11/21/2024 6:25:13 AM	ATL 161 Course Outline as of Fall 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  ATL 161	Title:  ELECTRICAL 1
Full Title:  Mobile Electrical Systems 1
Last Reviewed:1/22/2024

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.50		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	43.75
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	1.50		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	26.25
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	4.00			Contact Total	70.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  87.50

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Students will explore automotive electrical and electronic fundamentals including Ohm's Law, basic electrical circuits, components, battery, starting, charging, basic wiring systems, electrical components, the use of basic wiring diagrams for trouble shooting systems, repair of wiring circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment. This course prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6/T6 Electrical/Electronic Systems certification test along with ATL 162 Mobile Electrical Systems 2. This course conforms with ASE Education Foundation instructional guidelines.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or equivalent and MATH 25 or equivalent

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Students will explore automotive electrical and electronic fundamentals including Ohm's Law, basic electrical circuits, components, battery, starting, charging, basic wiring systems, electrical components, the use of basic wiring diagrams for trouble shooting systems, repair of wiring circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment. This course prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6/T6 Electrical/Electronic Systems certification test along with ATL 162 Mobile Electrical Systems 2. This course conforms with ASE Education Foundation instructional guidelines.

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or equivalent and MATH 25 or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
UC Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the proper use of a Digital Multimeter (DMM) during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems, including: source voltage, voltage drop, current flow, and resistance.

2. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment charging system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.

3. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment starting system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.

4. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment low-voltage battery system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern and determine necessary action.

2. Diagnose electrical/electronic integrity for series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm's Law, Watts Theory).

3. Demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM), test lights, logic probes, and fused jumper wires during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems.

4. Measure and diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw).

5. Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, repair wiring harnesses and connectors, and perform solder repair of electrical wiring.

6. Perform battery state-of-charge test, capacity test, and confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application.

7. Perform battery service, perform slow/fast battery charge, inspect and clean battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs, repair or replace as needed.

8. Start a vehicle using jumper cables and a battery or auxiliary power supply.

9. Perform starter current draw tests, generator (alternator) output tests, circuit voltage drop tests.

10. Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids.

11. Remove and install starters and alternators.

12. Inspect, adjust, or replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; check pulley and belt alignment.

Topics and Scope

Lecture-Related Topics & Scope:

I. Fundamentals of Basic Electricity/Electronics

II. Rules and Principles of Magnetism and How it Relates to Relays, Solenoids, Motors, and Alternators

III. Battery Systems

IV. Starter Systems

V. Charging Systems

VI. Diagnostic Equipment (Digital Multimeter, Battery Testers, and Ignition Analyzers)

VII. Electrical/Electronic Troubleshooting

VIII. Hazardous Material Handling

IX. Parasitic on Mobile Equipment Battery Testing

X. Shop Safety and Safety Practices

XI. Complete DVOM Meter Certification

 

Laboratory-Related Topics & Scope:

I. Demonstrate Proper Shop Safety and Working Practices, including

     A. Tools

     B. Equipment

    C. Hazardous waste handling

II. Perform Ohm's Law Calculations

III. Perform Watts Theory Calculations

IV. Identify Circuit Types

V. Identify Electrical System Components

VI. Perform Wire and Terminal Repairs

VII. Perform Battery Tests Utilizing Appropriate Test Equipment

VIII. Perform Charging System Tests Utilizing Appropriate Test Equipment

IX. Perform Starting System Tests Utilizing Appropriate Test Equipment

X. Demonstrate Multimeter Usage

XI. Perform Voltage Drop Tests

Assignments:

Lecture-Related Assignments:

1. Weekly reading (30-70 pages)

2. Weekly quizzes

3. Midterm exam (1)

4. Final exam

 

Lab-Related Assignments:

1. Lab notebook

2. Weekly lab exercises and skill tests

3. Weekly lab reports

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 0 - 10%
Lab notebook
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because problem solving assessments and skill demonstrations are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 5 - 20%
Lab reports
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 30 - 50%
Lab exercises and skills test
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 30 - 50%
Weekly quizzes; midterm exam; final exam
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 0 - 0%
None

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Automotive Electrical and Engine Performance. 8th ed. Halderman, James. Prentice Hall. 2020

Automotive Electricity and Electronics. 1st ed. Jones, David. CDX. 2018 (classic)

Advanced Automotive Electricity and Electronics. Klyde, Michael. CDX. 2018 (classic)

Instructor prepared materials

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