Faculty Syllabus
AUMT-1407 Automotive Electrical Systems
Daniel Lomas
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
AUMT-1407-006 (15352)
LEC F 4:50pm - 7:20pm RRC RRC5 5119.00
LAB F 7:20pm - 10:00pm RRC RRC5 5119.00
Course Requirements
COURSE SYLLABUS
AUMT 1407.004,005,006,007 – AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (4-3-3)
Course Title: Automotive Electrical Systems
Instructor: Daniel Lomas
Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Office Location: RVS campus, room Annex 200 RRC campus, room 5119
Contact Information:
- Office Phone: 512-223-6079
- Cell Phone: 361-563-8549
- Email: Dlomas@austincc.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION Credit Hours: 4 Classroom Hours per Week: 3Laboratory Hours per Week: 3*
In this course, students will learn about automotive electrical systems. Topics include how these systems work, how to test them, understand magnetism, diagnose problems, and repair batteries, charging, and starting systems. There will be a focus on reading electrical diagrams and service manuals. This course will help get you ready for ASE certification testing. A lab fee is required.
Prerequisites: None
TEXTS AND REFERENCES:
- Today's Technician: Automotive Electricity and Electronics, Classroom and Shop Manual Pack, 7th Edition by Barry Hollembeak (The textbook is paid along with tuition )
- Cengage Unlimited (The textbook is paid along with tuition )
- Manufacturer’s service manuals
- Selected films and charts from various sources
You can find automotive books at the RVS bookstore in Building G.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES:
- Digital Volt/Ohm Meter (needs to have a 10 amp fuse)
- 2-inch binder
- Small box of erasable colored pencils
- Red, green, and blue dry-erase markers
GRADING SYSTEM:
- Weekly Quiz (on Blackboard)………………………………..……..15%
- In-Class Test………………………………………………....………...15%
- Attendance……………………………………………………………..…10%
- Post Test…………………………………………………………………...20%
- Practicum.........................................................................15%
- Daily Shop Participation ……………………………………….........10%
(This includes following safety rules, wearing safety glasses, and proper attire, as well as not using cell phones.) - Final Test Grade…………………………………………………………..15%
(If you earn ASE A6 certification in automotive electrical systems before the last day of class, you can skip the final exam by emailing proof to the instructor.)
CLASS LECTURES & BLACKBOARD Not everything in the textbook will be covered in lectures because of time limits, but you are still responsible for reading it since questions may appear on tests or quizzes. Additionally, some lecture topics may not be in your book. You will find all course materials, including lectures, PowerPoint slides, assignments, and the syllabus, on Blackboard at ACC Online or on the main ACC website under e-services. This information will be updated regularly. Software downloads are available at ACC Helpdesk Software.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Test different automotive systems
- Read and understand automotive electrical diagrams
- Use these diagrams to find electrical problems
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: The course will include a mix of computer-based learning, lectures, lab projects, and demonstrations by the instructor. You will practice skills needed to master all required NATEF tasks.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES: Students must bring their safety glasses and wear an ACC or industry-standard uniform shirt after the first class.
COURSE RATIONALE: Students will learn to follow safety procedures, understand the history and career options in the automotive field, and use tools safely and correctly. You will also learn about different parts of vehicles, how to use service manuals, and perform basic maintenance tasks.
COURSE POLICIES:
- Attendance: Regular attendance is important. You can only have not more than 2 absences or be late if you want to pass the class. Check the attendance policy for more details.
- Grades: You must keep a "C" average (GPA of 2.00) in all classes to receive any certificates or degrees. If you are often late or don’t bring your tools, you will struggle to complete lab work on time and may not pass. Check the ACC Catalog for more on graduation and academic suspension.
- Tools and Uniform: You need to buy your own tools and a uniform shirt. A list of required tools will be given at the start of each semester or can be found at Austin Community College Automotive Technology. You should have your tools ready for class each day, and they may be checked as part of your grade. Sharing tools with classmates is discouraged. Specialty tools can be borrowed from the tool room. Failing to bring tools or not wearing the uniform after the second week may lead to disciplinary action, including withdrawal from the course.
- Safety: Safety is the top priority. All students must wear safety glasses in the shop. If you don’t have them, you can’t participate in shop activities. Repeated safety violations may result in being dropped from the course.
- Class Participation: Everyone is encouraged to participate in discussions. Different viewpoints can enhance learning, and it’s important to respect each other's opinions, especially on sensitive topics.
- Student Conduct: By enrolling at Austin Community College, students agree to follow the Student Discipline Policy and the rules in the ACC College Catalog and Student Handbook. Prohibited actions include cheating, disruptive behavior, and anything that creates a dangerous environment. Disruptive students may be asked to leave class.
Statement on Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at http://www.austincc.edu/sas
USE OF ACC EMAIL
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACCmail, including instructions on setting up an account, can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/
Student and Instructional Services
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/support/
Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/
ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/tutor
For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The College System believes that regular attendance in all classes is necessary and makes no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. I will personally excuse absences within reason, with just cause, and at my discretion. This applies only to the number of absences counted towards dropping a student, not daily/shop grades. You WILL NOT pass the class if you have more than 2 absences (this includes any accumulation of missed time up to 2 days or 10 hours of absence). Tardiness, leaving early, or disappearing for any length of time, is considered time absent from class and will affect your grade.
EXCESSIVE ABSENCES/ WITHDRAWAL:
Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has full authority to drop a student for excessive absences, excessive/habitual tardiness, lack of progress, missed assignments, not meeting course prerequisites, failure to attend the first class meeting, safety violations, etc. Students who continue attending class after the official withdrawal date has passed are not eligible to be withdrawn by the instructor. These students must be assigned a grade on the final grade sheet. Student’s that are not on the official roster cannot attend class or be in the shop for safety/liability reasons.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are not allowed to be used in class. You may be withdrawn from class for violating this policy.
RELIGEOUS HOLIDAYS:
If you observe a religious holiday and miss class, you must notify your instructor in writing two weeks in advance to arrange to take a test or make up an assignment. A religious holiday is a holy day observed by a religion whose place of worship is exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWLS:
According to ACC rules, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% of the total hours of instruction (lecture and lab). For a 4 credit-hour lecture/lab course meeting 5 hours per week (80 hours of instruction), you can be dropped after 10 hours of absence. Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. Failure to withdraw officially may result in a grade of F in the course. Do not expect the instructor to drop you!
Students may be dropped for any of the follow reasons from this course: excessive absences, excessive/habitual tardiness (3 or more), lacks course pre-requisite, lack of progress, missed tests/assignments, failure to comply with course/department safety policies or absence the first day of class. Attendance the first day of class is mandatory. Sleeping in class is considered disruptive to the learning process and is a prohibited act. Students that are disruptive will be given a verbal warning, then a written warning and finally withdrawn from this course for a third violation.
TARDINESS POLOICY:
Students who are not present when attendance is taken will be marked tardy. Excessive tardiness, leaving early, or disappearing for any length of time, is considered time absent from class. Students that are habitually or excessively tardy (3 or more) may be dropped from class. If you are tardy for class, your grade will be affected by 2 % of total grade for every occurrence.
INCOMPLETE
A grade of incomplete may be given for a student with excessive absences only under the most extreme circumstances. To receive an incomplete, I require documentation from a doctor, hospital, police report, lawyer, etc
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
I do not accept late assignments. I do not accept any work after the last day of class.
TOOL POLICY:
After the first day of class, students must bring their tools to class every day. If you fail to bring your tools you cannot complete the shop tasks. Students must bring all the tools listed on the tool lists every day to class. Borrowing of tools is discouraged. Not bringing tools will adversely affect your grade.
TESTING CENTER POLICY
Tests will not be given in the testing center. Each test will be administered in class, on Blackboard.
STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow
CAMPUS CARRY:
Statement for classroom courses with physical activity (non-exclusion zone)
The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.
It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.
IMPORTANT: Automotive classes may involve considerable physical activity. Bending, stretching, lifting, and other rigorous activities associated with (class name) occur regularly in class. Such activities may expose concealed weapons and place the license holder in violation of state law. Therefore, it is recommended that concealed weapons be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space.
Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at www.austincc.edu/campuscarry.
AUTOMOBILES FOR SHOP WORK:
Although vehicles are always needed for shop work, whose car and which car is worked on first is not considered to be an important part of the course. All cars to be worked on in the shop must first be approved by the instructor and the tool room. Even though emergencies occur with cars breaking down, we are not here to schedule work as a garage would. Time schedules will not be considered or given as related to repair work of any given automobile. Only work related to the course will be considered. No work will be performed on a car if the subject has not yet been covered in the classroom, unless authorized by the instructor. Vehicles more than 10 years old may be excluded from shop work. Vehicles that must be left overnight must be cleared with your instructor and the tool room and you must leave the keys.
CARE AND CLEANING OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND THE SHOP AREA:
All students will be expected to participate in shop and classroom cleanup at the end of each class period. Sufficient time will be allotted by the instructor for this purpose. All tools and work areas will be cleaned and tools put in the proper place before class will be dismissed. Failure to cleanup at the end of each class will lower your final grade 5 points per occurrence.
ASEEF:
The Board of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the responsible body for the Automobile Technician Training Certification Program. The certification program is under the direct supervision of the board of trustees of The National Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF). The purpose of the Automobile Technician Training Certification Program is to improve the quality of training offered at the secondary and post-secondary level. ACC is currently certified in all automotive areas.
STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
At Austin Community College, we work to provide good educational opportunities for all students. To help you in your class this semester, please read these paragraphs to understand what you can expect from your instructor, and what your instructor expects from you.
You can expect the instructor to:
-Inform you in the first week of class of course content and grading procedures
through the course syllabus. The course syllabus will contain information about
dates of tests and assignments; make-up policies; late policies; the instructor’s
office hours; the instructor’s telephone number; and the method of determining
the course grade.
-Meet with you, either before class, after class, or by appointment.
-Discuss with you any problems that you have that relate to the class.
-Treat you with courtesy, even when there is disagreement.
The instructor expects you to:
-Be in class 100% of the time. If you are absent more than 10 hours of class time due
to absence, or tardiness, you may be dropped from or fail the class.
- Keep a copy of the course syllabus.
-Behave appropriately in class. This means:
- Not speaking with other students while the instructor is lecturing
- Not leaving the classroom during class except when absolutely
necessary
- Not entering class late or leaving early, except in emergencies
- Not working on other class work during class lecture or discussion time
- Not bringing children to class
- Not bringing PHONES into class, or put them on silent
- Not use cell phones in class
- Not bringing food or drinks into areas where they are forbidden
- Horseplay in class will not be tolerated.
- Wearing your safety glasses at all times while in the shop is a must.
- Unsafe work practices will not be tolerated.
- Students that disrupt class will not be tolerated.
Disruptive behavior will result in Security being called. Disruptive students will
be removed from class.
Students are also expected to:
-Purchase required textbooks and other equipment during the first week of class.
-Discuss with the instructor problems that you are having with the class before
asking others for help in resolving the situation.
-Check on your grades often and discuss concerns early -- do not wait until the
last week of the semester.
-Treat the instructor with courtesy, even when there is disagreement. Also, treat
other students with courtesy.
The college expects you to:
Read the catalog and handbook to inform yourself of all policies.
If you experience any problems with your class that we cannot resolve, please discuss the problem with the Automotive Department Chair, Mike Shoebroek, at 223-6038 or 223-0352. If this is not possible, please contact the Automotive Administrative Assistant Kristin Farrell at 223-0346.
Course Subjects
An overview of automotive electrical systems, including topics in operational theory, testing, magnetism, diagnosis, repair of battery, charging and starting systems, and electrical systems accessories. Emphasis on electrical schematic diagrams and service manuals. Will prepare students for ASE certification testing. Laboratory fee.
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Utilizing appropriate safety procedures demonstrate familiarity with historical development and career information on the automotive industry; demonstrate safe, professional, and responsible work practices; identify and demonstrate the proper use of shop equipment and tools; identify and describe functions of vehicle subsystems; demonstrate the use of service publications; identify various automotive fasteners used in industry; and perform automotive maintenance.
Office Hours
T F 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM RVS
NOTE With appointmentPublished: 01/19/2026 12:20:36