Riverland Community College

This course is designed to introduce, perfect, and evaluate basic safety and shop skills necessary for successful completion of the Diesel Technology program. The course consists of instruction and shop performance exercises in safety, hand and machine tool operation, use and maintenance, tool identification, and other basic shop skills. This course complies with personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing, eye protection, hand tools, power equipment, and proper ventilation. The handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations are also covered. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course is designed to introduce, perfect, and evaluate basic safety and shop skills necessary for successful completion of the Diesel Technology program.  The course consists of instruction and shop performance exercises in safety, hand and machine tool operation, use and maintenance, tool identification and other basic shop skills. This course complies with personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing, eye protection, hand tools, power equipment, and proper ventilation.  The handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations are also covered.  This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. 

      (2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course requires students to safely disassemble a diesel training engine.  The students clean up, label, measure, evaluate, and properly reassemble all components.  Adjustments are made to the engine’s fuel system.  The project engine must be correctly assembled and run properly at the end of the course.  A workbook is completed which tracks progress through the project. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.   

      (3 Cr – 0 lect, 3 lab)

This course covers electrical theory, circuit analysis, use of special tools and equipment, and basic electrical circuit troubleshooting. It also covers circuit wire diagrams and construction of circuits, diagnostics, and repair of the charging systems. Electric starting system and other electrical systems on commercial vehicles are covered. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course covers application of electrical circuit analysis, the use of special tools and equipment, and basic electrical system troubleshooting. Construction and diagnosis repair of the charging systems and electrical starting system on commercial vehicles and farm equipment are also included. Topics include basic system, system diagnosis, component repair, and troubleshooting of lights and electrical accessories. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. Prerequisite: DESL 1104.
(3 Cr – 0 lect, 3 lab)

This course covers the theory of operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, adjustment and repair of six common mechanical clutches found in diesel powered equipment, repairs, adjustments and maintenance of commercial vehicle drivelines. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. 

      (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course introduces students to the basic welding processes commonly used in the Automotive and Diesel Technology area where certified welds are not required. Basic theory and application of the welding processes along with flat position welding using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW) processes are included. Safety practices and equipment required for the safe use of plasma cutting equipment are introduced. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers preventative maintenance procedures approved by The Maintenance Council (TMC) to effectively lower overall operating costs for trucking companies. Annual vehicle safety inspection for Minnesota Department of Transportation regulation compliance is covered. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
Prerequisite: DESL 1101.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers the base diesel engines. Areas to be included are: engine block, crankshaft, camshaft, gear train timing, cylinder head, cooling systems, and lube systems on multiple engine makes and models commonly used in over the road trucks and agriculture. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers computerized information systems used in the truck repair business. These systems include work order, inventory, multimedia training and the World Wide Web. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course covers air and hydraulic brake assemblies used on trucks and trailers. Evaluating and repairing brake systems to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) #120 requirements are also covered. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course is an introduction to electronic systems found on medium/heavy duty trucks and agricultural equipment. Basic theory of operation, use of service information and diagnostics are covered. Multiple ESTs (Electronic Service Tools) and EDLs (Electronic Diagnostic Links) are introduced. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers the basic theory and operation of common diesel engine fuel systems. Fuel characteristics, grades, filtration, and safe handling are included. The student performs maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of fuel systems found on medium duty, heavy duty, and agricultural diesel engines. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. (2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers basic hydraulic systems and the operation of the components that make up the different types of systems. Basic hydraulic system nomenclature is introduced. Troubleshooting, repair, and adjustment of various components are also covered. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers manual and manual/automatic transmission service on all twin countershaft transmission.  Topics include Fuller/Eaton, Meritor/Rockwell, Allison and computer controlled transmissions.  This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. 

      (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers manual and power steering systems common on today’s medium and heavy trucks.  Steering axle alignment and repair are covered as well as tire wear analysis.  The second part of the course introduces popular suspension systems found on commercial vehicles.  Drive axle alignment, frames, spring and air ride suspension repair and adjustment are also covered.  This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.  Prerequisites:  DESL 1101.

      (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers the basic skills needed to understand agricultural equipment: Planters and tractors. Lab work includes preventive maintenance (PM), inspections of equipment, general repair, safety awareness and understanding of electrical components.
(2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in today’s commercial vehicles.  Topics include R12 systems, R134A systems, system diagnostics, refrigerant identification, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and HVAC Technician Certification.  This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.  Prerequisite:  DESL 1104.

      (3 Cr – 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course covers all aspects of heavy-duty diesel equipment. Included are diagnosis, customer communication, writing work orders, preparing a parts list, coordination outside work, repair procedures, and testing of the finished job. Finding the diesel project is the responsibility of the student. It can be chosen from a wide range of repair jobs and must relate to diesel equipment. Instructor must approve what projects qualify. The project must be 60 hours in length as determined by an industry flat rate manual. Two or more smaller projects may be selected if flat rate requirement is met. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation.
(4 Cr – 0 lect, 4 lab)

This course covers theory, diagnosis, and repair of emission systems and electronic engine controls. This course will emphasize advanced diagnostics on mechanical and electronic systems. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diagnostic software and service information are included in this course. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. (2 Cr– 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers operation and diagnostics of engine air filtration, cylinder heads, exhaust systems, engine exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), turbo charger design and operation on today’s diesel engine. This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. (2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course covers identification, preventative maintenance (PM), troubleshooting, and major overhaul of live front and rear drive axles assemblies.  This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. 

      (2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab)

This course is designed to provide the student a purposeful occupational experience in the diesel career field.  A training plan is created for each student in conjunction with the training site.  The advisor coordinates and monitors the progress of the internship.  One credit of internships is equal to 48 hours of career-related employment.  This internship consists of 192 hours.  The student must arrange the internship with instructor approval.  This course, along with other program courses, satisfies the task requirements set forth by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation. 

      (4 Cr – 0 lect, 0 lab, 4 other)

This course covers the basic skills needed to understand agricultural equipment operations: the flow, repairs, adjustments and inspections of a combine, corn-head and platform. Lab work includes preventive maintenance (PM), understanding crop processing, maintenance scheduling, basic repairs and safe work practices.
(4 Cr – 1 lect, 3 lab)

This course covers basic mathematics and elements of algebra that will prepare students for success in their specific technical areas. Students will develop their problem-solving skills and master mathematical concepts. Students will receive a grade for this course. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course examines interpersonal relationship skills in the work environment. Students evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses and assess and learn transferable skills. This course emphasizes employment-enhancing skills that include understanding and improving relationships and communication with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, and customers. This survey course introduces concepts and methods for improvement of interpersonal relations. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces students to a process of developing self-awareness when considering career opportunities and identifying career-related goals. Students conduct a job search, prepare a job application, resume, cover letter, a follow-up correspondence. The course includes preparation for job interviews.
(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)

This course introduces proven strategies and applications to help students achieve greater success in college and in life.  Topics include, but are not limited to, time management, goal setting, learning strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, diversity awareness, health and wellness, college and community resources, and financial planning.  This course introduces students to making choices that promote responsibility, motivation, interdependence, and self-awareness.  Recommended:  Score of 52 or above on test Accuplacer Reading Comprehension.
(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)