UM-Helena Home > Catalog > Diesel Technology

Diesel Technology

Diesel Technology prepares the student to enter various segments of the diesel repair industry as an entry-level technician. This includes, but is not limited to, the agricultural, the industrial equipment, and the heavy-duty diesel truck repair industry. This program provides comprehensive training in maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of related electrical/electronic systems, mobile hydraulic systems, manual and hydraulic drive trains, brakes, air systems, diesel engines, general maintenance, alignment and undercarriages, HVAC, and transport refrigeration systems as used in equipment common to the diesel repair industry. Major placement areas for the Diesel Technology graduate are agriculture and truck dealerships, truck fleets, construction, mining, oil exploration companies, farms and ranches, and independent truck repair shops.

Students will need professional tools to gain employment upon graduation; therefore, they are required to purchase a tool set as outlined in the tool section. Students are required to purchase school-approved coveralls and red rags for use in the shops and are responsible for a cleaning fee each semester.

Faculty Advisors: Ralph Rinehart and Rick Purcell
Length of Program: 4 Semesters
Type of Program: Associate of Applied Science
Semester of Entry: Fall and Spring. The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester.
Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.


First Semester

Course Number Course Title Credits
DESL110 Diesel Electrical and Electronics I 3
DESL111 Diesel Electrical and Electronics II 2
DESL122 Hydraulics 5
M111T Technical Mathematics 3
WLDG101 Welding Fundamentals for Auto Tech/Diesel 1
WRIT121T Introduction to Technical Writing 3
Total Credits 17

Second Semester

DESL130 Diesel HVAC and Transport Refrigeration or 7
DESL235 Heavy Duty Manual Drive Trains (6) and
DESL245 Heavy Duty Hydraulic Drive Trains (3)
DESL135 Diesel Engine Repair 6
CAPP131 Basic MS Office 3
Total Credits 16/18 (33/35)

Third Semester

DESL200 Diesel Engine Performance 7
DESL210 Diesel Maintenance Practices 5
DESL255 Heavy Duty Brakes and Undercarriage 7
Total Credits 19

Fourth Semester

DESL235 Heavy Duty Manual Drive Trains and 6
DESL245 Heavy Duty Hydraulic Drive Trains or 3
DESL130 Diesel HVAC and Transport Refrigeration (7)
DESL265 Applied Lab Experience 8
HR110T Career Development and Human Relations 3
Total Credits 18/20 (72)
Elective Credit
MECH205 Small Engines 2