Agricultural Systems Technology

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This program prepares individuals to repair, troubleshoot, and maintain common agricultural equipment used in farming and related industries. Major systems and principles of operation covered in the program are engines, powertrains, electrical and electronic systems, hydraulics, and telematics. Other systems covered include planting, harvesting, and spraying equipment. These systems are commonly found in all brands and makes of tractors, combines, and other agricultural equipment.

Contact Information

Image of Spencer Dagenhardt
Spencer Dagenhardt, AAS
Instructor - Diesel & Heavy Equipment
Phone: 336-838-6468
spdagenhardt309@wilkescc.edu

Pathways

Course Requirements

    First Year - Fall Semester
    • ACA 115 Success & Study Skills

      This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

    • HET 110 Diesel Engines

      This course introduces theory, design, terminology, and operating adjustments for diesel engines. Emphasis is laced on safety, theory of operation, inspection, measuring, and rebuilding diesel engines according to factory specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to measure, diagnose problems, and repair diesel engines.

    • TRN 110 Intro to Transport Tech

      This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

    • TRN 120 Basic Transp Electricity

      This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

    • TRN 170 Pc Skills for Transp

      This course introduces students to personal computer literacy and Internet literacy with an emphasis on the transportation service industry. Topics include service information systems, management systems, computer-based systems, and PC-based diagnostic equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to access information pertaining to transportation technology and perform word processing.

    First Year - Spring Semester
    • ELN 112 Diesel Electronics System

      This course introduces electronic theory and applications as used in medium and heavy duty vehicles. Emphasis is placed on the basic function and operation of semiconductor and integrated circuits. Upon completion, students should be able to identify electronic components, explain their use and function, and use meters and flow charts to diagnose and repair systems.

    • ENG 110 Freshman Composition

      This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers.

    • HET 114 Power Trains

      This course introduces power transmission devices. Topics include function and operation of gears, chains, clutches, planetary gears, drive lines, differentials, and transmissions. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, research specifications, repair, and adjust power train components.

    • MAT 110 Math Measurement & Literacy

      This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.

    • TRN 180 Basic Welding for Transp

      This course covers the terms and procedures for welding various metals used in the transportation industry with an emphasis on personal safety and environmental health. Topics include safety and precautionary measures, setup/operation of MIG equipment, metal identification methods, types of welds/joints, techniques, inspection methods, cutting processes and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of welding operations and safety procedures according to industry standard

    First Year - Summer Term
    • TRN 130 Intro to Sustainable Transp

      This course provides an overview of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. Topics include composition and use of alternative fuels including compressed natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, hybrid/electric, and vehicles using alternative fuels. Upon completion, students should be able to identify alternative fuel vehicles, explain how each alternative fuel delivery system operates, and perform minor repairs.

    • TRN 140 Transp Climate Control

      This course covers the theory of refrigeration and heating, electrical/electronic/pneumatic controls, and diagnosis and repair of climate control systems. Topics include diagnosis and repair of climate control components and systems, recovery/recycling of refrigerants, and safety and environmental regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair vehicle climate control systems.

    • TRN 140A Transp Climate Cont Lab

      This course provides experiences for enhancing student skills in the diagnosis and repair of transportation climate control systems. Emphasis is placed on reclaiming, recovery, recharging, leak detection, climate control components, diagnosis, air conditioning equipment, tools and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the operation, diagnose, and safely service climate control systems using appropriate tools, equipment, and service information.

    Second Year - Fall Semester
    • ENG 116 Technical Report Writing

      This course, the second in a series of two, introduces layout and design of technical reports used in business and industry. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, data collection and analysis, technical writing style and organization, oral presentation of technical data, and the appropriate use of graphics in written and oral presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to produce written and oral reports using a variety of technical communication models.

    • HET 115 Electronic Engines

      This course introduces the principles of electronically controlled diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on testing and adjusting diesel engines in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, test, and calibrate electronically controlled diesel engines.

    • PME 112 Consumer Products

      This course introduces compact utility, lawn and garden tractors, and other related equipment and attachments. Topics include set-up, adjustments and general servicing of equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to set-up, adjust, service and repair equipment.

    • PME 121 Component Controls

      This course covers specific operating controls used on modern equipment. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic controls in powertrains, guidance controls, and implements used on agricultural equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, diagnose, adjust, and repair control systems used on modern equipment.

    • PSY 118 Interpersonal Psychology

      This course introduces the basic principles of psychology as they relate to personal and professional development. Emphasis is placed on personality traits, communication/leadership styles, effective problem solving, and cultural diversity as they apply to personal and work environments. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of these principles of psychology as they apply to personal and professional development.

    Second Year - Spring Semester
    • HUM 110 Technology and Society

      This course considers technological change from historical, artistic, and philosophical perspectives and its effect on human needs and concerns. Emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of technological change. Upon completion, students should be able to critically evaluate the implications of technology.

    • HYD 112 Hydraulics-Med/Heavy Duty

      This course introduces hydraulic theory and applications as applied to mobile equipment. Topics include component studies such as pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, filters, reservoirs, lines, and fittings. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, diagnose, test, and repair hydraulic systems using schematics and technical manuals.

    • PME 111 Harvest and Spraying Equip

      This course covers the theory, design principles of operation, adjustments, troubleshooting and repair of harvesting and spraying equipment. Emphasis is placed on set-up, troubleshooting and repair of systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, adjust or repair new and used harvesters and sprayers in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

    • PME 122 AG Telematics

      This course covers the set-up, activation, and programming for computerized and guidance controls for agricultural harvesting and planting equipment. Emphasis is placed on set-up, troubleshooting and repair of system. Upon completion, students should be able to install, program, and troubleshoot the system.

    Technical Standards

    The Agriculture Systems Technology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

    Standard Essential Function Examples
    Communication
    Oral / Written
    • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
    • Communicate in a professional manner for repairs with coworkers and customers
    • Write work orders
    • Read prints, schematics, and documents
    Mobility / Motor Skills
    • Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
    • Ability to safely operate in and around machinery
    • Ability to install items overhead
    • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
    • Make repairs
    • Assemble parts
    • Work with many types of hand, air, or other power tools
    • Work at heights up to 35′ while carrying tools and equipment
    • Physical activities may include:
      • Climbing
      • Lifting
      • Balancing
      • Stooping
      • Reaching
    Physical Strength and Stamina
    • Ability sufficient to lift and carry
    • Lift and carry wheels, engine parts, brake rotors, etc.
    Sensory

    • Sight
    • Sound
    • Taste
    • Touch
    • Smell
    • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
    • Listening skills sufficient to communicate with others
    • Identify sounds from the vehicle during diagnostic phase
    • Visual skills to inspect or assess for safety
    • Identify defects and make repairs
    • Clearly distinguish all primary colors
    • Read meters and testers
    • Listen to customer’s assessment of problem
    • Hear others inside of an industrial shop or in the field by voice, loud speaker, phone, and/or two-way radio
    • Listen for various pitches emitted by testers and meters
    • Inspect an area or piece of equipment for potential failures or safety issues
    • Detect potential dangers in the shop such as smelling gas leaks, identifying leaks in hydraulic lifts, etc.
    Environmental / Occupational Exposure
    • Possible exposure to extreme noise levels
    • Possible exposure to extreme weather
    • Possible exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes
    • Ability to use petroleum products or other chemicals
    • Work around motors and air tools
    • Work outside or inside of a non-climate-controlled shop
    • Work around diesel fuel, motor oil, etc.
    Field or Industry Professional Standards
    • Wear safety equipment
    • Valid Driver’s License
    • CDL standards (for vision, etc.)
    • Wear safety glasses
    • Good peripheral vision and depth perception
    • 20/40 corrected in at least one eye (CDL standard)

    Disability Services Statement

    Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.

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