Diesel technicians with advanced diagnostic and analytical expertise are in demand. Get the skills you need to repair and maintain electronic-controlled diesel engines, air conditioning systems, electronic-controlled air brake systems and drive lines. Because you’ll be working directly on FVTC’s fleet of 60 diesel powered tractors, you’ll have a unique opportunity for hands-on learning every day "in the shop" dealing with real-life customer and vehicle issues. This setting builds your technical expertise and helps you learn to use the complex equipment needed to diagnose and correct problems. You will have the skills to service any type of diesel-powered equipment. The addition of math, communication and social science courses provides you with a well-rounded education to help advance your career.

COURSE LIST

Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

Technical Studies (45 Credits)

Course Title

Course
Number

Credits

Instructional
Hours

Outside Effort
Hours**

Prior Learning
Credit Eligibility
Options

Intro, Transportation Welding

10-405-147

1Credit

36

18

36 hours in class and estimate 18 hours outside of class. Focuses on welding and cutting safety, and develops skills in welding and cutting of metals used in the transportation trades. Methods of welding include gas metal arc welding (MIG) in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Methods of cutting include oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting of metals. Students will learn to set up and maintain welding equipment and weld and cut a variety of types and thicknesses of materials commonly used in the transportation trades.

Coreq: PPE for Welding (94405002)

Service Management

10-412-128

4Credit

72

144

72 hours in class and estimate 144 hours outside of class. Focuses on business operations, shop liability and human relations issues in the diesel mechanics field. Students will be introduced to regulations for federal and state agencies such as OSHA, DILHR, DOT and the DNR.

Coreq: Intro to Diesel Technology (10412101) or Intro to Diesel Tech Bridge (10412101B) AND Intro, Transportation Welding (10405147); AND Oral/Interpersonal Communication (10801196) OR Human Relations (31809300) and Communication, Applied (31801318)

Introduction to Diesel Technology

10-412-101

4Credit

126

90

126 hours in class and estimate 90 hours outside of class. Introduces the student to the diesel shop environment, and emphasizes shop safety and general shop practices. The course prepares the student for success in the core diesel program classes.

Coreq: Service Mgmnt (10412128) & Intro Transp Welding (10405147) & Oral/Interpersonal Comm (10801196) OR Human Relations (31809300) & Comm, Applied (31801318); OR active in Bus Mgmt –Diesel subplan; AND Diesel Textbooks (94412001) & Uniforms (94412002)

Diesel Heavy Duty Brake Systems

10-412-112

3Credit

108

54

108 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Focuses on the air brake system component operation and maintenance for trucks and tractor/trailers. Students will learn to perform overhaul procedures for cam; wedge and disc air operated foundation brakes, as well as heavy-duty hydraulic brakes. It provides the opportunity for students to test and troubleshoot the entire air and hydraulic brake systems, including ABS systems found in trucks.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech Bridge 10412101B; Coreq: Diesel Steering and Suspension 10412113; Diesel Prev Maint 10412114; Drive Train 10412118

Diesel Steering and Suspension

10-412-113

2Credit

90

18

90 hours in class and estimate 18 hours outside of class. Focuses on heavy-duty truck suspensions and steering systems. Students will learn about the operation, maintenance and overhaul of various types of heavy-duty suspensions. It provides technicians with the opportunity to perform total vehicle alignments. Testing and troubleshooting of power steering systems and steering complaints are also covered.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech Bridge 10412101B; Coreq: Diesel HD Brake Systems 10412112; Diesel Prev Maint 10412114; Drive Train 10412118

Diesel Preventive Maintenance

10-412-114

3Credit

126

36

126 hours in class and estimate 36 hours outside of class. Focuses on the techniques for performing preventive maintenance and DOT criteria for performing annual inspections. Discussion includes the importance of vehicle maintenance and inspections. Students learn record-keeping requirements and earn an annual inspection certificate upon successful completion of the test at the conclusion of the class.

Prereq:Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech Bridge 10412101B; Coreq: Diesel HD Brake Systems 10412112; Diesel Steering and Susp 10412113; Drive Train 10412118

Drive Train

10-412-118

4Credit

126

90

126 hours in class and estimate 90 hours outside of class. Focuses on the operation and maintenance of the power train. Students will learn the procedures for overhauling, adjusting and troubleshooting heavy-duty transmission, clutches and various final drives found on over-the-road trucks and tractors. Students will learn how to calculate the change driveline angles.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech Bridge10412101B; Coreq: Diesel HD Brake Systems 10412112; Diesel Steering Susp10412113; Diesel Prev Maint 10412114

Related Welding

10-442-120

1Credit

36

18

36 hours in class and estimate 18 hours outside of class. Prepares students with the common techniques and procedures for SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW welding in a repair or machine shop environment. Topics include welding metal, cutting metal with plasma and oxy-fuel, and metal identification. Laboratory activities will provide the student with hands-on practice.

Diesel Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems

10-412-117

2Credit

54

54

54 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Focuses on the basic hydraulic fundamentals and circuits found on heavy-duty trucks, tractors and heavy equipment. Includes hands-on testing, troubleshooting and repair of power steering circuits, pumps, cylinders and control valves. Basic air systems and controls are covered.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Technology 10412101 OR Intro to Diesel Technology Bridge 10412101B

Diesel Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning

10-412-135

3Credit

108

54

108 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Provides students with information and skills required to service commercial vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Students practice proper procedures for handling R12/R134A Freon and for servicing HFC 134A systems. Students will receive Wisconsin AG-135 certification.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Technology 10412101 OR Intro to Diesel Technology Bridge 10412101B; Coreq: Diesel H.D. Electrical 1 10412136; Diesel H.D. Electrical 2 10412137

Diesel Heavy Duty Electrical 1

10-412-136

3Credit

108

54

108 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Focuses on the fundamentals of electricity, batteries starting circuits, charging circuits, and electrical circuits found on trucks and tractors. Students will learn testing and troubleshooting procedures for various systems presently used in the industry, as well as how to perform repairs.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech Bridge 10412101B ; Coreq: Diesel HVAC 10412135; Diesel H.D. Electrical 2 10412137; Diesel Electrical Kit 94412003

Diesel Heavy Duty Electrical 2

10-412-137

2Credit

54

54

54 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Focuses on troubleshooting and diagnostics of electrical systems used on heavy duty vehicles. Students will diagnose and repair electronic engines, transmissions and ABS systems. Wiring schematic reading and wiring harness repair will be covered.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Technology 10412101 OR Intro to Diesel Technology Bridge 10412101B; Coreq: Diesel HVAC 10412135; Diesel H.D. Electrical 1 10412136

Tune-up & Diagnostic Testing

10-412-127

4Credit

126

90

126 hours in class and estimate 90 hours outside of class. Focuses on key troubleshooting skills and methodology. Engine system testing procedures and tools are used to analyze symptom-based engine problems. Application of computer diagnostic tools is employed in actual live road testing situations. Engine dynamometer operation will also be part of this course.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech Brdg 10412101B; Coreq: Diesel HD Fuel Systems 10412132; Diesel Engine Rebuild 10412133; Diesel Elect Fuel Mgmt 10412134

Diesel Heavy Duty Fuel Systems

10-412-132

3Credit

108

54

108 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Focuses on modern fuel subsystems' design and functionality. Lab demonstrations cover testing of the heavy duty fuel systems and troubleshooting, with a strong emphasis on component identification, inspection and adjustment.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech 10412101B; Coreq: Tune-up & Diag Test 10412127; Diesel Engine Rebuilding 10412133; Diesel Elect Fuel Mgmt 10412134

Diesel Engine Rebuilding

10-412-133

3Credit

108

54

108 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Provides students with the opportunity to disassemble, identify each part of a modern diesel engine, measure all wear points and make reuse recommendations. Students will also reassemble an electronic controlled diesel engine. Component analysis, function and operation theories of the diesel engine are lecture topics studied.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech 10412101B; Coreq: Tune-up & Diag Test 10412127; Diesel H.D. Fuel Systems 10412132; Diesel Elect Fuel Mgmt 10412134

Diesel Electronic Fuel Management Systems

10-412-134

3Credit

108

54

108 hours in class and estimate 54 hours outside of class. Focuses on electronic computer controlled engine management system function, component identification and computer based diagnostic tool operation. Lab demonstrations cover component identification, function and testing of the engine management systems. The course also introduces the student to proper operation and use of electronic testing with the use of a digital volt ohm meter.

Prereq: Read – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 47+, Next Gen 243+, ACT 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105; Intro to Diesel Tech 10412101 OR Intro Diesel Tech 10412101B; Coreq: Tune-up & Diag Test 104712127; Diesel H.D. Fuel Systems 10412132; Diesel Engine Rebuild 10412133

General Studies (15 Credits)

Course Title

Course
Number

Credits

Instructional
Hours

Outside Effort
Hours**

Prior Learning
Credit Eligibility
Options

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

10-801-196

3Credit

54

108

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Focuses on developing various communication skills including speaking and listening. Students practice intrapersonal/interpersonal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentations, group activities and written projects.

Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree

Written Communication

10-801-195

3Credit

54

108

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Teaches the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting and revising. Through writing assignments, students analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Class sessions and assignments involve giving oral presentations and using computers.

Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR Not pursuing a degree

Math w Business Apps

10-804-123

3Credit

54

108

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Covers real numbers, basic operations, linear equations, proportions with one variable, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, applying math concepts to the purchasing/buying process, applying math concepts to the selling process, and basic statistics with business/consumer applications.

Prereq: Arith – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 46+, Next Gen 250+, ACT Math 16+ OR Arith Prep 10834109 OR Not pursuing a degree

Intro to Ethics: Theory & App

10-809-166

3Credit

54

108

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Provides a basic understanding of ethical theories and uses diverse ethical perspectives to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.

Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree

Psychology of Human Relations

10-809-199

3Credit

54

108

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class. Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and people's everyday lives. Students seek a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others, and to improve their relationships at work, in the family and in society.

Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree