Lone Star College
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Industrial Diesel Technology
The Industrial Diesel Technology program at Lone Star College is designed to teach and train students how to properly test, repair, and maintain large industrial engines, preparing them for a career in the industrial diesel technology job field. Because of recent efforts between the U.S.Department of Energy, engine manufacturers, and fuel suppliers to lower the emissions of reactive nitrogen compounds and particulate matter, making the next generation of diesel and multi-fuel engines cleaner burning and more fuel efficient, a new generation of industrial diesel technicians equipped with the most-up-to-date knowledge and specialized training are needed to repair, service, and maintain the trucks and heavy equipment utilizing these newer engines and fuels.
In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel theory and learn the basics of the diesel, including the construction, function, and principles of operation of the entire diesel engine system. Through lively class discussions, detailed study materials, and written assignments, students develop critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills, while strengthening their mathematical computation, English comprehension, and computer operation skills. Topics of study include gear ratios, U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, alignment angles, effective shop management, bio-fuels, EPA emission standards, and more.
In the laboratory, students gain practical hands-on training, carefully guided by their instructors as they learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, fuel systems, brake systems, electrical systems, electronic controls, power trains, hydraulic systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in preventive maintenance and inspection procedures.
Using technical manuals, hand tools, computerized diagnostic machines, gauges, and wiring diagrams, students disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components, learning firsthand how to perform diesel engine overhaul and tune-up.
Each student will strengthen their mechanical aptitude and develop important analytical, technical, and problem solving skills. Students will also be expected to practice shop safety and effective time management as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency and speed. Work ethics, professionalism, and maintaining a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the Industrial Diesel Technology program at Lone Star College.
The Industrial Diesel Technology Associate Degree Curriculum
The Industrial Diesel Technology Associate Degree program is made up of the following industry-specific classes:
- Shop Safety and Procedures
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Diesel Engine I
- Diesel Engine Testing and Repair I
- Fuel Systems
- Preventative Maintenance
- Basic Hydraulics
- Diesel Engine II
- Electronic Controls
- Basic Brake Systems
- HVAC Troubleshooting and Repair
- Advanced Diesel Tune-up and Troubleshooting
- Power Train I
- Diesel Engine Testing and Repair II
- Cooperative Education – Diesel Mechanics Technology
Students are also required to take Natural Science/Math, Business and Professional Communication, Composition & Rhetoric I, Introduction to Physical Fitness & Wellness, Any One Credit Hour Physical Activity Course, Humanities/Fine Arts, and Social/Behavioral Science in order to meet the 60 credit requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. Students are required to finish each course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Industrial Diesel Technology Level I Certificate Program
The Industrial Diesel Technology Level I Undergraduate Certificate program is made up of the following career-specific courses:
- Shop Safety & Procedures
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Diesel Engine I
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair I
- Fuel Systems
- Preventative Maintenance
In order to graduate, students must finish each course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Industrial Diesel Technology Level II Certificate Program
The Industrial Diesel Technology Level II Undergraduate Certificate program is made up of the following career-relevant classes:
- Shop Safety & Procedures
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Diesel Engine I
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair I
- Fuel Systems
- Preventative Maintenance
- Basic Hydraulics
- Basic Brake Systems
- Diesel Engine II
- Electronic Controls
- Power Train I
- HVAC Troubleshooting & Repair
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair II
- Advanced Diesel Tune-up & Troubleshooting
In order to graduate, students are required to finish each class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
What to Expect After College
Students who successfully complete the Industrial Diesel Technology program at Lone Star College will possess all the entry-level skills necessary to secure employment as a qualified diesel technician.
As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020, as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in the state of Texas was $43,720 yearly and $21.02 hourly, just 3% lower than the national average.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate
Lone Star College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Industrial Diesel Technology. Lone Star College also offers a 5-month Level I Undergraduate Certificate in Industrial Diesel Technology, as well as a 14-month Level II Undergraduate Certificate in Industrial Diesel Technology. The two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program and the 14-month Level II Undergraduate Certificate program are both Pell Grant eligible.