Automotive Technology
The work of automotive service technicians and mechanics has evolved from mechanical repair to a high technology job. As a result, these workers are now usually called “technicians” in automotive services and the term “mechanic” is falling into disuse.
Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers run vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials. Automotive service technicians use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, ethanol and other alternative fuels, such as electricity. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Computers also have become commonplace in modern repair shops. Service technicians use readouts from computerized diagnostic testing devices. A shop’s computerized system provides automatic updates to technical manuals and unlimited access to manufacturers’ service information, technical service bulletins, and other databases that allow technicians to keep current on problem spots and to learn new procedures.
Degrees & Certificates in Automotive Technology
APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
All curriculum guides reflect the RLC official catalog. Please check the latest catalog and addendum for possible changes.
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY — Degree
Associate in Applied Science Degree
A two-year program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree, this curriculum is based on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards designed to prepare the student for certification in the automotive industry. The Automotive Technology program qualifies for Master Certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The program also is accredited by NATEF. Upon completion, the student has the option to capstone into a participating four-year institution.
► Total = 69 Hours
First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1202 Engine Repair (5)
- AUTO 1231 Intro to Automotive Technology (2)
- AUTO 1232 Electrical Systems A (3)
- ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 1 (3)
- Elective – General Education (3)
Second Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1235 Engine Performance A (5)
- AUTO 1240 Air Conditioning (3)
- AUTO 1245 Braking Systems (4)
- COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
- MATH Elective – Math 1 (3)
Third Semester (18 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 2230 Electrical Systems B (3)
- AUTO 2232 Engine Performance C (3)
- AUTO 2235 Engine Performance B (5)
- AUTO 2245 Suspension and Steering (4)
- Elective – General Education 2 (3)
Fourth Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1210 Supervised Occupational Experience (2)
- AUTO 2214 Automatic Trans / Transaxle (5)
- AUTO 2215 Manual Drive Train and Axles (5)
- AUTO 2250 Automotive Computer Electronics (3)
- AUTO 2213 Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (2)
RECOMMENDED COURSES
- CSCI 1101 Intro to Computers (3)
- WELD 1270 Intro to Welding Processes (4)
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based test scores.
2 Consult advisor for choices to consider for transfer and other options.
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY — Certificate
Occupational Certificate
Gainful Employment Information
► Total = 50 Hours
First Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1202 Engine Repair (5)
- AUTO 1231 Intro to Automotive Technology (2)
- AUTO 1232 Electrical Systems A (3)
Second Semester (12 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1235 Engine Performance A (5)
- AUTO 1240 Air Conditioning (3)
- AUTO 1245 Braking Systems (4)
Third Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 2230 Electrical Systems B (3)
- AUTO 2232 Engine Performance C (3)
- AUTO 2235 Engine Performance B (5)
- AUTO 2245 Suspension and Steering (4)
Fourth Semester (13 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 2214 Automatic Trans / Transaxles (5)
- AUTO 2215 Manual Drive Train and Axles (5)
- AUTO 2250 Automotive Computer Electronics (3)
RECOMMENDED COURSES
- CSCI 1101 Intro to Computers (3)
- WELD 1270 Intro to Welding Processes (4)
AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION — Certificate
Spring Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 2214 Automatic Trans/Transaxle (5)
- AUTO 2215 Manual Drive Train and Axles (5)
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL — Certificate
Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1232 Electrical Systems A (3)
- AUTO 2230 Electrical Systems B (3)
AUTOMOTIVE BRAKE — Certificate
► Total = 6 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester (2 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1231 Intro to Automotive Technology (2)
Spring Semester (4 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1245 Braking Systems (4)
AUTO SUSPENSION and STEERING — Certificate
Fall Semester (6 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1231 Intro to Automotive Technology (2)
- AUTO 2245 Suspension and Steering (4)
AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING — Certificate
► Total = 5 Cr. Hrs.
Fall Semester (2 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1231 Intro to Automotive Technology (2)
Spring Semester (3 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1240 Air Conditioning (3)
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE REPAIR — Certificate
Fall Semester (7 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1202 Engine Repair (5)
- AUTO 1231 Intro to Automotive Technology (2)
FORD MLR — Certificate
Gainful Employment Information
► Total = 18 Hours
First Semester (11 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1266 Ford MLR (1)
- AUTO 1232 Electrical Systems A (3)
- AUTO 2230 Electrical Systems B (3)
- AUTO 2245 Suspension and Steering (4)
Second Semester (7 Cr. Hrs.)
- AUTO 1240 Air Conditioning (3)
- AUTO 1245 Braking Systems (4)
Program Outcomes
Automotive
| 1. Perform diagnosis, testing, and repair of the eight ASE certification areas in Automotive/Light Truck to industry standards. |
| 2. Employ the skills and knowledge necessary to certify in the eight ASE areas. |
| 3. Demonstrate workplace skills necessary in the automotive industry which include: effective oral and written communication, problem-solving, application of information, critical thinking, decision making, teamwork, and the appropriate use of technology. |
| 4. Demonstrate work ethics and behavior necessary in the automotive industry. |
The Automotive Technology Program at Rend Lake College is certified by The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Since 1983, NATEF has accredited qualified automotive service programs in schools across the country, ensuring automotive service training programs are truly aligned to meet today’s “real world” needs.
Faculty & Staff
Dean of Applied Science & Technology
Phone Extension: 1774
Building: South Oasis
Office: 145
2000 RLCF OUTSTANDING OFFICESUPPORT STAFF AWARD | 2011 RLCF ASSESSMENT AWARD | 2016 RLCF FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD | Ed.M., University of Illinois | B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale | A.A. & A.A.S., Rend Lake College | Certificate, Microsoft Office User Specialist | Certificate, Microsoft Office 2000 Master
Administrative Assistant | Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone Extension: 1261
Building: South Oasis
Office: 134
A.A.S - RLC, B.A.S - SIUC
Automotive Professor | Applied Science Division
Phone Extension: 1784
Building: North Oasis
Office: 108
B.S. & A.A.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale | A.S.E. Certified Master Automobile Technician
Automotive Technology Instructor
Phone Extension: 1287
Building: North Oasis
Office: 115
A.A.S.. Lake Land College
B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale
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