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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
AUTOD350A
Course Title (CB02)
Introduction to Automotive Principles
Course Credit Status
Non-Credit
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
A selective study of the automobile's engine systems. Knowledge and skills that are necessary for basic repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of today's engine systems. This course may be used to fulfill the prerequisite to the Automotive Technology Program.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This is a noncredit CTE course that is included in the General Service Technician Certificate of Completion. It is intended as an introduction to automotive systems and to better prepare students to enter the Day and Evening Programs as advised by our industry advisory committee. This course will inform students of vehicle repair safety and the importance of properly maintained vehicles in a theory based lecture with an emphasis on under hood concepts.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
99

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Not transferable

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
0.0
Maximum Credit Units
0.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours4.08.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
48.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
96.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
96.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

  • ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.
  • Elementary algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond elementary algebra

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

NONCREDIT: (This is a noncredit enhanced, CTE course.)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Assignments

  1. Required reading from text and syllabus
  2. Required worksheets from syllabus
  3. Multiple choice quizzes
  4. Final examination

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Completion and accuracy of worksheets and quizzes with emphasis on internal combustion engines.
  2. Final exam consisting of multiple-choice questions that require the students to understand four-stroke engine operation and basic engine maintenance procedures and identify engine components including cooling and lubrication systems.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Safety glasses for laboratory demonstrations
Essential College Facilities:
  • Automotive technology laboratory with "Alldata" and "Mitchell on-demand" electronic information systems

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Gilles, Tim. "Automotive Service". 5th Edition, Thomson/Delmar 2016. Albany, New York.

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
"Alldata" electronic information system at www.alldata.com
"Mitchell on-demand" electronic information system at www.mitchell1.com

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Explain basic internal combustion engine operation.
  • Describe engine lubrication systems
  • Describe the operation of the various internal engine support systems; such as lubrication, cooling, etc.
  • Calculate the relationship between voltage, amperage, and ohms
  • Explain the operation of the various electrical components that support the operation of the internal combustion engine.
  • Describe the components and their operation as related to the various fuel and ignition systems.

CSLOs

  • Answer correctly, selected questions on the final exam concerning engine theory, lubrication, and basic electrical fundamentals.

Outline

  1. Explain basic internal combustion engine operation.
    1. Energy conversion
    2. Basic engine components
    3. Four-stroke cycle
    4. Two-stroke cycle
    5. Diesel engine operation
    6. Engine classification
    7. Engine measurements
    8. Engine efficiency
    9. Engine construction - block
    10. Engine construction - valve train
    11. Engine bearings
    12. Engine gaskets and sealants
    13. Engine seals
  2. Describe engine lubrication systems
    1. Lubricating oil - petroleum-based and synthetic
    2. Oil Pressure - hydrodynamic lubrication
    3. Lubrication system components
    4. Positive crankcase ventilation
  3. Describe the operation of the various internal engine support systems; such as lubrication, cooling, etc.
    1. Cooling system principles
    2. Liquid cooling system components
    3. Coolants
    4. Temperature controls
    5. Air cooling systems
    6. Overheating problems
  4. Calculate the relationship between voltage, amperage, and ohms
    1. What is "electricity"?
    2. Producing electricity
    3. Magnets and magnetism
    4. Conductors, insulator semi-conductors
    5. Voltage, current, resistance
    6. Ohms law
    7. Series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits
    8. Open, shorts, and grounds
    9. Electrical test equipment - voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter
    10. Circuit protection devices
    11. Electrical wiring and switches
    12. Transducers, diodes, transistors
    13. Computers and microprocessors
  5. Explain the operation of the various electrical components that support the operation of the internal combustion engine.
    1. Purpose and construction
    2. Battery types - wet/dry
    3. Chemical action
    4. Battery ratings
    5. Battery diagnosis and testing procedures
    6. Battery service
    7. Cranking motors and circuits
    8. Cranking motors principles
    9. Cranking motor drives
    10. Alternator principles - electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction
    11. Alternator components
    12. Alternator regulator types and operation
  6. Describe the components and their operation as related to the various fuel and ignition systems.
    1. Breaker-point type ignition fundamentals
    2. Breaker-point type ignition components
    3. Voltage requirements
    4. Ignition timing
    5. Spark advance mechanisms
    6. Breaker-less (electronic ignition) fundamentals and operation
    7. Carburetors principle
    8. Carburetors circuits
    9. Carburetors types
    10. Electronic feedback controlled carburetors
    11. Gasoline fuel supply system components
    12. Evaporative emission control
    13. Throttle body and port fuel injection
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