Associate of Applied Science

The Automotive Technology curriculum consists of eight areas of study as defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE is a non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair as well as assisting in training and program development throughout the nation. The eight ASE content areas of study, along with the College’s general education requirements, are structured into four groups with all eight areas of study being offered during a two-year period. Each student will be given the opportunity to become certified by ASE in each of the eight content areas. Successful completion of this program will enable students to enter the automotive job market.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate safe shop practices and hazardous material handling.
• Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems to industry standards.
• Diagnose and repair automotive engine performance, fuel, and emission control systems to industry standards.
• Diagnose and repair automotive brakes suspension, and steering systems to industry standards.
• Diagnose and repair automotive internal combustion engine systems to industry standards.
• Diagnose and repair automotive powertrain systems (manual and automatic transmission/transaxles and drive axles) to industry standards.
• Diagnose and repair automotive heating and air conditioning systems as to industry standards.

The Helena College Automotive Technology program partners with local industry to provide work-based learning opportunities for students enrolled in the Automotive program.

Note: The Automotive program provides tools for students, but students are encouraged to purchase tools for their work-based learning positions. A suggested tool list is outlined in the Equipment and Tools section of this program.

Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Credits
M 111	Technical Mathematics 1	3
AST 103	Automotive Mechanics Core (Fall only) 2	3
AST 130	Intro to Auto Electronics (Fall only) 2	6
AST 114	Automotive Brakes (Fall only)	5
	Credits	17
Semester 2
AST 220	Auto Steering and Suspension (Spring only)	5
AST 160	Automotive Engine Repair (Spring only)	6
AST 108	Manual Drivetrains (Spring only)	5
COMX 106	Comm in a Dynamic Workplace (Spring only)	3
	Credits	19
Semester 3
AST 230	Elec/Elctrncs Sys II (Fall only)	6
AST 262	Engine Performance I (Fall only)	6
AST 264	Engine Performance II (Fall only)	6
	Credits	18
Semester 4
AST 270	Auto Transmissions/Transaxles (Spring only)	6
AST 172	Auto Heating/Air Conditioning (Spring only)	4
AST 274	Intro to Hybrid Vehicle Tech (Spring only)	3
	Credits	13
	Total Credits	67

¹

M 111 is the mathematics class recommended for students in the skilled trades programs, but other higher math classes may be substituted.

²

Students must earn a C- or higher in order to successfully complete a course. To advance, all previous semester classes must be passed with a C- or higher.

Note: Upon their successful graduation in the Automotive Technology Program at Helena College, a 4-year B.S. degree in Automotive Technology is available through a partnership at Montana State University-Northern.

Equipment and Tool Ordering Procedure

Students do not purchase tools through the College. Tool costs vary depending on the vendor; approximates are average costs. Tools may take several weeks to arrive, and vendors will not deliver without full payment. A commitment sheet in writing from your vendor on the latest possible delivery date is advised before ordering.

Tool vouchers may be available for students who are eligible and have completed all requirements for enough financial aid to cover all tuition, fees, and the cost of tools. Tool vouchers may be obtained through Student Accounts.

Automotive Technology Equipment and Tool Set

$3,700 – $4,600 (Approximately)

Helena College provides all of the tools needed for students while in class. However, if a student desires to take advantage of the opportunity to work in a local shop while in school, the student will need to have their own tool set to use at work. Please refer to the following list of tools that are needed in the automotive industry. Your instructor will provide more information at orientation/during the first week of class.

1. Tool Chest Roll Cabinet (with lock), 5 drawer minimum
2. 1/2 Drive Breaker bar
3. 10” Slip Joint Pliers [water pump]
4. 1/4 Drive Metric Sockets, Shallow 4mm to 15 mm; 13 pc.
5. Battery Service Pliers
6. 1/2 Drive Metric Sockets, Shallow 12 mm to 24 mm
7. Side Post Battery Wrench and Wire Brush
8. 3/8 Metric Sockets, Deep and Shallow 8 mm to 19 mm
9. Top Post Battery Brush
10. 1/2 Drive Standard Sockets, Shallow 1/2 to 1-1/8
11. Reversible Snap Ring Pliers
12. 1/4 Drive Standard Sockets, Deep and Shallow; 3/16 to 9/16 20 pc.
13. 10” Vise Grip Type Pliers
14. 3/8 Standard Sockets, Deep and Shallow 1/4 to 7/8 22 pc.
15. Wire Stripper Cutters 10-20 ga. wire
16. 5/8 and 13/16 Spark Plug Sockets
17. 10 pc. Punch and Chisel set
18. Torx Sockets T8 to T55 11 pc. set
19. 16 oz. Ball Peen Hammer
20. 1/2 Drive Ratchet
21. 32 oz. Ball Peen or Engineer Type Hammer
22. 1/4 Drive Ratchet
23. 16 oz. Dead Blow Soft Face Hammer
24. 3/8 Flex Head Ratchet 46. Hacksaw
25. 3/8 Ratchet
26. Wire Brush
27. 1/2 Drive Extensions 5”, 11”
28. Flashlight
29. 1/4 Drive Extensions 2”, 4”, 6”
30. 12’ Tape Measure
31. 3/8 Drive Extensions 1”, 3”, 6”, 11”
32. Circuit Tester
33. 1/4 Drive Screwdriver Style Handle
34. Radiator Hose Removal Tool
35. Adapters 3/8” to 1/4”; 3/8” to 1/2”; 1/2” to 3/8”
36. 4 pc. Seal Pick Set
37. Universals 1/4”, 3/8”
38. 16” Rolling Head [Heel] Bar
39. Standard Wrenches 3/8” to 1”
40. Inspection Mirror
41. Metric Wrenches 8 mm to 19 mm
42. Magnetic Retrieval Tool
43. Standard Flare Nut Wrenches 1/4” to 13/16”
44. Metric Flare Nut Wrenches 8 mm to 21 mm
45. Ignition Gauge Set [Short Blade .010 through .035]
46. Standard Allen Wrenches 58. Feeler Gauge Set .0015 through .025
47. Metric Allen Wrenches
48. Wire Gap Gauge .044 through .080
49. 12” Adjustable Wrench
50. Spark Plug Gap Gauge [Taper]
51. 8 pc. Screwdriver Set
52. Safety Glasses
53. Blow Gun
54. 6” Needle Nose pliers
55. 8” Needle Nose pliers
56. 7” Side Cutters
57. 6” Precision Steel Rule with Metric Scales
58. 7” Conventional Pliers [common]