Automotive Electricity I/ AUT 241 (4 credit hours)

Course Syllabus

 

Course Description

 

Introduces electricity and magnetism, symbols and circuitry as applied to batteries, starters, alternators, and lighting systems. This course is the first of three program courses in automotive electricity and electronics. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total of 6 hours per week.

 

Course Objectives

 

Upon completion of this course, the student should:

 

  1. Develop an understanding of basic electrical theory and its application to automotive electrical circuits.
  2. Develop an understanding for the proper use and care of electrical test equipment.
  3. Develop an understanding of the construction, testing and maintenance of automotive storage batteries.
  4. Develop an understanding of magnetism and electromagnetic induction, and their application in automotive electrical systems.
  5. Develop an understanding of basic circuit diagnosis.
  6. Develop an understanding of the operation, testing and servicing of automotive starting and charging systems.
  7. Develop an understanding of basic automotive electrical diagnosis, electrical component failure analysis and repair.
  8. Develop a working knowledge of automotive lighting systems and circuits.

 

Instructor

 

Reg Bennett

Bisdorf/ AA Building, Room 352

703.845.6523 (Office) / 703.845.6006 (Fax)

Email:  rbennett@nvcc.edu

Note:  Instructor office hours are posted at www.nvcc.edu/home/rbennett or in the STB office reception area in Bisdorf/AA352.

 

Course Text

 

Auto Tech Custom NVCC Package

Author:  Packer

Publisher:  Pearson

ISBN:  9780558337063

 

Important!  You must  have the spiral-bound worktext that comes with the course text package! This worktext contains the worksheets that will document your individual laboratory learning experience. The worktext appendix contains the NATEF task list for automotive electricity/electronics. The instructor will specify which tasks will be covered during the course.

 

Entry-Level Competencies

 

Functional ability to read, write and speak the English language.

 

Grading

 

 

Letter-grade equivalents:      A = 91-100%

                                                   B = 81-90%

                                                   C = 71-80%

                                                   D = 61-70%

                                                   F = 60% and below

 

Student Responsibilities/Requirements

 

·        Attendance is mandatory! Unexcused absences will result in a reduced grade. Each student will be allowed a maximum of TWO excused absences during the semester for illness or a legitimate emergency. You must contact the instructor within two hours of the scheduled class meeting to be eligible for an excused absence!

·        Students who do not attend class within the first two weeks of the start date will be withdrawn in accordance with current college policy. Students that attend at least one of the first two class meetings will not be dropped and subject to a failing grade if they do not attend future classes. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw themselves if they cannot continue the course and do not want a failing grade.

·        Classes are planned to begin at their scheduled times. Unexcused late arrivals will result in a grade penalty.

·        Students must inform the instructor if they must leave before the end of any class session. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence for that session.

·        Students are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

·        Students are expected to bring pencils, pens and notepaper to all class sessions.

 

·        Students must purchase ScanTron answer sheets for class assignments. You should also use a No. 2 pencil for all assignments requiring a ScanTron form.

·        Students must adhere to current Automotive Laboratory rules/policies, posted at Room AE117 (Tool Room).

·        All students are required to wear protective eyewear for ALL laboratory activities, per Virginia Statute 22.1-175. Eyewear with dark lenses is not recommended for indoor use.

·        Automotive Program students are invited to use their non-business personal vehicles for course-related laboratory activities. Student vehicles often exhibit real-world faults that provide excellent learning opportunities. However, the NOVA Automotive Program is not a “hobby shop”! Due to the number of classes and space constraints, non-NOVA vehicles must be removed at the end of each lab session. Please be aware of this when requesting personal vehicle work.

·        The use of electronic devices such as MP3s, iPODs, portable game systems, and smartphones is prohibited during lecture and lab sessions. Texting, web-surfing and gaming are unacceptable activities during class sessions.

·        Sleeping during lectures will be considered an absence and your grade will be reduced accordingly.

·        There will be no make-up test allowed for the final exam.

·        If you are seeking special accommodations based on a disability, you must provide an Accommodations Memorandum from Student Services.

·        Please feel free to discuss any concerns or problems regarding this course with the instructor.

Additional Course Information

·        Martin Luther King Day holiday for students, faculty and staff      01/16/12

·        Last day to drop with tuition refund or change to audit                  01/26/12

·        Spring break (no classes)                                                                       03/5-11/12

·        Last day to withdraw without grade penalty                                     03/23/12

·        Final exam week                                                                                     05/1-7/12

·        In the event of a delayed opening, if there is at least 45 minutes left in the class/lab session, the class will meet at the indicated campus opening time.

·        The instructor and/or the college reserve the right to change the course as deemed appropriate.

 

Course Text Coverage

Ch.3, “Electrical Fundamentals”
Ch.11, “Capacitance and Capacitors”
Ch.9, “Digital Meters”
Ch.4, “Electrical Circuits and Ohm’s Law”
Ch.5, “Series Circuits”
Ch.6, “Parallel Circuits”
Ch.7, “Series-Parallel Circuits”
Ch.12, “Magnetism and Electromagnetism”
Ch.10, “Wiring Schematics and Troubleshooting”
Ch.8, “Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair”
Ch.13, “Batteries”
Ch.14, “Battery Testing and Service”
Ch.15, “Cranking System”
Ch.16, “Cranking System Diagnosis and Service”
Ch.17, “Charging System”
Ch.18, “Charging System Diagnosis and Service”
Ch.19, “Lighting and Signaling Circuits”