. | ||
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (IGETC 1A)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units) (Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101) Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process. In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. | ||
Select one: MATH 150 / FIN 101 (IGETC 2)GE | 3.0 | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH190/H, PSY 190. MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course. In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer. FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts. This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics TrainingM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics Training (4.0 units) (Formerly AUTO 057, AUTOT 057) 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 144 - Alternative Fuels TechnicianM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 144 - Alternative Fuels Technician (3.0 units) (Formerly AUTO 143)Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts. 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. | ||
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
AUTO 107 - Introduction to Automotive Light ServiceM | 3.0 | |
AUTO 107 - Introduction to Automotive Light Service (3.0 units) (Formerly AUTOT 107) Prerequisite: AUTO 101, AUTO 103, and AUTO 106 This introductory course provides 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). | ||
Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 9.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical SystemsM | 4.0 | |
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical Systems (4.0 units) (Formerly AUTOT 150, 038A) Prerequisite: AUTO 106 This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the engine and engine-related systems. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, methods of problem diagnosis, and repair of systems including electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, engine management, emission control, charging, cooling, and starting. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A8 Engine Performance test, and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or 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) (Formerly AUTO 0478, AUTOT 47.8) Prerequisite: AUTO 157 This course explores the use of hybrid and electric power for vehicle transportation. Topics 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 are discussed. This course is suitable for students entering into the alternative fuels or power generation and energy technology fields. | ||
Cal-GETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0 | |
4th Semester | ||
Cal-GETC 3b - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
The course data is currently unavailable. | 0 | |
Cal-GETC 5a - Physical ScienceGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 9.0† | |
Summer 2 | ||
Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Cal-GETC 5c - LaboratoryGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0† | |
5th Semester | ||
The course data is currently unavailable. | 0 | |
Total Semester Units: | 0.0 | |
Total Units for Automotive/Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology AS program (Transfer to Cal-GETC) | 63.5† | |
|
|
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
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.
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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