Automotive Collision Technology

47.0603

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

The Automotive Collision Technology program of Linn State Technical College prepares students to take advantage of the opportunities in many related areas which include auto body repair, auto body painting, auto body estimating (shop supervisor) and collision damage estimating (insurance). The Automotive Collision Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation’s (NATEF)/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The program is also accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

Enrollment in the Automotive Collision Technology program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis. Contact the Office of Admissions for the specific application requirements and deadline.

Students may complete a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program or students may choose to pursue a one-year technical certificate in the area of Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair or Structural & Mechanical Repair. The student gets intensive hands-on experience in repairing a variety of damaged vehicles. The auto body shop is well equipped with an extensive inventory of power tools and accessories such as the following:

The Automotive Collision Technology program contributes to the green economy by teaching students to repair vehicles that may otherwise be discarded. The program uses waterborne paint technology to reduce the program’s carbon footprint. Most parts used in the program are used or recycled assemblies. Solvents and other chemicals are recycled to help reduce water, air, and soil contamination.

Courses in electrical systems, shop metal and shop management ensure that the student can advance and specialize in the field after gaining employment.

Students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology may pursue a second Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Collision Technology.

It is a graduation requirement of the Automotive Collision Technology (ACT) program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses.

Program Mission
The mission of the Automotive Collision Technology program is to prepare students with the higher education, technical, and interpersonal skills needed for employment in the challenging and highly technical career of Automotive Collision Technology, with the foundation for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician Certification.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:

• Provide the opportunity for students to develop electrical knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain safety devices related to automotive industry.
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to repair, replace and estimate structural and non-structural damages.
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop knowledge and skills necessary in replacing and estimating of non-structural repair procedures.
• Provide an opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills used in troubleshooting, estimating and repairs in the automotive collision industry.
• Assure that students have the opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills needed in the automotive collision technology field.

• National Automotive Student Skills Assessment (NA3SA)
• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)

47.0603
(One-Year Certificate in Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair)

47.0603
(One-Year Certificate in Structural & Mechanical Repair)

   
ACT 105 Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair. Identifying, analyzing, and repairing non-structural damage to vehicles, including personal safety practices, preparation, panel replacement and alignment. Working with trim and hardware, metal straightening, and repair methods, moveable glass and hardware. 4 credit hours.

ACT 106 Refinishing Techniques I. This course provides students with the basic knowledge and understanding of automotive finishes including preparing the surface for refinishing, preparing the equipment, paint and refinish material, applying the finish, solving paint application problems, and the safety and environmental practices needed in the refinishing process. 4 credit hours.

ACT 107 Auto Plastic Repair. This course covers the identification and repair process of plastic materials currently used in automotive vehicles. Prerequisites: ACT 105 and ACT 106 with a grade of “C” or better. 3 credit hours.

ACT 108 Refinishing Techniques II. This course provides students with an understanding of how light sources, pigments, and application affect color changes in the refinishing/blending process. Students will have the opportunity to apply the proper steps and techniques in a lab environment. Prerequisites: ACT 105 and ACT 106 with a grade of “C” or better. 3 credit hours.

ACT 200 Sheet Metal Fabrication. This course teaches the skills and use of equipment needed to perform sheet metal fabrication of components related to performance and vintage vehicles. 3 credit hours.

ACT 205 Structural Analysis I. Identifying, analyzing, and repairing underbody structural damage to unibody and frame vehicles. Prerequisites: ACT 107 and ACT 108 with a grade of “C” or better and MPT 165. 4 credit hours.

ACT 206 Structural Analysis II. Identifying, analyzing, and repairing structural damage of vehicle bodies and vehicle body components. Prerequisites: ACT 107 and ACT 108 with a grade of “C” or better and MPT 165. 4 credit hours.

ACT 209 Non-Structural Repair Applications. Theory/application of auto body non-structural systems. Emphasis is given to live and simulated work analysis and repair procedures according to industry specifications. Complete refinishing and color matching. Blending techniques are also included. Safety is stressed. Prerequisites: ACT 205 and ACT 206 with a grade of “C” or better and MPT 151. 3 credit hours.

ACT 210 Structural Repair Applications. Theory/application repair of auto body structural systems. Emphasis is given to live and simulated work analysis and repair procedures, according to industry specifications. Complete refinishing and color matching. Blending techniques are also included. Safety is stressed. Prerequisites: Completed first three semesters. Prerequisites: ACT 205 and ACT 206 with a grade of “C” or better and MPT 151. 3 credit hours.

ACT 220 Body Repair and Painting. This course is an independent study course designed to develop and enhance the special interests of certificate students. Projects and topics will be individualized and will include research and application of theory. Prerequisites: ACT 205 and ACT 206 with a grade of “C” or better. 4 credit hours.

ACT 225 Collision Repair Internship. This course will provide the student with a day-to-day knowledge of a working body shop. The student must fill out the required forms from the instructor. The instructor will visit with the student on the job to be sure that the requirements for the internship are being administered. Prerequisites: ACT 205 and ACT 206 with a grade of “C” or better. 8 credit hours.

ACT 299 Special Topics in Automotive Collision Technology. Special Topics in Automotive Collision Technology (ACT) may include instruction on topics not covered in other ACT courses. Topics covered in other ACT courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course. Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement. The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours. The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office. Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits. 1-4 credit hours.