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Heavy Equipment Dealer Service Technology (HED3)  Degree

The Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technology Associate degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the heavy equipment service and repair profession, specifically for Caterpillar dealers. The program utilizes a curriculum (ThinkBIG) develop by Caterpillar, Inc. and is currently utilized by 19 colleges throughout the world. Learning opportunities in the classroom, lab and internships enable students to develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skill required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of heavy equipment, engines and a minor emphasis on marine propulsion systems and power generator repair theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technology Associate Degree that qualifies them as entry-level heavy equipment technicians.

Entrance date: Fall 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: 78

Curriculum Outline (33 hours)
General Education Core 15
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

 3
ENGL 1105
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Emphasizes practical knowledge of technical communications techniques, procedures, and reporting formats used in industry and business. Topics include reference use and research, device and process description, formal technical report writing, business correspondence, and technical report presentation.

 3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

 3
Humanities (choose ONE class) 3
ARTS 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well-known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.

3
ENGL 2130
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

 3
MUSC 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Explores the formal elements of musical composition, musical form and style, and the relationship of music to historical periods. The course includes listening and analysis of well known works of music. This course encourages student interest in musical arts beyond the classroom.

3
Social Sciences (choose ONE class) 3
POLS 1101

Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, the media, interest groups, political parties, and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition, this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include foundations of government, political behavior, and governing institutions.

3
PSYC 1101

Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

 3
SOCI 1101

Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.

 3
Occupational 18
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 and digital terminology and usage,operating systems, internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.

3
CATT 1100

This course introduces the students to basic diesel engine theory and service procedures.The principles of compression ignited internal combustion engines are taught and variations in design are discussed.Caterpillar engines are used for lab dissembly and assembly.

4
CATT 1110

This course introduces the student to the Caterpillar Organization and provides instruction and lab experience in shop safety, shop operation, service tools, and how to obtain Caterpillar service information.

3
WELD 1000

Provides an introduction to welding technology with an emphasis on basic welding laboratory principles and operating procedures. Topics include: industrial safety and health practices, hand tool and power machine use, measurement, laboratory operating procedures, welding power sources, welding career potentials, and introduction to welding codes and standards.

 4
CATT 1500

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technician curriculum.Placement is obtained through the cooperation of the sponsoring Caterpillar dealer.Major emphasis is place don the specific internship objectives that are contained in the Internship Logbook.

4
CATT 1120Hydraulic Fundamentals
CATT 1130Fuel Systems
CATT 1140Electrical Fundamentals
CATT 1510

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technician curriculum.Placement is obtained through the cooperation of the sponsoring Caterpillar dealer.Major emphasis is place on the specific internship objectives that are contained in the Internship Logbook.

CATT 1150

This course is designed to prepare the serviceman to state the principles of air conditioning, to identify air conditioning components, to state the component functins, and to service the air conditioning system.

CATT 1160

The course will discuss the basic components and operation of power train systems used in Caterpillar machines. Included will be basic components, clutches, torque converters, manual shift transmissions, and power shift transmissions.Basic components and component functions are explained as they relate to the operation of various power train systems.

CATT 1170

This course is designed to teach the system operations and the testing and adjusting procedures for the pilot operated hydraulic system, the load sensing pressure compensated (LSPC) hydraulic system, the proportional priority, pressure compensated (PPPC) system, the elctro-hydraulic system, and the hydrostatic system.

CATT 2500

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technician curriculum.Placement is obtained through the cooperation of the sponsoring Caterpillar dealer.Major emphasis is placed on the specific internship objectives that are contained in the Internship Logbook.

CATT 2000

This course will discuss methods for transferring power through the mechanical power train and cover differentials, brakes, final drives, and undercarriage.

CATT 2010

This course introduces the student to machine electronic systems and diagnostic tooling needed by a technician to properly diagnose and repair the complex electrical/electronic systems installed in Caterpillar machines.

CATT 2510

This supervised experience is required of students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Dealers Service Technician curriculum.Placement is obtained through the cooperation of the sponsoring Caterpillar dealer. Major emphasis is placed on the specific internship objectives that are contained in the Internship Logbook.

CATT 2020

This course is an in-depth study of engine diagnostics and repair techniques.Much of the class time is spent with on-iron activities--diagnosing and correcting engine problems.Participants learn basic diagnosis and troubleshooting procedures, use of Caterpillar diagnostic tools, and use of Caterpillar reference material.The four major engine system studied are oil, air, cooling, and fuel.

CATT 2030

This course introduces the student to machine problem identification using diagnostic tooling and reference material to properly diagnose and repair the complex systems installed on Caterpillar machines.

CATT 2040

This course introduces the student to machine specific systems.The machines and engines covered in this course include:950G II Electro-Hydraulic Control Systems, Compact Construction Equipment (CCE), 325C Excavator, 312/315C Hydraulic Excavators, Off-highway Trucks, Articulated Dump Trucks, 620G Series Wheel Tractor-Scrapers, H-Series Motor Graders, Gas Engines, EPG Engines, Marine Engines, and Paving Products.

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