Effective Fall 2022
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
- More Information about Diesel Technology
Students develop the skills necessary to repair and maintain diesel-powered highway, industrial, and marine vehicles and equipment. Advanced diesel maintenance techniques and principles are applied in diagnosing malfunctions and prescribing corrective action. The course work emphasizes diesel service management, as well as the theory and skills of refrigeration, electronic and mechanical fuel injection, advanced emission diagnostic and repair, chassis maintenance, vehicle inspection, tune-up, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake service, and handling hazardous waste. The curriculum provides exposure to all facets of the industry with specific emphasis on problem solving and transferability of skills. Graduates are prepared to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection examinations, National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) examinations in heavy truck mechanics, Stationary Refrigeration exam (608), Motor Vehicle Air-conditioning exam (609), Allison Transmission certification, Daimler “Get Ahead” Detroit/Freightliner certification, and Level I Eaton Hybrid certification.
Career Opportunities
Heavy duty truck technician for truck dealership, independent garage, truck fleet, leasing company or contractor; the natural gas industry; technical service representative for diesel engine manufacturer or distributor; and diesel service occupations such as service writer, warranty writer, parts manager, service manager, transport refrigeration technician, and automated driveline and fuel system specialist.
Recommended High School Subjects
Four years of English, two years of algebra, and two years of science.
Special Equipment Needs
See program Tool List for major.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
- 8+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- practice approved safety procedures in various work situations.
- read and interpret vehicle and component service manuals and write clear, accurate, and complete service reports.
- diagnose and repair mechanical and electronic fuel injection malfunctions.
- demonstrate the correct use of basic hand tools, special tools, and testing equipment.
- perform vehicle safety inspections as required by state and federal laws.
- overhaul and tune up diesel engines.
- test, adjust, and align truck suspension systems.
- diagnose and repair common malfunctions to brakes, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- interpret schematics and wiring diagrams, test starting, charging, lighting, and accessory systems.
- understand the potential health and safety hazards in the work place and how to properly document and perform corrective action.
- apply basic electronic principles to engine control and data storage.
Curriculum
| First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| DSM154 | Diesel Engine Technology | 5 | 5 | M | REQ | ||
| DSM116 | Diesel Engine Laboratory | 4 | 12 | M | REQ | ||
| DSM119 | Fuel Systems | 2 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| CSC124 | Information, Technology & Society | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| MTH123 | Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
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| MTH181 | College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 18 | ||||||
| Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| DSM117 | Introduction to Hydraulics | 1 | 1 | M | REQ | ||
| DSM120 | Basic Electricity | 4 | 2 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| DSM140 | Truck Tractor Chassis & Alignment | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| DSM141 | Heavy Duty Brake Systems | 2 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| DSM142 | Powertrain & Brake Systems Lab | 4 | 12 | M | REQ | ||
| DSM146 | Commercial Truck Power Train & State Inspection | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
| Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| DSM289 | Diesel Electronic Fuels: Systems, Operation & Diagnostics | 5 | 3 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| DSM242 | Diesel Equipment Air Conditioning Systems | 2 | 1 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| DSM245 | Allison Transmissions | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| PHS103 | Physics Survey | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
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| PHS114 | Physics with Technological Applications | 4 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | ||||||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| DSM258 | Vehicle Electronics/Diagnostic Procedures | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| DSM268 | Truck & Trailer Refrigeration Systems | 4 | 2 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| DSM278 | Automated & Hybrid Drive Systems | 2 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| ENL201 | Technical & Professional Communication | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| HIP | Core Historical Perspective | 3 | S | HIP | |||
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| SSP | Core Social Science Perspective | 3 | S | SSP | |||
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| ARP | Core Arts Perspective | 3 | S | ARP | |||
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| CDP | Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective | 3 | S | CDP | |||
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| AAP | Core Applied Arts Perspective | 3 | S | AAP | |||
| DTE | Directed Diesel Technology Elective | 3 | M | DTE | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 18 | ||||||
Accreditation
Medium/Heavy Master Truck Service Technician accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).