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
 | Jason Jacobson Assistant Professor, Automotive Technician 712-852-5348 Ext: 5348 | jjacobson@iowalakes.educreate new email |
 | Charles Reynolds Automotive Technology Instructor 712-852-5215 Ext: 5215 | creynolds@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
Did You Know?
In the Automotive Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn:1
- Select task appropriate tools and equipment.
- Practice safety in the repair and service of automotive systems.
- Identify automotive system components.
- Analyze system components for repair/replacement.
- Perform preventative maintenance.
- Evaluate system performance to determine needed repairs.
- Explain environmental and legal constraints relating to the automotive industry.
- Research applicable vehicle and service information, service precautions and technical service bulletins.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Curriculum
Term 1
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 104 – Introduction to Automotive Technology
The course provides an introduction to the maintenance of automotive systems including tires, batteries, lighting, belts, hoses, filters, and cooling systems. Information on automotive careers is also introduced.
AUT 600 – Intro to Electrical Systems and Testing
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment.
AUT 608 – Automotive Electrical
The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems.
AUT 651 – Advanced Automotive Electrical
This course is designed to provide the automotive student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to competently diagnose and repair the computer controlled systems used in today’s automobile.
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
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 2
AUT 180 – Engine Repair Theory
The course provides instruction on the operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of the automotive internal combustion engine.
AUT 184 – Brakes Lab
The course provides experience in the operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of the automotive braking system.
AUT 186 – Engine Repair Lab
The course provides experience in the operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of the automotive internal combustion engine.
AUT 510 – Brakes Theory
The course introduces the theory of operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures related to automotive braking systems.
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.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
Term 3
AUT 412 – Automotive Suspension/Steering Theory
The course provides instruction on the design, operating principles, service, and alignment procedures of automotive and light truck steering and suspension systems.
AUT 413 – Auto Suspension/Steering Lab
The course includes the operation and service of power and manual steering gears, rack and pinion systems, and suspension systems. In addition, training on four-wheel alignment and adjustment is covered.
AUT 890 – Automotive Technology OJT
Automotive Technology on-the-job training (OJT) provides the student with work experience and introduces them to the responsibilities and necessary skills of the modern automotive technician.
Term 4
AUT 212 – Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Theory
The course introduces the theory of the operation of transmission hydraulic and mechanical systems.
AUT 213 – Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab
This course provides experience in the repair and replacement of transmissions and transaxles.
AUT 260 – Manual Transmission Theory
The course includes the theory of operation, diagnostic principles, and repair procedures used in the automotive manual transmission, transaxle, and drive train systems.
AUT 313 – Auto Manual Dr Train/Axle Lab
The course provides experience in the operation and proper repair of manual transmissions, transaxles, and drive trains used in late model vehicles.
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.
ACC 111 Intro to Accounting
Introduces the basic principles of accounting and the recoding of simple business transactions using the double entry system. Includes the accounting procedures of journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, making a trial balance, creating receipt and disbursement of cash.
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 130 – Intro to Entrepreneurship
This course emphasizes these processes: understanding how to find, analyze and pursue an opportunity; understanding oneself and personality characteristics of the “entrepreneur,” examining the environment for entrepreneurship. A case and experiential approach is used.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
Choose either ACC 111, BCA 212, BUS 130, or CSC 110
Term 5
AUT 827 – Auto Ignition Systems
The course focuses on the operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures used to service automotive ignition systems.
AUT 834 – Auto Fuel Systems
The course focuses on the diagnostic and repair procedures used to service the automotive fuel system.
AUT 842 – Auto Computerized Eng Controls
The course focuses on the operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures for electronic engine control systems used in the automotive industry.
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.
BUS 126 – Business Principles
This course is an introduction to fundamentals of business, including evaluations, typical forms of business, accounting, management styles, marketing and customer service skills. Concepts of business and management functions, organizational considerations, and decision-making processes, are studied.