John H. Reagan High School
713-861-5694
www.jhreagan.org
Enabling our students to realize great heights
Course Syllabus 2013 – 2014
Course Cluster:
Course:
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Automotive Technology
Instructor: Alan Hughes
Email: ahughes3@houstonisd.org
Room# V101 & V105
Conference: 7th Period – 2:50-3:40
Tutorials: 8:00-8:30 Mon-Fri
Course Overview
Automotive services include knowledge of the function of the major automotive systems and the
principles of diagnosing and servicing these systems. In Automotive Technology, students gain
knowledge and skills in the repair, maintenance, and diagnosis of vehicle systems. This study allows
students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting
and relevant activities, problems, and settings. The focus of this course is to teach the theory of
operation of automotive vehicle systems and associated repair practices.
General Expectations
Automotive Technician Knowledge, Skills and Performance Description
(1) The student knows the employability characteristics of a successful worker in the modern
workplace. The student is expected to:
 Identify employment opportunities, including entrepreneurship, and certification requirements
for the field of automotive services;
 Demonstrate the principles of group participation and leadership related to citizenship and
career preparation;
 Identify employers' expectations and appropriate work habits;
 Apply the competencies related to resources, information, systems, and technology;
 Demonstrate knowledge of the technical knowledge and skills related to health and safety in
the workplace, as specified by appropriate government regulations; and
 Discuss ethics in a variety of workplace scenarios.
(2) The student relates academic skills to the requirements of automotive services. The student is
expected to demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with individuals from varied
cultures such as fellow workers, management, and customers.
(3) The student knows the technical knowledge and skills that form the knowledge of automotive
services. The student is expected to:
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Describe the function of the major components of powered vehicles such as engines, fuel,
lubrication, cooling, electrical, and air conditioning systems;
Describe the function of the automotive chassis components such as braking, steering,
transmission, drivetrain, and suspension systems;
Locate, read, and interpret documents such as schematics, charts, diagrams, graphs, parts
catalogs, and service-repair manuals and bulletins;
Perform precision measurements to diagnose component wear, compare to published
specifications, and determine necessary repair; and
Discuss alternative fuel vehicles.
(4) The student knows the functions and applications of the tools, equipment, technologies, and
materials used in automotive services. The student is expected to:
 Safely use hand and power tools and equipment commonly employed in the maintenance and
repair of vehicles;
 Discuss the proper handling and disposal of environmentally hazardous materials used in
servicing vehicles;
 Demonstrate knowledge of new and emerging automotive technologies; and
 Identify diagnostic tools and equipment.
(5) The student applies the technical knowledge and skills of the trade-to-work situations. The
student is expected to:
 Order, stock, and locate parts;
 Remove, repair, and replace engine components;
 Service and repair braking, steering, and suspension systems;
 Service and repair electrical and electronic systems;
 Service and repair air-conditioning, heating, and accessory systems;
 Inspect, service, and repair chassis and power train components and systems;
 Service and repair cooling and lubrication systems; and
 Perform regular audits and inspections to maintain compliance with safety, health, and
environmental regulations.
Required Texts/Materials
Textbook and Workbook: Modern Automobile Technology by: Patrick E. Duffy
Students will be taught weekly by specific course related chapter lessons from their textbook
beginning with a lecture followed by a power-point presentation followed by a laboratory class
completing tasks to reinforcing what they learned in the classroom.
Course Outline
1st Six Weeks (Aug 26-Oct 4)
(MAT Chapter 5) Auto Shop and Safety
(AT Chapter 11) Vehicle hoisting and lifting
(MAT & AT Chapter 1) Automotive Background and Overview
(MAT Chapter 2) (AT Chapter 2) Careers in the Automotive Service industry
(MAT Chapter 2) (AT Chapter 3) Starting a Career in the Automotive Industry
(MAT Chapter 2) (AT Chapter 4) Working as a Professional Service Technician
(Cover Work Orders)
(MAT Chapter 2) (AT Chapter 5) Technician Certification
(MAT Chapter 3-4) (AT Chapter 9-10) Hand Tools & Power Tools
(MAT Chapter 9) (AT Chapter 8) Fasteners
2nd Six Weeks (Oct 7-Nov 15)
(MAT Chapter 6) (AT Chapter 12) Math, Charts, Calculations
(MAT Chapter 11) (AT Chapter 18) Engine Fundamentals (4 stroke theory)
(MAT Chapter 12) (AT Chapter 18) Engine Design and Classifications
(MAT Chapter 10) (AT Chapter 17) Preventative Maintenance (Safety and General
Inspection, Leak diagnosis, etc.)
(MAT Chapter 39) (AT Chapter 20) Introduction to Cooling Systems
(MAT Chapter 39) (AT Chapter 21) Coolant System Fundamentals
3rd Six Weeks Nov 18-Dec 20)
(MAT Chapter 20) (AT Chapter 66), Introduction to Fuel Systems
(MAT Chapter 21) (AT Chapter 77), Fuel Tanks, Pumps, Lines, and Filters
(MAT Chapter 22) (AT Chapter 78) Fuel Injection Fundamentals and Components
(MAT Chapter 23) (AT Chapter 81), Fuel Injection Diagnosis and Repair
(MAT Chapter 45-46) (AT Chapter 87-88), Engine Performance and Drivability
(MAT Chapter 43-44) (AT Chapter 82 – 86) Introduction to Emission Controls (Engine vacuum,
Compression, Engine basics, etc )
Summary, Review, and Final Exam
Grading System:
Final grade average will be computed immediately at the end of the semester. The grade will be
derived as follows;
 Classroom and Lab participation skills
30%
 Assignments, workbook exercises, and NATEF Task Sheets
20%
 Quizzes
20%
 Final Exam
30%
Total
100%
100 - 90=A
89 -80= B
79 -70=C
69 -69=D
59&below=F