Automotive Technology Courses | 2025-2026 Academic Catalog | SIU

Course covers universal automotive shop practices including safety, tool usage, fasteners, sealants and measurement devices. Lecture topics cover safety and environmental concerns, service information retrieval, and correct application of sealants and fasteners. Laboratory activities include thread repair, automotive measurements, electrical repair, and cutting/grinding equipment usage. Restricted to major. Fee: $36.

Credit Hours: 3

A course of study in the design and theory of automotive electrical circuits. Particular emphasis placed on the study of how electricity behaves in series and parallel DC circuits, general application of these theories to automotive electrical systems, and the proper use of typical electronic and electrical circuit diagnostic equipment. Also emphasizes the understanding of automotive wiring diagrams, and relay and solenoid operation. Restricted to major. Lab fee: $45.

Credit Hours: 3

Course combines the study of engine operational theory with practical technical skills. Content emphasizes the 720 degree power cycle and the dynamics of engine operation, design and efficiency (thermal, mechanical & volumetric). Laboratory experience consists of engine disassembly, component design study, inspection and measurement of components and engine assembly techniques. Restricted to major. Fee: $90.

Credit Hours: 6

Course includes design and operation of solid state devices, wiring, batteries, starting and charging systems, and basic powertrain control systems. Lectures emphasize the operation of these systems and their individual components. Emphasis placed on system diagnosis. Laboratories allow the study of digital multimeters, battery/starting/charging system test equipment and scan tools. Restricted to major. Lab fee: $120.

Credit Hours: 6

A detailed study of automotive manual transmission and transaxle assemblies, clutch assemblies, drive axles, and four-wheel drive transfer cases, including an introduction to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) diagnostics. Lectures focus on the basic theory of operation and diagnostics of the automotive drivetrain. Laboratory experience provides the opportunity to study approved inspection, maintenance, and diagnostic procedures. Restricted to major. Lab fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 3

Course covers brake system design, operation and diagnosis. Lectures describe brake system component interrelationships and an introduction to ABS. Special emphasis placed on component diagnosis and maintenance procedures. Laboratory experience provides students the opportunity to use specialized tools, such as on-the-car lathes, brake bleeding equipment, and brake system diagnostic equipment. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $105.

Credit Hours: 3

Course covers suspension and steering system design, operation, maintenance and diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on component diagnosis and maintenance procedures. Laboratory experience provides students the opportunity to use computerized alignment, wheel balance and vibration correction equipment. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $105.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of automotive engine electronics. Lectures focus on engine control circuits, fuel injection and ignition systems with emphasis on operation, application and diagnosis. Discussion topics include operational strategies, fuel delivery, sensor inputs and actuator outputs. Laboratory includes the use of electronic diagnostic tools for engine performance diagnosis. Prerequisite: AUT 150 & AUT 170 or consent of the department. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $150.

Credit Hours: 6

The specialized study of automotive fuels, electronic fuel injection systems, and related emission control systems. Lectures focus on the operational and diagnosis of electronic fuel injection systems and emission control systems. Laboratory experience provides the opportunity to study the use of electronic diagnostic tools, specialized equipment, and diagnostic systems. Prerequisites: AUT 150 and AUT 170 or consent of department. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 3

Credit awarded for prior documented automotive industry related work experience. Credit established by program evaluation. Credit may apply only to the program's lower level course requirements unless otherwise determined by the school director. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1-30

Credit awarded for prior documented formal training that prepares an individual for entry-level employment. Credit established by program evaluation. Credit may apply only to the program's lower level course requirements unless otherwise determined by the school director. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1-40

A study of refrigeration systems, temperature controls, and automotive HVAC vacuum/electrical circuits. Emphasis placed on environmental impact of refrigerants, environmentally safe refrigerant technology and applicable legislation. Laboratory experiences provide the opportunity to study the use of air conditioning system diagnostic tools, refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment, and diagnostic and repair services. Prerequisite: AUT 170. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 3

Provides students with opportunity to develop a special program of study to fit a particular need not met by other offerings. Each student will work under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty. Special approval needed from the department.

Credit Hours: 1-16

This course introduces students to the principles of ethics and proper conduct in the professional academic environment. Considerable time is spent researching and analyzing ethics case studies/dilemmas pertaining to the automotive industry, within an ethical decision-making framework. Oral presentations are based on case studies and are peer-evaluated using specific assessment criteria. Intellectual honesty is practiced through ethical documentation, and citation. Prerequisite: none. Restricted to Automotive Technology students or departmental approval required.

Credit Hours: 1

This course engages students in the study of technical communications and documentation skills used by managers and technical experts in the automotive industry. Foundations of technical communication and documentation are followed by the application of automotive industry specific examples. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, documentation and communication in the appropriate industry context. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 and CMST 101, or consent of department. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

Students will participate in a program approved automotive related internship that includes formal instruction, training and/or career related work experiences. Students receive a salary or wages and engage in prearranged assignments related to their academic program and career objectives. Program faculty evaluations, supervisor performance evaluations, and student reports are required. Internship experiences may be in one of the following areas: automotive service technical, engineering, parts, business, management, training, or government agencies. Hours and credits to be individually arranged. Students can take a maximum of 15 hours toward degree. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

An introduction to management of automotive retail fixed operations. A study of the automotive retail industry and environment, developing concepts and methods to improve customer satisfaction along with an increase in market penetration, profits and efficiency are emphasized. Planning of workflow control and human resource management will be included. This course is writing intensive and reflects the College's Communication-Across-the-Curriculum initiative. Prerequisite: ENGL 101. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

Suspension and braking control systems that provide additional safety to vehicle operation. Topics covered include antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability assist, electronic power steering, variable power steering, active suspensions, and tire pressure monitoring. Course includes techniques in diagnosing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) concerns. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $90.

Credit Hours: 3

Course introduces data management, information presentation, and software applications relevant to the automotive industry through project-based learning exercises. Lab fee: $15. Prerequisite: None.

Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth study of electronic engine controls and emission systems. Lectures focus on fuel analysis, advanced diagnostics, legislative regulations and new technologies related to engine controls and emission systems. Laboratory activities include the use of advanced diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, scan tools, exhaust gas analyzers, and chassis dynamometer. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $180.

Credit Hours: 6

Course is an in-depth study of recent advancements in vehicle computing systems and network technologies through exploration-based projects. Topics include vehicle computers and virtualization, vehicle networking, internetworking (V2X), vehicle system and network security, and advanced microcontroller programming. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

Course provides insight into automotive dealership parts management with emphasis on application to daily work. Studies will focus on interpretations stocking benchmarks and on business management techniques essential to successful dealership parts operations. Prerequisite: none. Restricted to Automotive Technology students or departmental approval required.

Credit Hours: 3

Course covers theory of operation and diagnosis of standard body electrical systems. Topics include power windows, power door locks, power seats, lighting, instrumentation, cruise control, and supplemental restraints. Emphasis is placed on analysis of electrical diagrams and development of diagnostic techniques. Laboratory provides the opportunity to practice troubleshooting skills. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $150.

Credit Hours: 6

Credit awarded for prior documented advanced level work experiences related to the automotive industry. Credit for experiences demonstrating progressively higher levels of responsibility and rigorous levels of learning are established by program evaluation. Credit may be applied only to program requirements as determined by the school director. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1-30

Credit awarded for prior documented educational experiences related to the student's educational objectives. Credit established by program evaluation. Credit may be applied only to program requirements as determined by the school director. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1-60

Course covers the theory of operation, diagnosis, and repair of modern transmissions. The course will break down the transmission into basic components and provide the depth required for complete understanding of the specific transmission. The laboratory will allow students to understand correct service procedures, and test the transmission on a dynamometer. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $150.

Credit Hours: 6

Course covers introductory topics of metal cutting, welding and shaping applicable to the automotive industry practice. Lectures focus on setup, operation and maintenance of equipment such as oxygen-acetylene systems as well as Stick, MIG, and TIG welders. Laboratory activities include the use of equipment to develop and improve skills. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $120.

Credit Hours: 3

A study into several of the automotive wholesale and retail industry approaches to system processes for service production, component production, quality control, and regulatory control. Topics will include organizational systems utilized, application of the systems, and the theories to controlling and improving of the systems to ensuring project success. These areas are critical to the assembly, sales and service segments of the automobile industry. Prerequisite: none. Restricted to Automotive Technology students or departmental approval required.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of specialized body electrical systems. Topics include data communication networks, theft deterrent systems, automatic temperature controls, and audio systems. Emphasis is placed on current and developing technologies. Laboratory experiences provide the opportunity to use scan tools, oscilloscopes, and on-board self-diagnostic systems. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 3

This course encompasses multiple technical areas of the vehicle with specific emphasis on diagnostic strategies and routines. Students engage in and enhance diagnostic thought and problem solving processes. The course utilizes problem-based learning where students experience real-world diagnostics through the use of case studies and various diagnostic scenarios. Prerequisite: None. Restricted to Major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth study of dealership new and pre-owned vehicle sales operations and their management practices. Topics include the foundation and analysis of department operations, strategies of management, and application of practices. Finance and insurance, leasing, sourcing, inventory control, marketing, and consumer regulatory practices are discussed. Special approval needed from advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides the student an opportunity to investigate contemporary issues within the automotive, truck, equipment, and related industries. The student will engage in an industry related project to support their learning objectives and program goals. The student will work with an assigned instructor to identify outcomes and assessment of the project. Projects will include a written assignment. Credit hours based upon the scope of the project are determined prior to registration. Students can take a maximum of 15 hours toward the degree. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Provides opportunities for students to conduct research in such areas as: green vehicle technology, emissions and clean air testing; diagnostic software debugging; diagnostic methods; development of training information; alternative fuel systems; business operations; management/marketing practices; and production systems. Independent study. Student can take a maximum of 15 hours toward degree. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

This course will provide insight into the applied analysis and management of automotive retail dealership financial operations. Studies will focus on fixed and variable operations with emphasis on manufacturer/dealer performance expectations, and management techniques essential to successful operations. Not for graduate credit. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth study of electronic diesel engine controls and emission systems. Lectures focus on electronic fuel and intake air system controls, advanced diagnostics, legislative regulations and new technologies related to diesel engine controls and emission systems. Laboratory activities include the use of advanced diagnostic tools and equipment. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Fee: $180.

Credit Hours: 6

Course encompasses commercial vehicle chassis and body systems related to medium and heavy duty on-road vehicles. Students engage in body/chassis system failures, diagnostic strategies and root causal issues. Class is based on Symptom to System to Component to Cause (SSCC) strategy to determine failure and repair procedures. Course utilizes problem-based learning through the use of lab vehicles, experiments and exploratory research. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $120.

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces and investigates hybrid electric and electric vehicle technologies through lecture and laboratory demonstrations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of the functions of hybrid/electric components and subsystems, the diagnosis and maintenance of electrical subsystems, and high-voltage/high current safety practices. Prerequisite: AUT 250 or consent of department. Special approval needed from the advisor. Fee: $120.

Credit Hours: 3

Course investigates electric vehicle propulsion system technologies through lecture and laboratory activities/experimentation. Emphasis placed on the functions and control of electric components/subsystems, diagnosis and management of electrical subsystems, and high-voltage/high-current service practices. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $180.

Credit Hours: 6

This course introduces the students to advancements in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, including motor design, power inversion, high voltage safety, storage and delivery, electronic braking, heating and cooling systems, and system integration with conventional electronics and engine systems. In addition to vehicle technology, the course addresses important topics and issues such as environmental impacts, current and future energy sources, and electrical infrastructure concerns and solutions. Prerequisites: AUT 120, AUT 150, AUT 170 with grades of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

In depth study of new vehicle dealership culture and business practices. Manufacturer and consumer influence to each department, how departments and the business have adapted and need to adapt in the changing retail environment. New department trends to meet changing consumer desires, regulatory policy, corporate policy, business practices, and how operational/efficiency business technologies, and transportation technologies will influence the industry are discussed. Special approval needed from advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course investigates technologies used for vehicular and mobility system autonomous and intelligent controls. Topics include autonomous and intelligent systems, system controls, system intelligence, adaptation, diagnostics, and serviceability design. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: AUT 335, and AUT 340 or AUT 440. Restricted to Automotive Technology students or departmental approval required. Lab fee: $120.

Credit Hours: 3

Investigation of contemporary issues within the automotive, ground transportation and power generation fields. Example subjects include emission laws and regulations; passenger and pedestrian safety; inspection, maintenance, diagnostic, and servicing procedures; consumer protection legislation; diagnostic systems; waste material regulations; industry wholesale and retail business operations and procedures. Independent study. Student can take a maximum of 15 hours toward degree. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Study of alternative fuel and energy systems, fuel delivery systems, alternative propulsion systems, hybrid and alternative propulsion. Study of energy conversion, battery design, fuel cells, renewable and fossil fuel. Environmental concerns with current legislative actions will be discussed. Laboratory includes demonstrations with alternative fueled propulsion. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor. Lab fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 3

This course investigates the various federal and state laws and regulations impacting the operations of the automotive wholesale and retail business. There will be specific concentration on the warranty policies of automotive manufacturers, warranty decisions, law covering warranties, and the legal aspects of product campaigns. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the warranty and goodwill process to increase customer satisfaction. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to major. Special approval needed from the advisor.

Credit Hours: 3

Course encompasses all technical areas of the vehicle with emphasis on diagnostic strategies and routines. Students engage in systematic diagnosis following the Symptom to System to Component to Cause (SSCC) strategy to determine the root cause of failure. Course utilizes problem-based learning through the use of lab vehicles, experiments and exploratory research. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisites: AUT 340, 440, or consent of department. Special approval needed from advisor. Lab fee: $180.

Credit Hours: 6