This course emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include: analysis of writing; writing practice; grammar skills; editing and proofreading skills; research skills; and oral presentation skills. Homework assignments reinforce classroom learning.

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include: fractions, decimals, fractions, percents, ratio and proportion; measurement and conversion; formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

Provides a study of human relations and professional development in today’s rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include: human relations skills, job acquisition skills, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

Introduces basic concepts and practices necessary for safe and effective automotive shop operation. Topics include: safety procedures; legal/ethical responsibilities; measurement; machining; hand tools; and shop organization, management, and workflow systems.

Introduces automotive electricity. Topics include: general electrical system diagnosis, lighting system diagnosis and repair, gauges, warning devices, and driver information system diagnosis and repair, horn and wiper/washer diagnosis and repair, accessories diagnosis and repair.

Emphasizes the basic principles, diagnosis, and service/repair of batteries, starting systems, starting system components, alternators, and regulators. Topics include: battery diagnosis and service; starting system diagnosis and repair; and charging system diagnosis and repair.

Introduces automotive engine theory and repair, placing emphasis on inspection, testing, and diagnostic techniques. Topics include: general diagnosis; removal and reinstallation; cylinder heads and valve trains diagnosis and repair; engine blocks assembly diagnosis and repair; lubrication and cooling systems diagnosis and repair.

Introduces fuel, ignition, and exhaust systems theory, diagnosis, repair, and service for vehicles with carburetion and fuel injection systems. Topics include: general engine diagnosis; ignition system diagnosis and repair; fuel, air induction, and exhaust systems diagnosis and repair; positive crankcase ventilation; exhaust gas recirculation; engine related service.

Introduces Brake systems theory and its application to automotive systems. Topics include: hydraulic system diagnosis and repair; drum brake diagnosis and repair; disc brake diagnosis and repair; power assist units diagnosis and repair; miscellaneous (wheel bearings, parking brakes, electrical, etc.) diagnosis and repair.

Introduces students to principles of steering, suspension, wheel alignment, electronic steering, and electronic active suspension. Topics include: steering systems diagnosis and repair; wheel alignment diagnosis and adjustment; wheel/tire service; and diagnosis of electrical and electronic control steering and suspension systems.

Introduces basics of rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive driveline related operation, diagnosis, service and related electronic controls. Topics include: drive shaft and half shaft, universal and constant-velocity (CV) joint diagnosis and repair; ring and pinion gears and differential case assembly; limited slip differential; drive axle shaft; four-wheel drive/all-wheel drive component diagnosis and repair.

Introduces basics of front and rear-wheel drive. Clutch operation, diagnosis and service are included. Electronic controls related to transmission/transaxle operation are discussed. Topics include: clutch diagnosis and repair and transmission/transaxle diagnosis and repair.

Introduces concepts of electronic engine control. Topics include: computerized engine controls diagnosis and repair; intake air temperature controls; early fuel evaporation (intake manifold temperature) controls; and evaporative emissions controls.

Introduces the theory and operation of automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Students attain proficiency in inspection, testing, service, and repair of heating and air conditioning systems and related components. Topics include: a/c system diagnosis and repair; refrigeration system component diagnosis and repair; heating, ventilation, and engine cooling systems diagnosis and repair; operating systems and related controls diagnosis and repair; and refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling.

Introduces students to basic transmission/transaxle theory, inspection, and service procedures. Focuses on minor in-car adjustments, replacements, and repair. Topics include: automatic transmission hydraulic/mechanical theory, automatic transmission service, and exterior adjustments.

Introduces automatic transmission hydraulic/mechanical operations, transmission repair, and automatic transmission hydraulic/mechanical diagnosis. Topics include: removal, disassembly, and reinstallation; oil pump and converter; gear train, shafts, bushings and case; and friction and reaction units.

Introduces automatic transmission hydraulic/mechanical and electronic diagnosis and repair. Topics include: electronically controlled automatic transmission, automatic transmission electrical and electronic problem diagnosis and repair.

Introduces anti-lock brake system (ABS) to include ABS components and ABS operation, testing, and diagnosis. Topics include: general brake and anti-lock brake systems diagnosis and testing, light truck rear anti-lock brake system, four-wheel anti-lock brake system locations, components, and operation.

Introduces principles of electronic suspension, electronic steering, and electronic active suspension. Topics include: electronic steering systems diagnosis and adjustment/repair and diagnosis of electrical and electronic controlled steering and suspension systems.

Introduces On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II), California Air Research Board (CARB) requirements and monitoring technology, diagnostic trouble code definitions, and essentials of advanced drivability diagnosis and data interpretation using a scanner. Topics include: OBD II standards, monitoring capabilities, OBD II diagnostics, and OBD II terms.

Introduces the fundamental concepts and operations necessary to use microcomputers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include: computer terminology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to networking, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, and introduction to databases.