Overview

In this two credit course you will gain a deep understanding of everything that affects the ride, feel, performance, and safety of an automobile. You will come to understand and be able to diagnose, repair, service, and maintain suspension systems, driver assist systems, airbags, driveshafts, CV joints, steering systems, and wheels and tires. With this knowledge and these skills you will be able to work in a variety of careers, including technician, field service engineer, product engineer, test and validation engineer.

  Prerequisites

Students must have completed the following courses:

• AUTO 131: Electrical Systems
• AUTO 131L: Electrical Systems Lab
• AUTO 132: Engine Performance
• AUTO 132L: Engine Performance Lab

This class may be taken concurrently with Auto 255. 

  Outcomes

1. Summarize how each type of chassis system works related to steering, suspension, tires and wheels, and drivelines and axle shafts.
2. Research automotive service information.
3. Formulate solutions to chassis system problems using defined processes.
4. Articulate chassis system information to both professional and non-professional audiences.
5. Identify internships and careers and the path to obtaining them.

  Learning Model

This course utilizes the BYU-Idaho Learning Model in its design. The activity type can be broken down as follows:

Prepare

Students will be assigned weekly readings to study and prepare for the graded assignments in the course.

Teach One Another

In each week is a Q&A discussion board where students can ask questions or provide answers to that weeks topic. This is an ungraded discussion board.

The primary Teach One Another component in this course is a weekly Collaboration Board where students work as group to offer insights into assigned prompts. These insights are gathered to a discussion board where students can compile a complete understanding of the concepts. 

Ponder and Prove

Each week after the Collaboration Board has been compiled, each student completes a Study Guide assignment where they will ponder the responses to each prompt and summarize their understanding. Then they will prove they understand the concepts by completing Case Studies or a Unit Exam.

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

  Required Material

Automotive Chassis Systems, 8th Edition, by James D. Halderman is the required text for both AUTO 255 and 256. Find out more by reading About Your Textbook: Automotive Chassis Systems, 8th Edition.

  Expectations

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.

Workload

This is a two-credit class, therefore, you are expect to spend four hours a week on the materials for this class.

Group Work

Starting in W03, groups will meet (through Zoom, discussion board, emails, and so on.) to discuss assigned prompts from the Collaboration board. The group facilitator will post the group findings on the board.

  Grading Policies

Weighted Categories

Assignments are graded on a point system and are organized into the following weighted categories:

• Preparation Quizzes: 20% of the total grade
  • Each week there will be reading assignments and questions pertaining to the reading. Depending on the week, there can more then one chapter covered. Each preparation quiz allows two attempts where you get to keep your higher score.
• Teach One Another: 25% of the total grade
  • This category includes all the Teach One Another - Collaboration Boards and the Study Guide assignments. In W03, the Collaboration Board will be completed as a group, but each week the Study Guide assignment is completed individually. Rubrics for grading are included.
• Case Studies: 5% of the total grade
  • There are a few case studies within this course. These activities are for you to practice your new acquired knowledge.
• Research Paper: 20% of the total grade
  • To ensure that you are making steady progress, the Research Project is divided into five deliverables submitted over the course. See Research Project for more information.
• Exams: 30% of the total grade
  • There are a total of four (4) exams throughout this course. They are arranged as a series of checkpoints where the emphasis of each exam is on the most recent topics studied, but questions from previous units may be asked.

Late Work

As a sign of professionalism and respect, you should complete your work on time. However, your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate. 

Grading Scale

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.

  University Policies

Students with Disabilities

BYU-Pathway Worldwide is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified students with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact Accessibility. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by Student Wellness.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered for accommodations and need a transcription for these meetings, please contact Accessibility.

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please click on the links below to learn more about the following policies:

• Academic and Administrative Grievances and Appeals
• Academic Honesty
• Copyright Infringement
• Disability Services
• Disruptive Behavior
• Honor Code
• Nondiscrimination
• Other University Policies

Go to the Student Resources module for further resources and information.

  Disclaimers

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.