Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Diploma

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as Heavy Duty Trucks over the one-ton classification, buses, ships, railroad locomotives, and equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, HET, MEC, and TRN

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
HET-110		6
This course introduces the theory, design, terminology, and operating adjustments for diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on safety, the theory of operation, inspection, measuring, and rebuilding diesel engines according to factory specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to measure, diagnose problems, and repair diesel engines. View course details for Diesel Engines ‌‌
HET-125		2
This course introduces preventive maintenance practices used on medium and heavy-duty vehicles and rolling assemblies. Topics include preventive maintenance schedules, services, DOT rules and regulations, and roadability. Upon completion, students should be able to set up and follow a preventive maintenance schedule as directed by manufacturers. View course details for Preventive Maintenance ‌‌
MEC-111		3
This course introduces shop safety, hand tools, machine processes, measuring instruments, and the operation of machine shop equipment. Topics include the use and care of tools, safety, measuring tools, and the basic setup and operation of common machine tools. Upon completion, students should be able to safely machine simple parts to specified tolerances. View course details for Machine Processes I ‌‌
PHY-121		4
This algebra-based course introduces fundamental physical concepts as applied to industrial and service technology fields. Topics include systems of units, problem-solving methods, graphical analyses, vectors, motion, forces, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, momentum, and properties of matter. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles studied as applied in industrial and service fields. View course details for Applied Physics I ‌‌
TRN-110		2
This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities. View course details for Intro to Transport Technology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ENG-110		3
This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on the logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers. View course details for Freshman Composition ‌‌
HET-115		2
This course introduces the principles of electronically controlled diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on testing and adjusting diesel engines in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, test, and calibrate electronically controlled diesel engines. View course details for Electronic Engines ‌‌
HET-119		3
This course introduces the operating principles of mechanical medium and heavy-duty truck transmissions. Topics include multiple countershafts, power take-offs, sliding idler clutches, and friction clutches. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, inspect, and repair mechanical transmissions. View course details for Mechanical Transmissions ‌‌
TRN-120		5
This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns. View course details for Basic Transp Electricity ‌‌
TRN-120A		1
This course provides a lab that allows students to enhance their understanding of electrical components and circuits used in the transportation industry. Topics include inspection, diagnosis, and repair of electrical components and circuits using appropriate service information for specific transportation systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and service electrical components and circuits used in transportation systems View course details for Basic Transp Electrical Lab ‌‌
WLD-112		2
This course introduces basic welding and cutting. Emphasis is placed on beads applied with gases, mild steel fillers, and electrodes and the capillary action of solder. Upon completion, students should be able to set up welding and oxy-fuel equipment and perform welding, brazing, and soldering processes. View course details for Basic Welding Processes ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
HET-231		2
This course covers the theory and repair of braking systems used in medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Topics include air, hydraulic, and ABS system diagnosis and repair. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair braking systems on medium and heavy-duty vehicles. View course details for Medium/Heavy Duty Brake Systems ‌‌
HET-233		4
This course introduces the theory and principles of medium and heavy-duty steering and suspension systems. Topics include wheel and tire problems, frame members, fifth wheel, bearings, and coupling systems. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair suspension and steering components on medium and heavy-duty vehicles. View course details for Suspension and Steering ‌‌
HYD-112		2
This course introduces hydraulic theory and applications as applied to mobile equipment. Topics include component studies such as pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, filters, reservoirs, lines, and fittings. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, diagnose, test, and repair hydraulic systems using schematics and technical manuals. View course details for Hydraulics-Med/Heavy Duty ‌‌
TRN-140		2
This course covers the theory of refrigeration and heating, electrical/electronic/pneumatic controls, and diagnosis and repair of climate control systems. Topics include the diagnosis and repair of climate control components and systems, recovery/recycling of refrigerants, and safety and environmental regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair vehicle climate control systems. View course details for Transp Climate Control ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

See advisor for General Education substitutes.

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.