Course Descriptions

Diesel Technology - DT
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • DT-050
  • State Laws and Fed Regualtions
  • Credit(s) 3

State Laws and Federal Regulations
DT 050 provides students with an introduction to the trucking industry, rules and regulations to prepare students for the written test to obtain a CLP (Commercial Learners Permit) from the state of California. Students will also complete the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requirements for the theory portion of the ELDT (Entry Level Drivers Training).

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
Valid Class C license and be at least 18
years of age.:
  • DT-052
  • Safe Operation Fundamentals
  • Credit(s) 3

Safe Operation Fundamentals
DT 052 provides practical and theoretical instruction in the techniques needed to inspect, drive and maneuver a Class A combination vehicle. Students will adjust brakes and perform basic maintenance tasks on commercial vehicles and trailers. The course also explains and demonstrates safe practices in using and selecting proper tools for the job, both in the shop and on the road. Students will also complete the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requirements for the behind-the-wheel range portion of the ELDT (Entry Level Drivers Training).

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
  • DT-053
  • Cargo Handling and Securement
  • Credit(s) 1

Cargo Handling and Securement
DT 053 provides practical and theoretical training in the operation of material handling equipment (forklift and pallet jack), and the loading and securement of cargo on various types of commercial vehicles. Students receive training in loading commercial vehicles to comply with both axle weight and securement laws. In addition, students also develop their skills in minor maintenance for an inspection of load securement devices.

Class Hours:
27 Lecture | 9 Laboratory
  • DT-055
  • Trip Planning and Budgeting
  • Credit(s) 3

Trip Planning and Budgeting
DT 055 provides student with practical and theoretical training related to the planning of trips using a Rand McNally Road Atlas and finding the most effective and efficient routing between pickup and delivery points. The course will also include a review of basic math and industry math applications.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
  • DT-057
  • Job Prep Skills
  • Credit(s) 1

Job Prep Skills
DT 057 provides information on how to find available positions as well as improve job-seeking skills in order to apply for, and interview with both small and large transportation companies. Additionally, it provides information and resources on how to prepare appropriate documents (application, resume, and cover letter) for job search and to assist in the interview process.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture
  • DT-058
  • Operations of Commercial Vehic
  • Credit(s) 3

Operations of Commercial Vehicles I
DT 058 provides practical and theoretical knowledge in the operation of two- and three-axle tractor-trailer combinations on a driving range and highway. Students will drive commercial vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and be introduced to shifting a dual-range transmission. Additionally, students will be oriented in California state laws pertaining to a commercial motor vehicle, which prepares them for the CDL Skills and Knowledge Test for the Class A license. Students will also complete the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requirements for the behind-the-wheel public road portion of the ELDT (Entry Level Drivers Training).

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
  • DT-059
  • Operations of Commercial Vehi
  • Credit(s) 3

Operations of Commercial Vehicles II
DT 059 provides practical and theoretical knowledge in the operation of two- and three-axle tractor-trailer combinations on a driving range and highway with lengths over 65 feet, including single and double trailers. Students will develop hand, eye, and foot coordination for shifting various types of dual-range transmissions on the driving range and in real-life city and highway traffic.

Class Hours:
108 Lecture | 18 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
DT 058
  • DT-074
  • Hazardous Materials Transporta
  • Credit(s) 1

Hazardous Materials Transportation
DT 074 provides theoretical training for the transportation of hazardous materials and satisfies the Federal Motor Carriers Entry Level Drivers Training requirement.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture
  • DT-079
  • Commercial Driver Testing
  • Credit(s) 0.5

Commercial Driver Testing
DT 079 offers students the opportunity to test for a commercial drivers license with the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Students will utilize classroom and laboratory experiences to license as a commercial driver.

Class Hours:
27 Laboratory
Co-Requisite(s):
DT 050, DT 052, and DT 058
  • DT-094
  • Introduction to Diesel Engine
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Diesel Engine Repair
DT 094 explores the operation and repair of modern diesel engines. Principles and theories are studied by running, testing, diagnosing, disassembling and reassembling components, systems and engines.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
  • DT-095
  • Advanced Diesel Engine Repair
  • Credit(s) 3

Advanced Diesel Engine Repair
DT 095 explores the operation and repair of modern computer controlled diesel engines, emissions systems and components. Advanced principles and theories are studied by testing, diagnosing, disassembling and reassembling engine components and systems.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
DT 094
  • DT-096
  • Hydraulics
  • Credit(s) 3

Hydraulics
DT 096 explores the operation and repair of agriculture and industrial heavy equipment hydraulic systems; pumps, valves, cylinders, motors, hydrostatic drives, hoses and fittings as well as electronic controls. Advanced principles and theories operation, pressure and flow are studied by testing, diagnosing, disassembling, repairing and reassembling heavy equipment hydraulic components and systems.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
  • DT-097
  • Equipment Systems
  • Credit(s) 3

Equipment Systems
DT 097 explores the operation and repair of agriculture and industrial heavy equipment systems including: drive systems, brakes and braking, tracks and tires, auxiliaries, air conditioning, electronics, and computer controls. Advanced principles and theories are studied by testing, diagnosing, disassembling, repairing and reassembling heavy equipment components and systems.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory