When you decide to pursue an advanced vehicle systems degree, you will learn pretty quickly that this is a hands-on degree. This means that much of the studying you do will be based in labs and involve applying the skills you learn through interactive work. From engineering to manufacturing technology, you will work on common projects and systems with different tools and equipment.
Common Projects and Systems
The AVS curriculum allows you to study the different vehicle systems in depth. Your coursework and lab time will focus on diagnosing and repairing complex systems, moving far beyond oil changes. Some of these projects include:
- Vehicle Electronics and Diagnostics: You will test computer control systems and software to maximize performance or fuel economy. This includes testing audio and navigation systems and ensuring critical safety systems, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, are functioning correctly. This is a core part of preparing for roles like Electrical Engineering Technician.
- Core Vehicle Systems: Required lab courses cover different areas and systems of a vehicle, including Electrical Systems (AUTO 131L, Engine Performance (AUTO 132L, and Chassis Dynamics Lab (AUTO 256LL), which covers steering, suspension, and brakes.
- Advanced Technologies: This program prepares you for the latest technologies, with courses such as Vehicle Electronics (AUTO 331) and Engine Management Systems (AUTO 332).
These projects/lab work can also be used with a minor or with clusters from areas such as engineering, manufacturing technology, electrical engineering, business, or others. With these hands-on experiences, you will be prepared for diverse careers in the automotive industry!
Equipment and Facilities
BYU-Idaho’s automotive facility is well-equipped with diagnostic and test equipment to ensure you work with the latest technology before you graduate. While a full inventory is extensive, the required lab coursework utilizes high-tech diagnostic tools such as:
- Advanced Scanners and Loggers: You will be trained on tools like the OBD II scan tool and data logger, which are essential for reading codes and analyzing data streams from a vehicle’s computers.
- Precision Electrical Tools: Your fundamental kit must include a digital multimeter and a 12-volt test light for accurate diagnosis of electrical systems.
- Optional Specialized Tools: If you want to specialize further, there are advanced diagnostic tools available. For example, the Automotive PicoScope is for waveform analysis, a more complex task than what a basic scan tool can do.
Tool Requirements for Students
Since so much of the time is spent in labs working on vehicles and real problems, students in all automotive labs are required to have at least a basic set of tools.
Here is a complete tool list of both required tools and optional tools for your labs.
If you need help purchasing tools, tool vendors are at BYU-Idaho during the first week of each semester to offer tools at discounted prices. Many required items, such as the multimeter and specific toolboxes, can also be purchased directly from the University Store.
Gain Practical Experience
The Advanced Vehicle Systems degree at BYU-Idaho is designed to bridge the gap between engineering and practical application. Whether your goal is to work as a service engineer or to lead a specialized team of technicians, the hands-on experience you will spend in the labs will prepare you for the workforce.
Knowing you will be working with the industry’s latest tools on complex vehicle systems should give you great confidence in the practical experience this degree offers, and by mastering the skills needed to use the diagnostic tools and navigating vehicle computer networks, you will graduate as more than a technician; you will become a problem solver capable of influencing the future of transportation!
Works Cited
Advanced Vehicle Systems, BYU-Idaho
Automotive Student Resources, BYU-Idaho
Automotive Tool Lists BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Advanced Vehicle Systems, BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Chassis Dynamics Lab (AUTO256L) BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Electrical Systems (AUTO 131L) BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Engine Management Systems (AUTO 332) BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Engine Performance (AUTO 132L) BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Vehicle Electronics (AUTO 331) BYU-Idaho