Automotive Powertrain Technology

Effective: Fall 2022
Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

Chabot College offers several Certificates of Achievement in Automotive Technology. The certificate is built around a core set of courses in specific automotive areas. The classes are designed to upgrade your skills and place you in the industry quickly. As you progress through your automotive program, you will be able to obtain certificates in different automotive areas and start entering your new career in the automotive industry. You will also be prepared to take your industry certification exams during your courses here at Chabot College from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and California State Licensing.


What can I do with this major?

As a graduate, you will be highly sought after for entry-level technicians for positions in both the Dealership and Aftermarket areas. You will know how to diagnose, service, and repair an automobile with pride and confidence. There are several employment opportunities in both the Dealership and Aftermarket areas, some of them are:

  • Service Technician
  • Automotive Engine Specialist
  • Alignment Technician
  • Brake Service Technician
  • Automatic and Manual Transmission Technician
  • Automotive Air Condition Specialist
  • Body Electrical Technician
  • Engine Management / Driveability Specialist
  • Master Technician
  • Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technician
  • ADAS Specialist
  • Shop Foreman
  • Service Advisor
  • General Manager

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Industrial Technology & Automotive

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

11 units

ATEC 50
Introduction to Automotive Technology1

3 units
Automotive industry fundamentals including careers; safety; fasteners, hand tool identification and usage; vehicle systems, electrical fundamentals; service information access and use; automotive chemical and fluid applications; hazardous waste handling; general shop equipment usage, and vehicle servicing. same as APAU 9724
Course Details:
Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

ATEC 1
Automotive Engines

4 units
Automotive engine fundamentals including; configurations and designs, operation, diagnostic tests; disassembly, inspection, thread repair, broken bolt removal, precision measurement, assembly, timing chains and belts, valve adjustments, cooling systems, introduction to engine machining, proper use of shop related tools and equipment, and safety practices. same as APAU 9747
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: ATEC 50
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring

ATEC 6A
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

4 units
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals including: Ohm's Law, basic electrical circuits, components, battery, starting, charging, and basic wiring systems, electrical components and the use of basic wiring diagrams for trouble shooting systems, repair of wiring circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment. same as APAU 9725
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: ATEC 50
Terms Offered: Spring, Fall
  • 1 - Once enrolled (registered) in ATEC 50, you may register for the other courses.

Semester 2

9 units

ATEC 6B
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems

3 units
Automotive body electronics, vehicle lighting, instrumentation, OEM audio, navigation, and communication systems, supplemental restraint systems, starter interlock systems, computer controlled charging systems. same as APAU 9748
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: ATEC 6A
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring

ATEC 2
Automotive Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles

3 units
Automotive Automatic Transmission fundamentals including: Diagnosis, inspection, repair, and adjustment of automatic transmission/transaxle assemblies, torque converters, friction materials, hydraulics, gear trains, manual and electronic controls. same as APAU 9733
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: ATEC 50
Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

ATEC 3
Automotive Manual Transmissions and Transaxles

3 units
Automotive Manual Transmission fundamentals including: Theory, diagnosis, repair and adjustment of automotive manual transmissions/transaxles, driveshafts, half shafts, final drives, clutches, viscous couplings, and transfer cases. Two, four and all-wheel drive assemblies, theory, service and repair. same as APAU 9732
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: ATEC 50
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring
Total Units: 20 units
This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.