Automotive Technology
If you want to be in a job field that’s always in demand, a career in automotive technology may be a great fit for you. Learn a unique skill-set that’s needed anywhere in the world while earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. Gain hands-on experience diagnosing and servicing automobiles while working in a modern, high-tech lab at our Emmetsburg campus.
Develop knowledge of transmissions, engine systems, steering and suspension, electronic and electrical systems, fuel injection brakes and shop safety. Find an area you excel at, then choose to specialize in a specific skill. Our Automotive Technology program provides you with certification opportunities in eight different areas.
In just five terms, you’ll earn your degree and be ready to work as an entry-level technician. Whether you develop a career as a specialized technician, service manager or auto shop owner, you’ll establish a strong set of skills in automotive technology right here that you can take anywhere.
Faculty Contact
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Jason Jacobson Assistant Professor | Automotive Technology 712-852-5348 | jjacobson@iowalakes.educreate new email |

Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
AUT 106 – Intro to Automotive Technology
This course provides students with an introductory overview of automotive servicing from a maintenance and replacement standpoint while emphasizing routine maintenance procedures in the care of tires, batteries, lighting, belts, hoses, filters, and cooling systems through classroom and lab instruction.
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety
The course is designed to prepare the student to work safely in the auto shop. Students will be introduced to safety equipment, safety rules, and common accidents in the automotive service area.
AUT 200 – Automotive Automatic Transmissions & Transaxles
This course covers Automatic Transmission and Transaxle diagnosis, maintenance, and light repair/replacement. Both hydraulic and electric controlled transmissions are discussed.
AUT 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Automotive
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment in the automotive industry.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
AUT 851 – Auto Eng Performance Diagnosis
The course provides experience in using critical thinking skills to formulate rapid and accurate diagnoses of automotive drivability systems.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
Term 2
AUT 164 – Automotive Engine Repair
This course provides the engine repair and maintenance information and skills needed for entry-level technicians. Preventative maintenance and in-vehicle repair are covered, along with long block removal and installation.
AUT 304 – Automotive Manual Drivetrain & Axles
This course covers manual transmission repair and maintenance, providing the information and skills needed for entry-level technicians. The course will also explore preventative maintenance, in-vehicle repair, transmission and clutch removal and installation, drive axle and transfer case diagnosis and repair.
AUT 504 – Automotive Brake Systems
This course covers brake system repair and maintenance, providing the necessary information and skills for entry-level technicians, and covers the preventative maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of brake systems, including mechanical, anti-lock brake, and traction control.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Term 3
AUT 404 – Automotive Suspension & Steering
This course will provide instruction in diagnosing and repairing automotive alignment and suspension system components. Electronically controlled suspension and collision avoidance system diagnosis, maintenance, and repair are also covered.
AUT 704 – Auto Heating & Air Conditioning
The course is a study of the operation, diagnostics, and of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used in the automotive industry.
Term 4
AUT 243 – Advanced Automotive Powertrain
This course covers the repair and rebuilding of automotive powertrain systems, including automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, power transfer units and differentials, and is designed to give an in-depth knowledge of the operation and repair procedures used for the powertrain system.
AUT 654 – Automotive Advanced Electrical
This course covers automotive electrical systems providing the information and skills needed for technicians while emphasizing network-controlled systems, including navigation, audio, supplemental restraint, and immobilizer theft deterrent. Through this course, students will build diagnostic skills with extensive use of oscilloscopes and multi-meters for body electrical circuit faults.
AUT 858 – Advanced Engine Performance
This course covers advanced engine performance diagnosis and repair of emission, fuel, and engine control systems and will include the utilization of Chassis Dyno and a scan tool lab scope in diagnosing engine performance.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score
Term 5
AUT 192 – Hybrid, Electric & Alternative Fuel Vehicles
During this course, students will learn the theory, application and service information of hybrid, electric and alternative power vehicles.
AUT 302 – Automotive Engine Repair & Rebuild
This course will provide students with knowledge of how to repair and rebuild automotive engines. Diagnosis, disassembly, cleaning, measurement, and assembly of the internal combustion engine are covered.
AUT 867 – Intro to Light Duty Diesel
This course provides knowledge of the basic design and operations for light duty diesel platforms in the automotive field. Topics include familiarization with light duty diesel, safety precautions, also service and maintenance procedures. Students will learn to perform basic maintenance and service operations and demonstrate proper safety.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry .The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications .Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.