Diesel/Heavy Duty Equipment

Associate Degree

Three technicians work on a semi truck in a workshop

Degrees/Certificates Offered

Locations Offered

Contact Us

Adrienne Daratha
Adrienne.daratha@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7112

Location

Building 19, Room 101

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About

If you are a problem solver who likes doing vehicle repairs, then think about a career as a diesel and heavy-duty equipment mechanic.

In this program, you’ll receive in-depth technical training on a wide range of heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. You’ll learn to troubleshoot problems, operate repair and diagnostic equipment, weld and perform other job duties. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice working on industry-standard equipment in spacious, modern shops.

With this degree, you could find job opportunities in the fields of heavy construction, mining, logging, agriculture and trucking. Graduates from this program have gone on to work in Alaska, Hawaii and throughout the West.

Courses

HEQ 101 — Commercial Driver's License Theory — 6.0 Credits

This course introduces students to the concepts required to properly operate combination vehicles. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and procedures needed for safe operation by the professional driver. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 102.
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HEQ 102 — Commercial Driver's License Applications — 6.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of HEQ 101 with emphasis on the application of the theory presented in the theory class. The development of safe driving habits and professional characteristics of the tractor trailer driver is stressed throughout the course. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 101.
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HEQ 111 — Basic Electrical Theory — 7.0 Credits

Students are introduced to the theories of basic low voltage DC electricity and mobile air conditioning and their application to the repair of heavy equipment systems. Ignition systems, starting and charging systems, vehicle wiring and auxiliary electrical/electronic components are emphasized. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 112.
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HEQ 112 — Basic Electrical Applications — 9.0 Credits

Students continue learning the concepts introduced in HEQ 111 with emphasis on the diagnosis and repair of low voltage DC electrical and mobile air conditioning systems common to heavy equipment. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 111.
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HEQ 121 — Basic Principles of Engine Theory — 7.0 Credits

Students are introduced to basic engine theory and operation, and their application to the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Engine systems and their component parts are emphasized. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 122.
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HEQ 122 — Basic Engine Applications — 9.0 Credits

Students continue learning concepts introduced in HEQ 121 with emphasis on the diagnosis and repair of the basic gasoline and diesel engine systems common to heavy equipment. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 121.
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HEQ 131 — Principles of Power Train Theory — 7.0 Credits

Students are introduced to the theory and operation of clutches, transmissions, differentials, brakes (air and hydraulic), and their application to heavy equipment. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 132.
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HEQ 132 — Power Train Applications — 9.0 Credits

Students continue to learn the concepts introduced in HEQ 131 with emphasis on the diagnosis and repair of clutches, transmissions, differential (air and hydraulic). Practice in the repair and maintenance of bearings and seals, steering and alignment, and fluid couplings is covered. The correct use of specialized shop tools and equipment is emphasized. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in HEQ 131.
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HEQ 241 — Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Theory — 7.0 Credits

Students are introduced to basic hydraulic theory and operation and their application to the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Hydraulic systems and their component parts are emphasized. Prerequisite: HEQ 111, 112, 121, 122, 131 and 132, or permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in HEQ 242.
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HEQ 242 — Heavy Duty Equipment Hydraulic Application — 9.0 Credits

This course offers practical application of students' knowledge. Students diagnose, repair and test a variety of hydraulic equipment. Prerequisite: HEQ 111, 112, 121, 122, 131 and 132, or permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in HEQ 241.
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HEQ 251 — Practical Shop Procedures — 7.0 Credits

This course offers practical shop application of students' knowledge and skills for the repair of basic electrical, engine, power train and heavy equipment. Prerequisite: HEQ 111, 112, 121, 122, 131 and 132, or permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in HEQ 252.
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HEQ 252 — Practical Shop — 9.0 Credits

This course continues with practical shop skills acquired in HEQ 251. Students receive shop experience in repairing a wider variety of heavy equipment. Prerequisite: HEQ 111, 112, 121, 122, 131 and 132, or permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in HEQ 251.
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HEQ 261 — Practical Shop Procedures — 7.0 Credits

This course continues with practical shop experience gained in HEQ 251, 252. Simulated shop operations for the repair and maintenance of various power train components are emphasized. Prerequisite: HEQ 111, 112, 121, 122, 131 and 132, or permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in HEQ 262.
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HEQ 262 — Practical Shop — 6.0 Credits

Students learn extensive practical applications of all aspects of heavy equipment repair. Use of specialized equipment, tools, machines and techniques is emphasized. In addition, comprehensive diagnosis and repair of transmissions are stressed. Prerequisite: HEQ 111, 112, 121, 122, 131 and 132, or permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in HEQ 261.
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HEQ 266 — Cooperative Education Seminar — 1.0-2.0 Credits

For course description, see Cooperative Education.
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HEQ 267 — Cooperative Education Work Experience — 1.0-18.0 Credits

For course description, see Cooperative Education.
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HEQ 294 — Special Problems — 3.0 Credits

Individualized student needs are addressed in this shop program. Students are assigned specialized shop projects and receive in-depth instruction about the specific aspects of heavy equipment repair. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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APLED Distribution Area Outcomes

DTA Distribution Areas	Distribution Area Outcomes	APLED COURSES	OUTCOME ASSESSMENT
Communication	Prepare and present ideas (verbal and written) clearly, concisely, logically and effectively to communicate in a professional manner	APLED 121	X
	Create, organize, present and adapt effective verbal and nonverbal messages to diverse audiences in diverse contexts	APLED 121 & 123	X
	Access online research related to professional/technical industry topics	APLED 121 & 123
	Demonstrate the ability to critically think: summarize, interpret and evaluate written discourse	APLED 121
	Prepare and write business letters, memos and other documents using instructed technical format	APLED 121	X
	Utilize effective document design techniques to ensure numerical and/or technical data is easily accessible to audience	APLED 121
	Appropriately use college-level language skills (i.e., grammar and punctuation) to draft, revise and edit writing assignments	APLED 121
	Utilize effective communication to lead a group	APLED 123
	Utilize appropriate conflict-management and problem-solving skills while leading or working within a group	APLED 123
	Utilize appropriate customer-relations skills (for both internal and external customers)	APLED 123
	Demonstrate effective listening and responding skills necessary to understand verbal and nonverbal information	APLED 123
Employment Readiness	Analyze personal employment goals and articulate career objectives	APLED 125	X
	Assess professional skills as well as strengths and weaknesses	APLED 125	X
	Develop job search strategies (e.g. research sources of career information and employment opportunities, develop a professional network)	APLED 125
	Demonstrate job interview skills (i.e. presentation skills and effective communication in an interview setting )	APLED 125
	Understand employment and leadership in a diverse workplace	APLED 125
	Prepare an effective employment portfolio including a resume, cover letter and list of references	APLED 125
Math	Apply mathematical concepts and principles to perform computations, as they apply to the student's chosen career	APLED 112	X
	Apply mathematics to solve problems within the student's program	APLED 112
	Apply technology tools (to include calculators) to solve problems as they relate to the student's chosen program	APLED 112
	Use mathematical concepts and techniques in solving practical and applied problems within the student's chosen program	APLED 112
Computer Literacy	Apply skills and concepts for basic use of computer hardware, software and networks in the workplace and in future coursework	APLED 113
	Effectively demonstrate and use the Windows operating system, PC and cloud file management systems	APLED 113
	Effectively demonstrate the use of the school's learning management system	APLED 113	X
	Effectively demonstrate how to email and search the Internet	APLED 113
	Effectively demonstrate and use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation softwares	APLED 113	X
	Use Microsoft Office programs to create personal, academic and business documents following current professional and industry standards	APLED 113