Section 3: Course design
2008/16333[v2]
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
1
2
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
Course structure
The syllabus for new courses includes the following elements.
Rationale
The rationale defines the course in terms of its unifying ideas and makes
explicit the purpose for learning in broad terms.
Course outcomes
The course outcomes are statements of what students should know,
understand, value and be able to do as a result of what they are taught and
what they learn in a course.
Course content
A broad structure for the organisation of the content is provided, along with
details about the major content areas that are further elaborated in each of
the course units.
Course units
The units and their content are structured from stage P (in some courses), to
stage 3. The cognitive difficulty of the content increases with each stage and
is referenced to the broad development of learning described in the outcome
progressions.
Time and
completion
requirements
Requirements and time allocation for course completion are outlined.
Vocational
education training
information
Information about integrating VET with courses is included for schools
wishing to provide students with the opportunity to achieve VET units of
competency while studying the course. Details of the relevant training
packages are also provided.
Resources
Any recommended or set text lists are provided here. Reference is also
made to a detailed list of relevant textbooks, teacher references, teacher
guides and manuals that can be found at
www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/courses/
Assessment
The types of assessment required for the course, the weightings of these
types and the guidelines specific to the assessment for the course are
provided.
Grades
Grade descriptors are used in reporting student achievement at the end of a
course unit. The grades package for this course is available in the support
materials on the course page at
http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au/internet/Senior_Secondary/Courses/
WACE
examination
details
Requirements for examinations are identified.
Unit syllabus
A separate syllabus is provided for each course unit. The unit syllabus
includes information about the focus of the unit, provides some suggested
learning contexts and gives details about the specific content that needs to
be taught.
Outcome
progressions
The outcome progressions describe, in broad terms, the expectations of
learning for students. In teaching a particular course unit, teachers use the
outcome progressions along with the unit content to:
 plan appropriate lessons and activities for their students
 develop specific assessment tasks and marking keys.
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
3
The relationship of outcome progressions to unit content
Outcome progressions, along with content, should be used by teachers to guide the development and
planning of their teaching and learning programs. They also provide direction in the development of
assessments and associated marking keys. Levels are not to be used as the scale to assess students
directly for reporting student performance.
The cognitive difficulty of the content of units increases with each stage (preliminary, one, two and
three) and is referenced to the broad development of learning described in the outcome progressions.
Stage P
units
Stage P units provide opportunities for practical and well supported learning to
help students develop skills required for them to be successful upon leaving
school or in the transition to stage 1 units. The content is pitched at Foundation
and levels 1–2. Post-school pathways may include TAFE and the workplace.
Stage 1
units
Stage 1 units provide bridging support and a practical and applied focus to help
students develop skills required for them to be successful upon leaving school or
in the transition to stage 2 units. The content is generally pitched at levels 3 to 4.
Post-school pathways may include TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships and the
workplace.
Stage 2
units
Stage 2 units provide opportunities for applied learning with more focus on
academic learning for transition to stage 3. The content is generally pitched at
levels 4 to 6. Post-school options may include TAFE, apprenticeships and
traineeships, university and the workplace.
Stage 3
units
Stage 3 units provide opportunities to extend knowledge and understandings in
academic learning contexts. The content is generally pitched at levels 6 to 8. The
post-school pathway is typically university with some students opting for the
workplace or to enrol in TAFE courses.
In planning what to teach, teachers:
 read the course as a whole to understand its structure, how the content develops and to clarify the
outcomes and expectations of learning of students in each stage
 refer directly to the unit/s to be taught to determine the specific content and the learning contexts
available and the relevant parts of the outcome progressions.
Diagram 1: Outcome progressions and unit content
8
Stage 2
units
Stage 1
units
6
5
4
3
2
Stage P
1
Outcome progressions
7
Stage 3
units
F
4
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
5
Content
The course content needs to be the focus of the learning program. It enables students to maximise
their achievement of both the overarching learning outcomes from the Curriculum Framework and the
Automotive Engineering and Technology course outcomes. By engaging with this essential content,
students can demonstrate their achievement.
The course content is divided by three content organisers which are consistent across all units:
 automotive mechanics
 impact of the automotive industry
 developments in the automotive industry.
How the content spirals
Each unit is defined with a particular focus and a selection of learning contexts through which the
specific unit content can be taught and learnt. The cognitive difficulty of the content increases with
each stage and is referenced to the broad learning described in the course standards. The pitch of the
content for each stage is notional and there will be overlap between stages.
Stage 1 units provide bridging support and a practical and applied focus to help students develop
skills required to be successful for Stage 2 units. The content is typically pitched at levels 3 to 4.
Stage 2 units provide opportunities for applied learning but there is a focus more on academic
learning. The content is typically pitched at levels 4 to 6.
Stage 3 units provide opportunities to extend knowledge and understandings in challenging academic
learning contexts. The content is typically pitched at levels 6 to 8.
Through engaging with this course each of the units is designed around the same content areas
which increase in complexity from one unit to the next. This provides the framework for the scaffolding
of knowledge throughout the units as well as providing a frame of reference for monitoring student
progress. Each unit allows students to achieve all four of the course outcomes.
Unit learning foci
UNIT 1AAET: In automotive systems, students learn about basic automotive sub-systems, auto
body parts and the basic principles around which these are designed and assembled.
UNIT 1BAET: In automotive servicing, teachers can choose to focus on major sub-systems within
the automotive vehicle to allow students to gain basic practical skills in these areas.
UNIT 1CAET: In automotive tuning, teachers can choose to focus on major sub-systems within the
automotive vehicle to allow students to gain basic practical skills in complying to vehicle
manufacturer’s specifications in these areas.
UNIT 1DAET: In automotive components, students learn about basic automotive sub-systems, auto
body parts and the basic principles around which these are repaired and assembled.
UNIT 2AAET: In the world of automotive vehicles teachers may choose to introduce students to
the entire vehicle so that students will see that a vehicle is made up many different sub-systems
including the outer shell of the vehicle and how they can be modified, customized and repaired.
UNIT 2BAET: In the world of engines teachers may focus on engines so that students will gain indepth knowledge and skills in engine repair.
6
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
UNIT 3AAET: In automotive innovation and the future teachers may choose to focus on how the
automotive industry has changed in the past and how it is meeting the changing demands for the
future taking into account materials and the impact on society and the environment.
UNIT 3BAET: In automotive construction teachers may choose to focus on a project such as the
electric vehicle challenge so that students can gain skills in vehicle design, production, modification,
customisation, testing and evaluation. This unit is particularly suitable for students who are working in
integrated programs and/or workplace learning.
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
7
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY: Scope and sequence of content
Course
Content organiser
Automotive mechanics
Principles

pp. 10–11
pp. 12–13
pp. 14–15
pp. 16–17
pp. 18–19
pp. 20–21
pp. 22–23
pp. 24–25
UNIT 1A
Automotive
systems
UNIT 1B
Automotive
servicing
UNIT 1C
Automotive tuning
UNIT 1D
Automotive
components
UNIT 2A
The world of
automotive
vehicles
UNIT 2B
The world of
engines
UNIT 3A
Automotive
innovations and
the future
UNIT 3B
Automotive construction
operation of
automotive
vehicles and the
underpinning
basic scientific,
geometric and
mathematical
principles
different uses of
automotive
vehicles.

basic scientific
principles
underpinning:
Otto cycle;
reciprocating
and rotary
motion;
hydraulics;
forces;
mechanical
advantage;
alignment;
transmission of
power and
electrical and
transmission of
power in their
relation to
automotive
functioning.



operation of
automotive
vehicles and the
underpinning
basic scientific,
geometric and
mathematical
principles
different uses of
automotive
vehicles.


operation of
automotive
vehicles and the
underpinning
basic scientific,
geometric and
mathematical
principles
different uses of
automotive
vehicles.

refinement of
scientific
principles and
the influence of
these in
modifying and
selecting
automotive
technologies for
improved
performance.


modification of
automotive
technologies
and the impact
upon continual
refinement of
scientific
principles
underpinning
automotive
operations
simple
mathematical
and geometrical
explanation of
principles
underpinning
automotive
operations


current and
futuristic
developments in
the automotive
operations and
the impact upon
the scientific,
geometric and
mathematical
principles
diagrammatic
representations
of geometric
principles with
annotated
mathematical
explanations
that underpin
current
automotive
components and
operations.



scientific principles
underpinning: the Otto
cycle; reciprocating and
rotary motion; quantitative
consideration of
hydraulics; forces
operating in an
automotive system;
mechanical advantage;
alignment; transmission
of power and electrical
and transmission of
power in their relation to
automotive functioning
alternative principles
underpinning the
operation of current and
futuristic developments in
automotive technologies
detailed diagrammatic
representations of
geometric principles with
mathematical
explanations that
underpin current
automotive components
and operations including
power train, steering
systems and braking
systems
application of the
following mathematical
relationships to explain
current automotive
components, operations
and assist in diagnosis of
system operation:
Torque [τ],
 F r
Rotational Power [Pr],

Pressure [p] or Stress[σ],




Pr  2    n  
( p)  
8
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
F
A
Course
pp. 10–11
pp. 12–13
pp. 14–15
pp. 16–17
pp. 18–19
pp. 20–21
pp. 22–23
pp. 24–25
Content organiser
UNIT 1A
Automotive
systems
UNIT 1B
Automotive
servicing
UNIT 1C
Automotive tuning
UNIT 1D
Automotive
components
UNIT 2A
The world of
automotive
vehicles
UNIT 2B
The world of
engines
UNIT 3A
Automotive
innovations and the
future
UNIT 3B
Automotive
construction
simple testing
techniques
involved with
daily/weekly
checks and
monitoring of
operation of
single- or multicylinder engines
tune-ups, oil
changes and
service
schedules to
maintain optimal
performance
tools, equipment,
parts and
materials used in
repair and
correction of
minor
mechanical
faults
OSH practices
and techniques
for the safe
storage, use and
care of tools and
machinery.

maintenance and
repair of major
electrical
components in a
motor vehicle
electrical system,
cooling system,
fuel and
lubrication
system
adjustment of
bearings and
removal and
repair of motor
vehicle
components
including wheels,
body and
mechanical parts
development of
flow charts and
problem-solving
skills to diagnose
faults in
conjunction with
the use of
specialised tools
and equipment
servicing, repair
and maintenance
requirements of
more advanced
engines, and the
skills,
knowledge,
materials, parts
and equipment
needed to
optimise
performance
Occupational
Safety and
Health
requirements for
different
processes and
collaborative
practices
involved in
workshop
activities.

Maintenance
and repair


Automotive mechanics

testing
techniques
involved with
daily/weekly
checks and
monitoring of
performance and
operation
tune-ups, oil
changes and
service
schedules to
maintain optimal
performance
tools and
equipment used
in repair and
correction of
minor
mechanical
faults.







simple testing
techniques
involved with
daily/weekly
checks and
monitoring of
operation of
single- or multicylinder engines
tune-ups, oil
changes and
service
schedules to
maintain optimal
performance
tools, equipment,
parts and
materials used in
repair and
correction of
minor
mechanical
faults
OSH practices
and techniques
for the safe
storage, use and
care of tools and
machinery.




simple testing
techniques
involved with
daily/weekly
checks and
monitoring of
operation of
single- or multicylinder engines
tune-ups, oil
changes and
service
schedules to
maintain optimal
performance
tools, equipment,
parts and
materials used in
repair and
correction of
minor mechanical
and automotive
body faults
Occupational
Safety and
Health (OSH)
practices and
techniques for
the safe storage,
use and care of
tools and
machinery.







maintenance
and repair of
major electrical
components in a
motor vehicle
electrical
system, cooling
system, fuel and
lubrication
system
adjustment of
bearings and
removal and
repair of motor
vehicle
components
including wheels,
body and
mechanical parts
diagnostic
testing using
electronic
equipment and
specialised tools
problem-solving
principles
servicing, repair
and
maintenance
requirements of
various types of
engines
materials and
parts required
optimising
performance of
various types of
engines
safety data
information and
workshop
Occupational
Safety and
Health (OSH)
regulations for
both individuals
and small
groups.





Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design




maintenance and
repair of major
electrical
components in a
motor vehicle
electrical system,
cooling system,
fuel and
lubrication
system
adjustment of
bearings and
removal and
repair of motor
vehicle
components
including wheels,
body and
mechanical parts
individualised
servicing, repair
and maintenance
schedules for
engines modified
for particular
reasons
specialised
problem-solving
techniques,
skills,
knowledge,
materials,
equipment and
parts needed to
optimise
performance of
modified
automotive
vehicles
codes of practice
and personal
responsibility
and duty of care
for others when
carrying out
workshop
activities.





maintenance
and repair of
major electrical
components in a
motor vehicle
electrical
system, cooling
system, fuel and
lubrication
system
adjustment of
bearings and
removal and
repair of motor
vehicle
components
including wheels,
body and
mechanical parts
computerised
modelling
processes and
problem-solving
techniques to
develop
diagnostic flow
charts and data
specifications for
servicing, repair
and
maintenance
schedules
development of
tools equipment
and materials to
optimise
performance of
emerging
automotive
technologies
legal implications
associated with
OSH issues and
managing risks
associated when
working with new
and emerging
technologies.
9
Course
pp. 10–11
pp. 12–13
pp. 14–15
pp. 16–17
pp. 18–19
pp. 20–21
pp. 22–23
pp. 24–25
Content organiser
UNIT 1A
Automotive
systems
UNIT 1B
Automotive
servicing
UNIT 1C
Automotive tuning
UNIT 1D
Automotive
components
UNIT 2A
The world of
automotive
vehicles
UNIT 2B
The world of
engines
UNIT 3A
Automotive
innovations and
the future
UNIT 3B
Automotive
construction
basic knowledge
of systems,
subsystems and
components,
and naming the
different parts
and functions of
each.


Automotive mechanics
Systems
Impact of the automotive industry
Rules and
regulations
10



roles of the
various systems
that make up an
automotive
power plant or
vehicle: driveline;
wheels and
tyres; steering
and suspension;
body and frame
construction;
electrical
systems; cooling
systems and
hydraulic braking
systems.

storage, use and
care of tools and
machinery
basic
Occupational
Safety and
Health (OSH)
procedures,
working safely in
the workshop
and safe use of
prescribed
machinery and
technologies
basic rules
associated with
the use of
vehicles.


basic traffic rules
associated with
the safe and
sustainable
personal use of
vehicles
road and vehicle
design.


basic knowledge
of systems,
subsystems and
components,
and naming the
different parts
and functions of
each.
basic traffic rules
associated with
the safe and
sustainable
personal use of
vehicles
road and vehicle
design.



basic knowledge
of systems,
subsystems and
components,
and naming the
different parts
and functions of
each.
basic traffic rules
associated with
the safe and
sustainable
personal use of
vehicles
road and vehicle
design.

operating within
systems,
subsystems and
components
during specific
automotive
operations.





relationship
between
regulations and
rules, and
different
societies and
their
expectations
authorities
responsible for
rules and
regulations, and
legal
implications of
vehicle design
and road use
Australian
design rules.
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design


technological
improvements in
systems,
subsystems and
components in
response to
performance
testing
feedback loops
and their role in
monitoring and
controlling
systems.

state and federal
authorities and
laws relating to
servicing, repair
and modification
of automotive
systems
evolution of laws
for automotive
vehicles and
their use.



advanced
systems,
subsystems and
components that
influence
development
and performance
of automotive
vehicles
integration of
feedback loops
in monitoring
and control
functions.

current rules and
regulations and
automotive
design rules that
meet needs of
new and
emerging
automotive
technologies
rules and
regulations from
state, federal
and international
perspectives.



adaptation of
current systems,
subsystems and
components to
predicted future
technologies
and challenges
monitoring and
control
mechanisms
necessary for
these
automotive
advancements.
rules and
regulations
governing the
export and
import of
different types of
automotive
vehicles
futuristic trends
in design,
purpose and use
of automotive
vehicles and the
impact on
society and the
environment.
Impact of the automotive industry
Course
pp. 10–11
pp. 12–13
pp. 14–15
pp. 16–17
pp. 18–19
pp. 20–21
pp. 22–23
pp. 24-25
Content organiser
UNIT 1A
Automotive
systems
UNIT 1B
Automotive
servicing
UNIT 1C
Automotive tuning
UNIT 1D
Automotive
components
UNIT 2A
The world of
automotive
vehicles
UNIT 2B
The world of
engines
UNIT 3A
Automotive
innovations and
the future
UNIT 3B
Automotive
construction
different forms of
transportation
currently used in
society
broad categories
of occupations
and careers
associated with
the automotive
and affiliated
industries
consumer
awareness
rights and
responsibilities
of both the
vendor and
buyer.

change to our
environment to
accommodate
the use of
different types of
automotive
vehicles and
varying traffic
demands
environmental
considerations of
materials used
and automotive
emissions.

Social and
economic
implications

different forms of
transportation
used in society
broad categories
of occupations
and careers
associated with
the automotive
industry.




Environmental
consequences
Impact of the automotive industry




changes in
environmental
features
necessary for the
safe use of
vehicles
impact of
materials
processing and
use on the
environment and
society
sustainability of
materials.






different forms of
transportation
currently used in
society
broad categories
of occupations
and careers
associated with
the automotive
and affiliated
industries
consumer
awareness
rights and
responsibilities
of both the
vendor and
buyer.

change to our
environment to
accommodate
the use of
different types of
automotive
vehicles and
varying traffic
demands
environmental
considerations
of materials
used and
automotive
emissions.





different forms of
transportation
currently used in
society
broad categories
of occupations
and careers
associated with
the automotive
and affiliated
industries
consumer
awareness
rights and
responsibilities
of both the
vendor and
buyer.

change to our
environment to
accommodate
the use of
different types of
automotive
vehicles and
varying traffic
demands
environmental
considerations of
materials used
and automotive
emissions.



relationships
between
changes in
automotive
technologies
and impacts on
communities
and society
changing nature
of careers and
vocations in the
automotive
industry in
relation to
market forces,
consumer needs
and demands of
society.

advanced
automotive
technologies and
implications for
consumers,
training and the
profile of the
workforce.

current and
future
environmental
considerations
to effectively
implement
emerging
automotive
technologies
and the
consequences
for patterns of
consumer use,
town planning
processes and
location of
manufacturing
industries.
 interrelationships
between potential
social, economic
and environmental
implications of
new and emerging
automotive
technologies,
consumer use and
the workforce.
current
legislation and
environmental
regulations
associated with
engine designs
and manufacture
of automotive
technologies
community
environmental
responsibilities
for public
transport and
road design.

historical
perspective of
the relationships
between
changing global
concerns for
environmental
sustainability,
advancements in
automotive
technologies,
and increased
demands for
transport of
materials and
people.

future global
environmental
challenges
posed by the
increasing use
of automotive
technologies by
third world
countries and
interrelationship
s to current
safeguards and
sustainable
practices
exercised by
communities
and countries.

Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design
new and
emerging fuel
sources,
innovative
designs,
manufacturing
processes,
methods of
public transport
and road design
that are
sustainable on a
global scale, and
relate these
innovations to
changes needed
in current
consumer
demands,
practices,
attitudes and
values.
11
Course
pp. 10–11
pp. 12–13
pp. 14–15
pp. 16–17
pp. 18–19
pp. 20–21
pp. 22-23
pp. 24–25
Content organiser
UNIT 1A
Automotive
systems
UNIT 1B
Automotive
servicing
UNIT 1C
Automotive tuning
UNIT 1D
Automotive
components
UNIT 2A
The world of
automotive
vehicles
UNIT 2B
The world of
engines
UNIT 3A
Automotive
innovations and the
future
UNIT 3B
Automotive
construction
different types of
materials in
various design
concepts and
how they
address
environmental
and cultural
constraints
physical and
mechanical
properties of
basic materials
used in
automotive
technologies
workshop-based,
computerassisted
fabrication
techniques.

advancement in
materials and
performance
testing for their
use in
automotive
technologies
considering
environmental
and cultural
constraints
modification of
automotive
vehicles using
computerassisted
techniques and
fabrication skills.

elements of
design and
techniques for
generating and
communicating
design ideas
market research
and
responsiveness
to consumer’s
demands.

influence of
national and
international
compliance
codes on
proposed
advancements in
the design
elements of
automotive
technologies
underpinning
role of market
research in
developing
proposed
advancements.

Materials

Developments in the automotive industry


Design


12
different types of
component
materials and
their application
to various design
concepts
basic
understanding of
some physical
and mechanical
properties in
prescribed
contexts
matching
properties with
human needs
and
understanding
how they reflect
aesthetic and
environmental
values.

designing skills
including
brainstorming,
investigating and
generating ideas,
fundamentals of
communicating
design by
graphics and
graphical
representation
designing for
others, design
values, market
understanding
and
responsiveness,
and consumers.







different types of
materials in
various design
concepts and
how they
address
environmental
and cultural
constraints
physical and
mechanical
properties of
basic materials
used in
automotive
technologies
workshop-based,
computerassisted
fabrication
techniques.

elements of
design and
techniques for
generating and
communicating
design ideas
market research
and
responsiveness
to consumer’s
demands.




different types of
materials in
various design
concepts and
how they
address
environmental
and cultural
constraints
physical and
mechanical
properties of
basic materials
used in
automotive
technologies
workshop-based,
computerassisted
fabrication
techniques.

elements of
design and
techniques for
generating and
communicating
design ideas
market research
and
responsiveness
to consumer’s
demands.



historical
perspectives of
materials used in
the automotive
industry, and
how they have
evolved with
changing values
and needs of
society
service repair
and maintenance
of automotive
vehicles using
computerassisted
techniques and
fabrication skills.

historical
perspective of
changes in
design elements
of automotive
technologies,
and their
interaction with
changing cultural
values
computerassisted
techniques to
develop
promotional
materials for
market research.

Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design



relationship of
current and
advanced
materials
technology to the
development of
futuristic
automotive
technologies that
are
environmentally
and culturally
compatible
construction of a
futuristic
automotive
model using
computerassisted
techniques and
fabrication skills.

market research
findings, current
design elements
and principles
and their
relationship to
proposed design
concepts for
future
automotive
technologies.


scenarios for the
predicted uses of
new and
emerging
materials
selected for their
properties and
behaviours in the
construction and
use of
automotive
technologies,
and that are
globally
sustainable
construction of
an automotive
technology using
computerassisted
fabrication skills.
environmental
and cultural
constraints on
design of
automotive
technology.
pp. 10–11
pp. 12–13
pp. 14–15
pp. 16–17
pp. 18–19
pp. 20–21
pp. 22–23
pp. 24–25
UNIT 1A
Automotive
systems
UNIT 1B
Automotive
servicing
UNIT 1C
Automotive tuning
UNIT 1D
Automotive
components
UNIT 2A
The world of
automotive
vehicles
UNIT 2B
The world of
engines
UNIT 3A
Automotive
innovations and
the future
UNIT 3B
Automotive
construction
planning for, and
management of
manufacturing
processes and
strategies for
standard
automotive
designs
economic
implications and
quality
assurance
issues of mass
production lines.

Developments in the automotive
industry
Course
Content organiser
Managing
production

sequential
production plans,
time planning,
identification of
resource needs,
and evaluation of
manufacturing
processes.



planning for, and
management of
manufacturing
processes and
strategies for
standard
automotive
designs
economic
implications and
quality
assurance
issues of mass
production lines.


planning for, and
management of
manufacturing
processes and
strategies for
standard
automotive
designs
economic
implications and
quality
assurance
issues of mass
production lines.

advent of
computerised
mass production
lines and
changes in the
workforce,
planning,
production and
management
processes, and
testing regimes
for quality
assurance.
Automotive Engineering and Technology: Section 3 Course design

planning for, and
management of
small-scale
production of
prototypes,
incorporating
innovative
design elements
underpinned by
research,
evaluation of
performance
testing for quality
assurance and
economic
viability.

interpretation of
innovative,
futuristic
automotive
designs and
changes
required in
planning for, and
management of,
processes and
strategies,
quality control
and economic
viability for small
scale
manufacture.


social, economic
and
environmental
implications of
scenarios where
there is
increased
computerisation
of mass
production
alternative
materials and
power sources
used in
automotive
technology.
13