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Bachelor Degree
Automotive Technology

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Technologyis designed to prepare an individual for a wide variety of technology-based careers within the Transportation Industry Sector.  This innovated career designation means that the overall knowledge and skills attained by students within the program center on persistent enhancement in post-production support within today’s high-tech Automotive Technology environment, specializing in after-sales Automotive Technical Service, Business Management and Support.

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology builds on the college’s existing Automotive Technology Program. Our current program—which is well aligned with the automotive industry both regionally and nationally—provides a solid foundation for the development of the new bachelor’s program. Successful candidates for employment within organizations requiring a baccalaureate degree in this field need high level advanced Automotive Technology skills and knowledge. Graduates need to be technically competent and possess strong interpersonal skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, work in teams, and pursue continued professional development. The primary goal of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Degree (ATD) is to provide the automotive industry with employees with these skills. Students will receive training in various business, management and technical courses such as Managerial Accounting, Leadership, Marketing, Advanced Vehicle Systems Design and Performance. Other courses will emphasize soft skills, such as communication, business and technical writing, and human relations.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
Summer 1
ENGL 325 - Technical and Professional WritingGE3.0
ENGL 325 - Technical and Professional Writing (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H r

This upper division, General Education course is designed for students pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in Automotive Technology. Students develop expository writing skills on technical subjects relevant to automotive and transportation-related industries, business, science, government, and similar fields. Written assignments comprise short forms including technical description, proposals, manuals, and journal articles, as well as longer formal papers, feasibility studies, and technical reports. This course helps students develop principles of clear writing appropriate to automotive industry standards.

Total Semester Units:3.0 
1st Semester
AUTO 300 - Assessment of the Automotive IndustryM3.0
AUTO 300 - Assessment of the Automotive Industry (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides the automotive technology student with a detailed practical study of how to be successful in the automotive service, parts, and sales industry. It provides a practical study of current service, parts, and sales practices performed in dealerships and independent repair shops, while also discussing the review and preparation of the theory and skills necessary to successfully pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams relevant to industry standards. Topics include becoming efficient in the shop, mastering various pay systems, understanding managers and owners, building customer loyalty, demonstrating workplace and social ethics, and making Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) values work for all employees. In addition, vehicle engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, and air-conditioning; and engine performance systems, parts, and components, and new and emerging technologies that support the service and repair of the modern automobile will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed upon the important tasks of proper repair procedures; the safe use of tools, equipment, technical data, and scan tools; and the ins-and-outs of the business of service, parts, and sales. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies will be discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The goal of this course is for the student to apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

AUTO 310 - The Global Development and Advancement of the AutomobileM3.0
AUTO 310 - The Global Development and Advancement of the Automobile (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical study of the development of the automobile from its beginnings to the present day. The course is a practical study of the invention of the first suitable power source to be adopted to self-propel a road vehicle and how it resulted in a major paradigm shift that revolutionized transportation and mobility. Topics include the development of animal-drawn transportation devices and the quest for a prime mover, the pioneering era of the automobile and how it led to being an industrial product, mass production of the automobile and how it became a consumer product, and new and emerging technologies that support the automobile and motorized traffic and transportation systems. Emphasis is placed upon the global perspective—particularly the developments that occurred in the United States, Europe, and Asia—and the numerous technological and business revolutions of the first and second half of the 20th century. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

PHIL 325 - Applied and Professional EthicsGE3.0
PHIL 325 - Applied and Professional Ethics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H or PHIL 110 or PHIL 110H and PHIL 101 or PHIL 101H or PHIL 120

This upper division general education course is designed for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology. This course is intended for students who seek a greater understanding of the relationship between ethics and human living. This course will expose them to the moral and ethical views in the Western philosophical tradition. Students will then apply these views to various contemporary issues. Expected topics include: business ethics, euthanasia, terrorism, public policy, the death penalty, and issues in science and technology.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
2nd Semester
AUTO 320 - The Progressive Growth of Automotive TechnologyM3.0
AUTO 320 - The Progressive Growth of Automotive Technology (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical study of the development of automotive technology from its beginnings to the present day, focusing on the basics and its long-term development. The course is a practical and contextualized study of the importance of the technological automotive changes that have evolved as a result of engineering improvements and cultural changes. Topics include the development of vehicle layout and design; the needs and behaviors of drivers, producers, non-users, and other stakeholders; and the ever-changing, computerized control of its systems and other emerging technologies. Emphasis will be placed upon the systematic overview of the mechanization and electrification of the automobile, not only as machines, but as a testimony to their important role in the way we live today. Current automotive industry practices and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

AUTO 340 - Analyzing Vehicle Electrical/Electronic SystemsM3.0
AUTO 340 - Analyzing Vehicle Electrical/Electronic Systems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of electrical and electronic systems of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of computerized vehicle controls and diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and vehicle on-board diagnostic and communication systems of the engine, powertrain, brakes, suspension, safety, convenience, and emission control systems. Topics include emerging technologies (such as modern instrumentation, navigation, and telematics) and the use of vehicle network configuration systems used by late-model automotive manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, and subsystems; and their operational characteristics, including programmed microprocessors, microcontrollers, and computer-language protocol. Current industry-approved diagnostic, troubleshooting, and reprogramming techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

AUTO 360 - Analyzing Vehicle Fuels, Lubricants and CombustionM3.0
AUTO 360 - Analyzing Vehicle Fuels, Lubricants and Combustion (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor.
Advisory: PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of the fuels, lubricants, and combustion systems of the modern automobile. The course is a realistic study of the physical and chemical properties of fuels, lubricants, and combustion, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of the systems and subsystems of the automotive internal combustion engine and related powertrain components. Topics include emerging technologies, such as modern fuel and lubricant requirements and how they affect combustion, emissions, and maintenance schedules used by late-model automotive manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including failure analysis. Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

HIST 325 - History of Science and TechnologyGE3.0
HIST 325 - History of Science and Technology (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and HIST 101 or HIST 102 or HIST 143 or HIST 143H or HIST 144 or HIST 144H

This upper division General Education course is designed for students pursuing a bachelor of science degree within the California Community College system. The course explores the history of science and technology, from initial Ptolemaic and Aristotelian understandings of the universe, through the challenges brought by the scholars of the Scientific Revolution, to the modern innovators of scientific developments and advancements in technology. The course provides an overview of how individuals, societies, and nations were impacted by these developments and how science and technology impact political, social, economic, and cultural changes over time. Since both science and technology are vital in the twenty-first century, this course aims to highlight the long history behind each from a global historical perspective.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
3rd Semester
AUTO 400 - Analyzing Vehicle Stability, Dynamics, and NVHM3.0
AUTO 400 - Analyzing Vehicle Stability, Dynamics, and NVH (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:
Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor.Advisory:PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of stability, dynamics, and noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of the systems that provide vehicle operation safety, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of automotive tires, brakes, steering, and suspension systems. Topics include emerging technologies such as modern antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability assist, electronic power steering, active suspension, and tire construction and pressure monitoring systems used by late-model automotive manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including techniques in reducing NVH. Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

AUTO 420 - Analyzing Dynamic Functions of Vehicle Drivetrain SystemsM3.0
AUTO 420 - Analyzing Dynamic Functions of Vehicle Drivetrain Systems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the Program Advisor.
Advisory:PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of electromechanical and hydraulic functions of transmission and drivetrain systems of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of the systems that provide vehicle mobility, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of automotive transmission, differential, and drive axle systems. Topics include emerging technologies such as modern dual-clutch transmissions, continuously-variable transmissions, real-time gear shifting mechanisms and controls, torque convertor and convertor clutch designs, torque-management strategies, and innovative designs of gears, bearings, seals, and friction materials used by late-model automotive manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, and subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including techniques in reducing noise-vibration-harshness (NVH). Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

AUTO 440 - Analyzing Vehicle Safety, Comfort, and Security SystemsM3.0
AUTO 440 - Analyzing Vehicle Safety, Comfort, and Security Systems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the Program Advisor.
Advisory:PHY 120, ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, MATH 130 or MATH 130H

This course provides automotive technology students with a detailed, practical application of vehicle occupant protection, comfort, and security systems of the modern automobile. The course is a practical study of the systems that provide integrated vehicle and driving protection against hazardous and inadvertent situations, as well as occupant amenities, including diagnostic strategies as they pertain to the function, operation, and everyday use of active/passive safety, comfort, and convenience systems. Topics include emerging technologies such as modern airbag systems, accident avoidance and pre-crash/post-crash mitigation of injuries, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) infrastructure technology, and innovative driver assistance, infotainment, and occupant contentment and security systems used by late-model automotive manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on the design of system parts, components, and subsystems, and their operational characteristics, including techniques in reducing vehicle crashes and improving occupant/pedestrian protection. Current industry-approved diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and relevant case studies are discussed and demonstrated throughout the course. The overall goal of this course is to have students apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance their employment in the vehicle after-sales field operations management spectrum.

AUTO 499 - Directed Study in Automotive TechnologyM1.0
AUTO 499 - Directed Study in Automotive Technology (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment requires an AS degree in Automotive Technology or similar field, and special approval from the program advisor.
Advisory:ENGL 325

Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an Independent Study/Directed Study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress is evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies are the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title 5 regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, 6 hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress throughout the semester. Students may take upper division directed study courses for a maximum of 4 units within a discipline.

GEOG 310 - Environmental GeographyGE3.0
GEOG 310 - Environmental Geography (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 201 or ENGL 201H, and GEOG 101

This upper division General Education course is designed for students pursuing a bachelor of science degree within the California Community College system. This course examines how the environment is impacted by human activity in different geographical regions and how the environment responds. Topics include global cycles and systems of the air, water and soil, and the effects of human activity on the environment and living systems. Case studies will be used to investigate specific environmental issues.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
Total Units for Automotive Technology BS program 37.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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