Department:    AT

 Course #:    101

 Credits:    9

 Variable:     No

 Course Description  

Fundamentals of electricity: Series, parallel and series-parallel circuit theory; measurement of voltage, amperage, and resistance; diagnosis and repair of automotive charging, battery and starting systems.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: AT 100 or concurrent enrollment.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 121

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree, Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Perform on-the-vehicle diagnosis.
2. Determine appropriate electrical service by following a systematic diagnostic procedure.
3. Repair assemblies to manufacturer's specifications of tolerances and fit.
4. Properly utilize repair manuals and service information.
5. Explain theory of current flow and Ohm's law.
6. Diagnose battery and starting systems.
7. Diagnose, disassemble, repair, and assemble a variety of alternators and starting motors.
8. Properly utilize test equipment to diagnose electrical, starting, and charging systems.
9. Perform routine maintenance and service operations.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.2 Demonstrate standards of professionalism in manner, appearance, and setting appropriate to the context, including the classroom, workplace, and community.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

1. Safety procedures and orientation.
2. Electron theory.
3. Ohm's law.
4. Circuit types and circuit operation.
5. Electromagnetism.
6. Electrical meters and test equipment.
7. Circuit failures.
8. System components and control devices.
9. Cells and batteries.
10. Battery safety.
11. Battery types and battery ratings.
12. Battery testing and service.
13. Starter motor operation.
14. Starter diagnosis and repair.
15. Cranking motor circuit.
16. Testing and repair.
17. Alternator principle of operation.
18. Alternator diagnosis and repair.
19. Charging circuit.
20. Circuit testing and repair.