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Programs - Engineering and Industrial Technology

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Coordinator:              Jim Kroll, OTC 1108C, Ext. 2560
Length:                                    Four semesters*

*Program can be completed in day or evening classes.  The day program starts in even numbered years and the evening program starts in odd numbered years.

Purpose: The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating curriculum is designed to provide up-to-date technical skills for employment in the growing $150  billion  HVACR industry. VHCC’s 4,500 sq. ft. lab is equipped with various manufacturers’ equipment, with student time divided in half  between classroom theory and lab projects. Students will operate “live” equipment to improve skills in troubleshooting, maintenance, and installation. In addition, students will utilize manufacturer-training software, audiovisual materials, and specially designed trainers for electricity and refrigeration. There is a growing demand for trained HVACR technicians, due to record equipment sales, the introduction of new refrigerants, and technical improvements in equipment. The curriculum satisfies the entry-level training requirements for students new to the HVACR industry, as well as updating the skills of those who want to improve their current skills for advancement in the workplace. VHCC’s program content and entry-level skills of students are verified through the nationally recognized Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s Industry Competency Exam. For the 5 year period ending in 2004 VHCC students have a 92% pass rate on the residential heating and cooling exam, compared to a 60 percentile national average.

Occupational Objectives:

      Air Conditioning Technician             Heating Technician

      Refrigeration Technician                  HVACR Technician

      HVACR Contractor                         Controls Technician

      Indoor Air Quality Technician           HVACR Technical Sales

      HVACR Installation, Service,

            Maintenance Technician

Admission Requirements: Students are required to meet the general requirements of the college as contained in this catalog. Students from other schools or colleges or with appropriate industrial experience may submit transcripts or other documentation for evaluation and advanced placement.

Program Requirements:  The major proportion of the curriculum will consist of courses in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating, with the remaining courses in related subjects, general education, and electives. The program will consist of both theoretical concepts and practical applications needed for success in this skilled field. Each student is advised to consult with his/her advisor and counselor for program planning and in selecting electives.

Upon completion of the four-semester program listed in this catalog, the graduate will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Virginia Tradesman Certification Program:  Students seeking the Journeyman or Master levels of certification may, with appropriate documentation, help meet the practical work experience requirement through the Cooperative Education Program.

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
First Semester (Fall)
Course Number	Course Title	Lec. Hrs.	Lab. Hrs.	Crs.
SDV 101	Orientation to College Success	1	0	1
MTH 141	Business Mathematics I	3	0	3
AIR 111	Air Cond. & Ref. Controls I	2	2	3
AIR 171	Refrigeration I	6	6	9
	Total	12	8	16
Second Semester (Spring)
ENG 111 or ENG 115	College Composition I or Technical Writing	3	0	3
EEE	1Social Science Elective	3	0	3
AIR 112	Air Cond. & Ref. Controls II	2	2	3
AIR 172	Refrigeration II	6	6	9
	Total	14	8	18
Third Semester (Fall)
PED	2Physical Education	0	2-3	1
EEE	3Humanities Elective	3	0	3
AIR 134	Circuits and Controls I	2	2	3
AIR 176	Air Conditioning	4	4	6
AIR 235	Heat Pumps	2	2	3
	Total	11	10-11	16
Fourth Semester (Spring)
PED	2Physical Education	0	2-3	1
EEE	1Social Science Elective	3	0	3
AIR 154	Heating Systems I	2	3	3
AIR 165	Air Conditioning Systems I	2	3	3
AIR 205	Hydronics and  Zoning	2	2	3
AIR 231	Circuits and Controls V	3	3	4
	Total	12	12-13	17
Total Minimum Credits required  for the AAS Degree..........................67

1. Students may take 6 credits of social science. Recommended social science courses include ECO 201-202; GEO 210; HIS 101-102; HIS 121-122; PLS 135; PLS 211-212; PSY 200; SOC 200.

2.  Students may substitute any HLT course for physical education requirements.

3. Students must take 3 credits of humanities. Recommended humanities courses include ART 201, 202; MUS 121, 122; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152; PHI 101; foreign language or literature.

Cooperative Education - Students are encouraged to take AIR 297 during the summer semester, or in the second year after satisfactory completion of the first year, with faculty advisor and faculty co-op advisor approvals.

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Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Coordinator:             Gary Thomas, ISC 306, Ext. 2418

Length:                                    Four semesters (two years)

Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology is designed to prepared persons for full-time employment immediately upon completion of the community college program.  In addition, students may transfer credits earned in the AAS degree program to certain engineering technology programs in four-year colleges and universities toward work on a baccalaureate degree.  A student who completes the program will be capable of doing skilled designed work and accurate detail and assembly drawings, both manually and by using the computer.

Occupational Objectives:

        C.A.D. System Operator                Drafter

        Quality Control Inspector               Machine Design Drafter

        Process Design Drafter                 Assistant to an Engineer

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology requires proficiency in high school English and two years of high school mathematics (including one unit of algebra and one unit of geometry or equivalent).  All students are required to take a mathematics and English entrance exam before registering for any math or English classes.  Students who are not proficient in English and mathematics will be required to correct their deficiencies in developmental courses (pre-entrance summer session recommended).

Program Requirements: Approximately one-half of the curriculum will include courses in drafting and design technology with the remaining courses in related areas, general education and electives.  Instruction will include both the theoretical concepts and practical applications needed for future success in drafting and design technology.  Each student is advised to consult with his/her faculty advisor and counselor in planning a program.  Upon satisfactory completion of the four-semester curriculum listed, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology.

The above semester-by semester sequencing of courses may be modified when necessary. Please refer to the Program Choices section of this Catalog for a discussion of factors which affect planning and sequencing programs of study. Courses may be substituted or adjustments made by the College to meet program objectives and requirements.

1.   Students planning to transfer to a four-year engineering technology program should take MTH 163 and 164 and PHY 201 and 202. Students not planning to transfer to a four-year design program can take MTH 115 and MTH 116 and BIO 101 and 102 or CHM 111 and 112 or PHY 121 and 122.

2.   Recommended social science courses include ECO 201, 202; GEO 210, 220; PLS 135, 211, 212; PSY 200; SOC 200; HIS 101, 102; HIS 121, 122.

3.   Students may substitute any HLT (Health) course for Physical Education requirement. Transfer students should note that four-year institutions may require a PED activity course in the general education core.

4.   Humanities electives include ART 201, 202; foreign languages; literature; MUS 121, 122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.

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Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Coordinator:             Kenneth McGlothlin, MEC 504,   Ext. 2441
Length:                                    Four semesters (two years)

Purpose:  In addition to satisfying the needs of those students who enroll for the four-semester program three other groups are served: First, those who have completed the three-semester Computer Numerical Control Machining Program that is presently being offered; second, graduates of other schools who have completed a comparable one-year program; third, machine tool operators in industry who want to upgrade their skills. The program is designed to provide both theory and shop experiences of an advanced nature in the machining field.

Occupational Objectives:

      Machinist

      Tool and Die Maker

      Machine Shop Supervisor

      Inspector

      Computer Numerical Control Operator and Programmer

Admission Requirements: Students are required to meet the general requirements of the college as contained in this catalog. Students from other schools or colleges or with appropriate industrial experience should submit transcripts or other documentation for evaluation and advanced placement.

Program Requirements: The Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations Curriculum consists of courses in both the machining and general education areas. Instruction will include both concepts of machining and practical applications on machine tools. Each student should consult with his/her counselor and faculty advisor in planning a program and selecting his/her electives. Upon completion of the four-semester program listed on this page, the graduate will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree.