GCC General Catalog 2005-2006
6000 West Olive Avenue ~ Glendale, Arizona USA 85302 ~ (623) 845-3000 Skip to search and navigation

General Catalog 2005-2006

Programs and Courses

Automotive Technology

General Information

For AUT Course Information: Jay Covey
Phone: 623.845.3950

For CAP Program Information: Greg Dragiewicz
Phone: 623.845.3167

For ASSET Program Information: John Kelly
Phone: 623.845.3187

For ASEP Program Information: Gar Gaekel
Phone: 623.845.3188

Constant increases in the number of vehicles on the road as well as their increasing complexity promises a steady stream of new career openings within the automotive service industry both locally and nationally.

Mobility within the automotive service industry is almost limitless. The experienced technician who demonstrates quality workmanship, willingness to learn, organizational skills, reliability and good communication skills will find opportunities to move into other jobs within the industry such as management, sales, field service, business ownership or teaching.

Automobile technicians diagnose, repair and perform maintenance operations on cars, trucks, buses and other motor vehicles. The most critical attributes of an automotive technician are the ability to accurately diagnose the causes of malfunctions and to demonstrate quality workmanship in making repairs. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the vehicle and component being serviced, combined with good testing and service skills, insures fast and efficient work.

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Automotive Technology
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) / 67-68 credits

The Automotive Technology Department at GCC offers four automotive programs:

  • General
  • ASSET (Ford)
  • ASEP (General Motors)
  • CAP (Chrysler)

The General Program is a non-factory sponsored program. This program is designed for students who may wish to work in an independent repair facility as well as those who simply want to broaden their automotive repair skills. This program allows students to take courses at their own pace. Students may choose to follow a recommended schedule for completing the program or may choose classes at his/her convenience.

There is no specific time frame for completion of this program. Classes for students in the general program are offered at various times including days and evenings.

The Factory Sponsored Programs at Glendale are designed with the intention of placing the student in a dealership. The goal of these programs is to enable the student to achieve entry level as a technician. The programs are intensive and require full time status of each student. The student will require four semesters to complete this course of study. During those four semesters the student will also be employed by his or her dealership whenever classes are not in session. This allows the student to experience working conditions and grow into a professional technician. To register in one of the factory sponsored programs, students must be sponsored by a dealership as a technician apprentice (we will help potential students with the interview process and steer them to dealerships that have already agreed to sponsor apprentices.)

The Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) combines GCC’s Automotive Technology AAS degree program with General Motors dealership experience.

The Automotive Student Service Educational Training Program (ASSET) combines GCC’s Automotive Technology AAS degree program with Ford dealership experience.

The Daimler Chrysler College Automotive Program (CAP) combines GCC's Automotive Technology AAS degree program with a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership experience.

Note: Students sponsored through ASEP/ASSET/CAP programs may be required to take additional classes.

Transferability: Coursework has been generally transferable to ASU's and NAU's Department of Industrial Education, but the transfer student may need 75-80 more hours to receive the B.S. degree. When a transfer is planned, the student should consult as early as possible with the school and program to which he or she plans to transfer.

Certification: Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and evaluated by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Note: Due to limited course availability, students should consult with a department advisor and/or Automotive department instructor in planning their academic schedule in order to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner.

Special Skill Levels Needed: Students wishing to pursue an AAS degree are advised to follow the recommendations of the Basic Studies Advisors for English and Reading placements.

Program Description: This program is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians. Instruction is given in both the theoretical and practical aspects of automotive operation, maintenance, and service. Directed lab activities provide experience in transmissions, differentials, fuel systems (both conventional and electronic), brakes, air conditioning, automotive electricity/electronics, diagnosis, emission control, engine service, suspension and steering systems. Modern, fully equipped facilities provide students with excellent opportunities for pre-employment experience.

Note: All AUT courses taken relative to the ASEP/ASSET/CAP programs must be taken within the program so that they are product specific to that manufacturer's vehicle.

Required Courses: (49-50 credits)

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for each course listed in the Required Courses category. (+) indicates course prerequisites.

   AUT101AA Internal Combustion Engines Theory
   AUT103AB Automotive and Electrical/Electronic Systems I
   AUT104AA Automotive Fuel Systems (3)
   AUT105AA Engine Performance and Diagnosis
   AUT106AA Engine Overhaul and Reconditioning
   AUT107AC Automotive Air Conditioning
   AUT108AB Front-End Suspension, Steering, and Alignment
   AUT109AC Automotive Brake Systems
   AUT110AC Automotive Power Trains
   AUT123AA Automatic Transmissions
+ AUT215AA Automotive and Electrical/Electronic Systems II
+ AUT233 Computerized Engine Control Systems
+ AUT270 Automotive Technology Internship (any module) (1-3) or
   AUT298 Special Projects (any module) (1-3)
   ELT100 Survey of Electronics
3 credits
4
3
3
4
3
4
4
4
4
4
3

3-4
3

General Education Requirements: (18 credits)

Core: (12 credits)
First-Year Composition: 6
+ ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) and
+ ENG111 Technical Writing (3)
   (ENG 102 is an acceptable if ENG 111 is not available.)
Oral Communication: 3
   COM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3) or
   COM110 Interpersonal Communication (3) or
+ COM225 Public Speaking (3) or
+ COM230 Small Group Communication (3)
Critical Reading: 3
+ CRE101 Critical and Evaluative Reading I (3) or
+ CRE111 Critical Reading for Business and Industry (3)
Mathematics:
   Area waived.

Distribution: (6 credits)
Humanities and Fine Arts: 3
Any approved course, see here.
Social and Behavioral Sciences:
Any approved course, see here.
Natural Sciences:
Area waived.

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Automotive Engines and Drive Trains Certificate / 15 credits

Program Description: This course grouping is designed to prepare the student for specialized career as an automotive engine and drivetrain technician. This course grouping should also prepare the student for the ASE certification tests for engine repair, automatic transmissions and transaxles, and manual drive train and axles.

Required Courses: (15 credits)

AUT101AA Internal Combustion Engines Theory
AUT106AA Engine Overhaul and Reconditioning
AUT110AC Automotive Power Trains
AUT123AA Automatic Transmissions
3 credits
4
4
4

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Automotive Engine Performance Diagnosis
and Air Conditioning Certificate / 16 credits

Program Description: This course grouping is designed to prepare the student for specialized career as a driveability and engine performance technician as well as an automotive heating and air conditioning specialist. This course grouping should prepare the student for the ASE certification tests for electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.

Required Courses: (16 credits)

+ AUT103AB Automotive and Electrical/Electronic Systems I (4) or
   AUT103DA Basic Automotive Electrical Theory (1.1) and
+ AUT103DB Automotive Batteries (0.6) and
   AUT103DC Automotive Charging Systems (0.9) and
   AUT103DD Automotive Starting Systems (0.6) and
+ AUT103DE Automotive Lighting, Indicator, Warning Circuits (0.8)
   AUT104AA Automotive Fuel Systems
   AUT105AA Engine Performance and Diagnosis
   AUT107AC Automotive Air Conditioning
+ AUT233 Computerized Engine Control Systems





4 credits
3
3
3
3

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Automotive Chassis Certificate / 16 credits

Program Description: This course grouping is designed to prepare the student for specialized career as an automotive chassis, brake, and drivetrain technician. This course grouping should also prepare the student for the ASE certification tests for suspension and steering, brakes, automatic transmissions and transaxles, and manual drive train and axles.

Required Courses: (16 credits)

AUT108AB Front-End Suspension, Steering, and Alignment
AUT109AC Automotive Brake Systems
AUT110AC Automotive Power Trains
AUT123AA Automatic Transmissions
4 credits
4
4
4

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Course Descriptions

Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally, (+) indicates course prerequisities

Automotive Technology (AUT)

AUT097* General Automotive Maintenance 3 credits 3 periods
A study of automotive systems operation and maintenance for the consumer. Purchasing service for cars and performing minor maintenance. Prerequisites: None. (FD,SD,FE,SE,Su1)

*Note: This course will not apply toward degree requirements for Automotive technology majors.

AUT101AA
Internal Combustion Engines Theory / 3 credits 4 periods

Study of construction and operating principles of internal combustion engines and related lubrication, cooling, fuel, and electrical systems. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE)

AUT103AB
Automotive and Electrical/Electronic Systems I / 4 credits 7 periods

Designed for beginning automotive students. The principle of electricity; the mathematical computations involved with Ohm’s Law; the use of meters; electrical schematics; the theory of electrical components as they relate to automobiles; the diagnosis, testing, service and repair of batteries, starting systems and charging systems, lighting systems and instrumentation. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE)

AUT103DA
Basic Automotive Electrical Theory / 1.1 credits 2 periods

Covers introductory level automotive electrical theory. This includes shop safety and procedures, Circuits, Ohm’s Law, use of meters, oscilloscopes, and other basic test equipment, as well as diagnosis of problems in and caused by electrical circuits. Repair of these problems also covered. Prerequisites: None. (O)

AUT103DB
Automotive Batteries / .6 credit 1 period

Study of automotive batteries. Diagnosis, testing, service, and repair of batteries and related circuits covered. Prerequisites: AUT103DA, or permission of instructor. (O)

AUT103DC
Automotive Charging Systems / .9 credit 1.5 periods

The diagnosis, testing, service, and repair of charging systems and related components. Prerequisites: AUT103DA, or permission of instructor. (O)

AUT103DD
Automotive Starting Systems / .6 credit 1.12 periods

Covers the starting motor systems used on modern automotive vehicles including light duty trucks. Diagnosis, testing, service, and repair of starting systems and related components covered. Prerequisites: AUT103DA, or permission of instructor. (O).

AUT103DE
Automotive Lighting, Indicator, and Warning Circuits /.8 credit 1.37 periods

Covers the operation of, diagnosis and repair of common automotive lighting, instrumentation, and warning device circuits used on the automobile. Prerequisites: AUT103DA, or permission of instructor. (O)

AUT104AA
Automotive Fuel Systems / 3 credits 5 periods

Theory and operation of carburetion, fuel injection, turbocharging and fuel systems, training in diagnosis, service and reconditioning procedures. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE,SD)

AUT105AA
Engine Performance and Diagnosis / 3 credits 5 periods

The theory and fundamentals of automotive tune-up and oscilloscope testing as it pertains to diagnosis and tune-up of the modern day automobile. Emphasis on interpretation of oscilloscope patterns and their relation to engine performance. Prerequisites: None. (SD,SE)

AUT106AA
Engine Overhaul and Reconditioning / 4 credits 8 periods

Diagnostic and service skills essential to service and repair automotive internal combustion engines. Includes valve guide, seat reconditioning, cylinder block, piston, rod and crankshaft service. Prerequisites: None. (FE,SD,Su1,Su2)

AUT107AC
Automotive Air Conditioning / 3 credits 6 periods

The theory and principles of refrigeration and air conditioning. Training in diagnosis, servicing, and reconditioning procedures of automotive air conditioning systems. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE,SD,SE)

AUT108AB
Front-End Suspension, Steering, and Alignment / 4 credits 7 periods

The fundamentals and principles of suspension and steering systems. Diagnosis, service, and reconditioning procedures. Laboratory emphasis on front-end service and alignment. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE,SD)

AUT109AC
Automotive Brake Systems / 4 credits 7 periods

Designed for beginning automotive students. Fundamentals of drum, disc, and ABS brakes. Includes training in diagnosis, testing, service, and repair. Prerequisites: None. (FD,SE)

AUT110AC
Automotive Power Trains / 4 credits 7 periods

Designed for beginning automotive students. Operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of the automotive power train. Includes clutches, torque converters, standard and automatic transmissions and transaxles, front and rear drive axles, drive shafts, differentials and transfer case. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE,SD)

AUT121AA
Automotive Body Repair / 3 credits 5 periods

The fundamentals of metal bumping and use of basic metal working tools. Instruction limited to minor damage repair and parts replacement and alignment. Prerequisites: None. (F,E,S,E)

AUT122AA
Advanced Automotive Body Repair / 3 credits 5 periods

Advanced instruction in metal bumping processes and metal working tools. Major body damage and repair and parts replacement and alignment stressed. Prerequisites: None. (FE,SE)

AUT123AA
Automatic Transmissions / 4 credits 8 periods

Theory of operation and servicing procedures for current domestic automatic transmissions; includes diagnostics and testing of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components. Prerequisites: None. (FD,SD,SE)

AUT130
Automotive Quick Service / 3 credits 5 periods

Use of manufacturers service manuals; performance of commonly used service operations; emphasizes good attitude development and safety habits about automotive service. Prerequisites: None. (FD,FE)

AUT132
Service Overview / 2 credits 4 periods

Dealer pre-delivery inspections. Basic fluid changes. Overview of ignition and fuel systems. Prerequisites: None. (O)

AUT134
Bumper to Bumper Automotive Theory and Shop Practices or Everything You Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask / 6 credits 6 periods

An in-depth look at automobiles, their systems, and the automotive service industry. Designed for those seeking information on their automobile, how it works, and the structure of the automotive service industry. Prerequisites: None. (O)

AUT150
Dealership Parts Cataloging / 4 credits 6 periods

An in-depth study of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler parts cataloging as used in automotive dealerships. Nomenclature of each parts system and practical application of each mode of cataloging (paper catalogs, microfiche, and computer cataloging). Hands-on experience with factory catalog materials. Prerequisites: None. (O)

AUT214
Passenger Car and Light Truck Diesel / 3 credits 5 periods

Design and operation features of a passenger car diesel which are different from a typical gasoline engine. Emphasizes diagnosis and service of mechanical, electrical and fuel system problems. Prerequisites: AUT101 or equivalent. (O)

AUT215AA
Automotive and Electrical/Electronic Systems II / 4 credits 7 periods

Designed for experienced students. Electrical accessory circuits including horns, wipers, defoggers, automatic door locks, power mirrors, power windows and power seats. Focuses on introduction to body computers, advanced lighting circuits and instrumentation, and chassis electronic control systems. Includes training in diagnosis, testing, service and repair. Prerequisites: AUT103AB or instructor permission. (SE,SE)

AUT233
Computerized Engine Control Systems / 3 credits 5 periods

Presents the reasons for developing and using computerized engine control systems. Explores system operation, examining each component. Emphasizes diagnosis and repair of system faults. Prerequisites: (AUT103AB or AUT103DA), AUT103DB, AUT103DC, AUT103DD, AUT103DE, and AUT104AA, or permission of instructor. (SD,SE)

AUT270AA Automotive Technology Internship / 1 credit 1 period
AUT270AB Automotive Technology Internship / 2 credits 2 periods
AUT270AC Automotive Technology Internship / 3 credits 3 periods

Automotive work experience in the automotive service industry. 80 hours of designated work per credit. Maximum of four (4) credits can be earned by taking combinations of AUT270AA, or AUT270AB, or AUT270AC. Prerequisites: Departmental approval. (F,S)

AUT298 Special Projects 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor. (F,S)

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