1. Home
  2. College Catalog
  1. Home
  2. Catalogs
  3. 2024-2025 College Catalog
  4. Programs
  5. Diesel Equipment Technology Diploma

Diesel Equipment Technology Diploma (DET4)  Diploma

Campus Locations: Americus

The Diesel Equipment Technology diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. Learning opportunities enable students to develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of truck, heavy equipment, marine systems, or emergency power generator repair theory and practical application necessary for successful employment depending on the specialization area a student chooses to complete. Program graduates receive a Diesel Equipment Technology diploma that qualifies them as entry-level Diesel Equipment technicians.

Entrance date: Each semester

Program Admission Requirements: A High School diploma or equivalent is required plus achievement of appropriate scores on the college's placement test or submission of acceptable SAT or ACT scores.

Applicant must be at least 16 years of age.

Credits required for graduation: 47

Curriculum Outline (47 hours)
Basic Skills Courses 8 credits 8
MATH 1012

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

 3
ENGL 1010

Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

 3
EMPL 1000

Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

 2
Occupational Courses 39 credits 27
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

 3
DIET 1000

This course introduces basic knowledge and skills the student must have to succeed in the Diesel Equipment Technology field. Topics include an overview of diesel powered vehicles, diesel technology safety skills, basic tools and equipment, reference materials, measuring instruments, shop operation, mechanical fasteners, welding safety, and basic welding skills. Classroom and lab experiences on safety, precision measuring, and basic shop practices are highly emphasized.

 3
DIET 1040
Corequisite: DIET 1010

This course introduces systems used in medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Classroom instruction on HVAC theory and operation along with local, state, and federal regulations are strongly emphasized. Topics include: HVAC safety, HVAC system theory and operation, A/C system component diagnosis and repair, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, HVAC operating systems and related controls, and refrigeration recovery, recycling, and handling procedures.

 3
DIET 1020
Corequisite: DIET 1010

This course introduces preventive maintenance procedures pertaining to medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: engine systems; cab and hood; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); electrical and electronics; frame and chassis.

 5
Electrical Course Options - 7 Credits Required 7
DIET 1010
Corequisite: DIET 1000

This course introduces students to electrical and electronic systems used on medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: general electrical system diagnosis, battery diagnosis and repair, starting system diagnosis and repair, charging system diagnosis and repair, lighting system diagnosis and repair, gauges and warning devices, and an introduction and familiarization with electrical and electronic systems.

 7
DIET 1011
Corequisite: DIET 1011

This course introduces students to diesel electrical and electronic systems used on medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: general electrical systems diagnosis; battery diagnosis and repair; starting system diagnosis and repair; and basic lighting diagnosis and repair.

4
DIET 1012
Corequisite: DIET 1011

This course continues the study of electrical and electronic systems used on medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: advanced lighting diagnosis; charging system diagnosis and repair; gauges and warning devices; and related electrical systems and diagnosis.

3
Engines Course Options - 6 Credits Required 6
DIET 1030
Corequisite: DIET 1010

This course introduces diesel engines used in medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: general engine diagnosis, cylinder head and valve train, engine block, engine lubrication system, hydraulic pumps, engine cooling, air induction, exhaust, fuel supply systems, electronic fuel management, and engine brakes. Using and interpreting test and measuring equipment is highly emphasized.

 6
DIET 1031
Corequisite: DIET 1010

This course introduces diesel engines used in medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: general engine diagnosis; cylinder head and valve trains; engine block; engine lubrication systems; basic fuel system diagnosis; and engine brakes. Using and interpreting measuring equipment is highly emphasized.

3
DIET 1032
Prerequisite: DIET 1031

This course introduces the remaining diesel engine support systems used in medium/heavy duty trucks and heavy equipment. Topics include: engine cooling systems; air induction and exhaust; fuel supply systems; and fuel management systems. Using and interpreting test equipment is highly emphasized.

3
Completion of one of two specializations: 12
Medium/Heavy Truck Specialization-8MT2 12 credits
DIET 2000
Corequisite: DIET 1000

This course introduces steering and suspension systems used on medium/heavy trucks. Classroom instruction on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is strongly emphasized. Topics include: hydraulic assist steering systems; suspension systems; wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment, and repair; wheels and tires; and frame and coupling devices.

 4
DIET 2010
Corequisites: DIET 1000, DIET 1010

This course introduces air and hydraulic brake systems used on medium/heavy duty trucks. Classroom theory on brake systems along Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is strongly emphasized. Topics include: introduction to hydraulic systems and safety; air brakes air supply and system service; air brakes mechanical service; parking brakes; hydraulic brake system and service; hydraulic brakes mechanical service; hydraulic brakes power assist units; anti lock brake systems (ABS) and automatic traction control (ATC); and wheel bearings.

 4
DIET 2020
Corequisites: DIET 1000, DIET 1010

This course introduces power train systems used on medium/heavy duty trucks. Topics include: introduction to power trains, clutches and flywheels, powertrain electronic systems, auto-shift mechanical transmissions, power take-offs, truck drive lines, differentials and final drives, torque converters, and automatic transmissions.

 4
Heavy Equipment Specialization-8HE2 12 credits
DIET 2001
Corequisite: DIET 1000

This course introduces the student to basic hydraulic fundamentals, components, system servicing, symbols and schematics. The student will learn component operation and service techniques for maintaining a hydraulic system. The student will also learn to identify the ISO symbols used on hydraulic schematics and to trace the hydraulic schematics. Topics include: general system operation; basic hydraulic principles; hydraulic system components; hydraulic control valves; load sensing pressure control systems; pilot operated hydraulic system operation; and hydraulic actuators.

 6
DIET 2011
Corequisites: DIET 1000, DIET 1010

This course introduces power trains used on heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, back-hoe loaders and skidders. Classroom and lab instruction on components and systems with use and interpreting testing and diagnosing equipment are highly emphasized. Topics include: power train theory and principles, clutches, manual transmissions, drive shafts, differentials, final drives, special drives, final drive failure analysis, torque converters, hydraulically shifted transmissions, electronic transmissions, hydrostatic transmissions, and transmission failure analysis.

 6
Up one level
Programs of Study