Course Syllabus

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Course Syllabus

Overview

In this course, students will learn the theory of operation, diagnosis, service, and repair procedures of automotive braking systems.

This is a two-credit-hour course that is designed to be taken concurrently with AUTO 255L. The scope of this course is to help students learn about the concepts and systems they will encounter in the lab. Taking one without the other will not allow students to both have access to the information they need to learn and apply it.

Requirements

Prerequisites

Take the following:

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

Required Resources

This course uses a low-cost, auto-access textbook. Read the information in the About Your Textbook: Automotive Chassis Systems, 8th Edition page to learn how to access your textbook, and how to opt out of this automatic purchase, if desired.

Textbook Usage in other AUTO courses 

The textbook is also used for the coursework in AUTO 256. Be sure to only purchase the textbook once, even if you take AUTO 256 in a different semester than AUTO 255. Instructions for opting out of auto-access can be found in the Textbook Information module.

The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.

Required Resources
Resource Title and Description
(books, software, and so on)		 Author or Provider Ed. or Vol. 13-Digit ISBN
Automotive Chassis Systems James D. Halderman 8th 978-0135758748

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course does not include proctored exams. This is a decision made out of trust. You are expected to follow the Honor Code in your academic pursuits. This includes adhering to the conditions set out in the instructions for this exam. It may be tempting to use all physical and digital resources available in your quizzes and exams. You should study hard, take advantage of the multiple attempts allowed, and trust in yourself to do well. This will contribute to your being well-prepared for the ASE Certification Exam, which is done in a proctored setting without the use of reference material.

ASE Certification Exam Information

Automotive professionals are certified by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). Certification is desired by employers in all sectors of the industry ranging from engineering and management to service and maintenance. To become certified, you must pass a certification exam and have two years of related work experience. If you graduate with an automotive degree, your degree will count for one of those years, and you only need one additional year of work experience. If you become certified in eight areas (A1–A8), you are considered a Certified Master Technician.

This course is designed to prepare students for the A5 ASE Certification Exam. Note that the ASE Certification Exam related to the content in this course is not a part of the actual course. There will be assignments intended to prepare students for the certification exam, but the exam itself is separate.

See the Automotive Technology Program's ASE Certification for information on taking the exams.

Structure

Course Outcomes

  1. Learn brake system operation to enable proper diagnosis and repair practices.
  2. Learn how to use precision measuring tools and lathes to measure and machine brake rotors and drums.
  3. Learn the operation, diagnosis, and service of brake assist mechanisms.
  4. Develop and practice interpersonal and communication skills with customers and others.
  5. Be prepared to take and pass the "Brakes" ASE Certification Exam.

Major Assignments

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

Major Assignments
Major Assignment Description Course Outcome #
W05 Exam 01 An exam covering content studied W01–W05 1, 2, 3
W10 Exam 02 An exam covering content studied W01–W10 1, 2, 3
W14 Final Exam An exam covering all content studied in the course 1, 2, 3
W04 Thinking Questions A series of essay questions that focus on comprehension and real-world application 4
W06 Case Study A short role-play where students try to diagnose a brake systems issue 3
W07 Case Study A short role-play where students try to diagnose a brake systems issue 3
W08 Thinking Questions A series of essay questions that focus on comprehension and real-world application 4
W09 Case Study A short role-play where students try to diagnose a brake systems issue 3
W10 Case Study A short role-play where students try to diagnose a brake systems issue 3
W11 Thinking Questions A series of essay questions that focus on comprehension and real-world application 4
W12 Final Résumé Submission A final résumé submitted after several rounds of feedback and review 5

Weekly Patterns

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

Weekly Patterns
Due Date* Learning Model Activity Title Description
Midweek Teach One Another Discussion There are few graded discussion in this course, but when they are present the initial post is due at the midweek due date, and the response posts by the end of the week.
End of Week Prepare, Prove Quiz Reading quizzes cover content studied in the indicated chapters of the textbook.
End of Week Ponder, Prove Assignment This course includes several assignments that are related to the course outcomes. Instructions and resources for completing them are found in the instructions.

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

Learning Model

This course employs all phases of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model. Students prepare by completing assigned readings. They teach one another through peer review assignments and discussions. Finally, they ponder and prove by being asked to consider real-world application of the various systems studied in this course.

Expectations

Feedback

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

Workload

As a two credit hour course, AUTO 255 students are expected to spend 6–8 hours weekly on their studies and coursework.

Group Work

This course does not incorporate group assignments. Rather, students are responsible for peer reviewing select assignments over the course of the semester.

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.

Retries

All quizzes and exams allow for multiple attempts. The number of attempts is defined in each individual quiz or exam. Retries beyond the allowed number of attempts are not allowed.

Extra Credit

This course does not include built-in extra credit. Your instructor may offer extra credit opportunities at their discretion.

Grading Scale

Grading Scale
Letter Grade Percent
A 100%–93%
A- 92%–90%
B+ 89%–87%
B 86%–83%
B- 82%–80%
C+ 79%–77%
C 76%–73%
C- 72%–70%
D+ 69%–67%
D 66%–63%
D- 62%–60%
F 59% and lower

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:

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

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due