Des Moines Area Community College.

Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Technology

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Algebra I
  • Trigonometry
  • Physics
  • *Algebra II
  • *Composition
  • Electronics

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

This program requires close, careful technical reading. First-semester textbooks are written at an advanced college level. Tests are based on a combination of text, lectures, and instructors' handouts.

In addition to their texts, students read software and hardware lab manuals for equipment operation and troubleshooting. On the job they may also read professional journals, new product literature, manuals for technical updating and texts that accompany continuing education courses for technical upgrading or certification. Much of this material may be accessed on line.

View more information on reading skills in the Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program.

Language

Speaking activities in the program are limited. Although some instructors might require students to explain a process to the class, most oral explanations are done on a one-to-one basis as part of lab work.

On the job, technicians will interact with coworkers, and many will also have contact with clients. To facilitate troubleshooting, they must be able to ask appropriate questions, listen attentively, and explain clearly. They must also be able to interact positively with customers, often in stressful situations. They may work with clients of varying levels of technical expertise in person, over the phone, or on line.

Students take Communication Skills (COM 703) in their first term. In their program coursework, they will write lab reports in which they document procedures and explain their conclusions. Technical accuracy is important in such work. Similar writing will be done on the job, as well as completing various forms and creating technical diagrams. Workers who move into management will also engage in business correspondence.

View more information on language skills in the Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program.

Math

Math is a crucial skill in this program. At least one year of high school algebra is recommended, since students must earn a satisfactory score on the COMPASS Algebra  test as a requirement for program entry. They will take Math – Electronics and Computers (ELT 108) in their first term. The algebra and trig skills learned in this course will be immediately applied in courses such as Electric Circuit Analysis (ELT 385) and Electric Circuit Analysis II (ELT 387). Nondecimal bases will be used in Digital Electronics (ELT 325) and geometry and physics will be used in Mechanisms (ELT 143).

On the job, technicians may use software which requires solving equations. Other work may involve applying concepts from calculus.

The analytical and problem solving skills developed in math courses are used throughout the program and on the job.

View more information on math skills in the Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program.

Learning

Students in this program should be curious about how electro-mechanical systems work and how to repair them. They should enjoy taking things apart and reassembling them successfully. Their aptitude for mechanical systems and strong general reasoning skills will be refined and applied in a technical context as they learn about automated systems, motors, controllers, and basic circuitry. Sequencing skills are used as students rigorously follow and generate step-by-step procedures. When troubleshooting, they must make accurate observations, trace causes, and use appropriate resources to solve problems, often within strict time constraints. Perseverance and dedication are the hallmarks of successful technicians.

View more information on learning skills in the Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program.

Computer

Although keyboarding skills are not required for the program, they would be helpful. Familiarity with a word processing program would be beneficial for the Communication Skills course, which requires typed papers. Within the program, students take courses in basic operating systems, computer programming, computer-aided drafting and design, and computer integrated manufacturing.

View more information on computer skills in the Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program.