Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (AS Degree S0909)
Program Overview
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program prepares students for entry-level positions in the industry or helps them advance their existing skills. The program provides foundational knowledge in mechanics, electricity, heat loads, advanced electrical and mechanical systems, welding, mathematics, and relevant codes and standards. Hands-on labs immerse students in diverse systems and equipment commonly used in the field. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the industry.
Program Outline
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (AS Degree S0909)
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (AIRC) Degree Program prepares students for entry-level positions in the field or helps them advance their existing skills/knowledge without requiring any prior experience. Students gain foundational knowledge in mechanics, electricity, heat loads, advanced electrical and mechanical systems, welding, mathematics, and relevant codes and standards, while exploring the air properties specific to the industry. Hands-on labs immerse students in diverse systems and equipment commonly used in the field.
Objectives:
- To prepare students for diverse job opportunities in the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration industry.
- To equip students for careers in design, manufacturing, operation, sales, distribution, installation, maintenance, repairs, and controls.
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of relevant technology and skills.
Requirements:
- Completion of general education coursework.
- Satisfactory completion of the required courses for the degree.
Additional Information:
- The program is accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
- There are no prerequisites or enrollment limitations.
Outline:
Required Courses:
- AIRC 10 Technical Mathematics in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (2 units)
- AIRC 11 Welding for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (2 units)
- AIRC 12 Air Conditioning Codes and Standards (3 units)
- AIRC 20 Refrigeration Fundamentals (4 units)
- AIRC 25 Electrical Fundamentals for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (5 units)
- AIRC 26 Gas Heating Fundamentals (2 units)
- AIRC 30 Heat Load Calculations and Design (4 units)
- AIRC 31 Commercial Electrical for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (4 units)
- AIRC 32A Air Properties and Measurement (1.5 units)
- AIRC 34 Commercial Systems (4 units)
Total Units:
31.5
Structure:
The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. Subjects covered include:
- Refrigeration Fundamentals: Understand the principles of refrigeration systems, including components, refrigerant types, and operation.
- Electrical Fundamentals: Learn about electrical circuits, components, and principles related to air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Heat Load Calculations and Design: Develop the skills to calculate heat loads and design air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Commercial Electrical for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: Gain expertise in commercial electrical systems used in air conditioning and refrigeration applications.
- Air Properties and Measurement: Study the properties of air and learn how to measure them in the context of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Commercial Systems: Explore different types of commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including their design, operation, and maintenance.
Schedule:
The program is typically offered over four semesters, with courses offered during the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. The specific schedule may vary depending on the availability of instructors and courses.
Modules:
The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, labs, and assignments. Laboratories provide students with hands-on experience with various air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and systems. Assignments and projects further solidify understanding of the theoretical concepts and their practical applications.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Exams: Students take regular exams to assess their understanding of the material covered in lectures and labs.
- Assignments: Students complete assignments to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts learned in the course.
- Projects: Students work on projects to gain practical experience in designing, building, and troubleshooting air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Lab Work: Students' performance in labs is evaluated based on their technical skills, safety practices, and ability to follow instructions.
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge: Students are assessed on their understanding of the theoretical concepts related to air conditioning and refrigeration.
- Skills: Students are assessed on their ability to apply the concepts learned in the course to real-world situations.
- Performance: Students are assessed on their ability to perform tasks related to air conditioning and refrigeration, such as designing, building, troubleshooting, and maintaining systems.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to introduce students to the theoretical concepts related to air conditioning and refrigeration.
- Labs: Students participate in hands-on labs to gain practical experience with air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and systems.
- Demonstrations: Instructors demonstrate various air conditioning and refrigeration tasks to help students understand the concepts and procedures involved.
- Guest Speakers: Industry professionals are invited to share their real-world experiences and insights with students.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in air conditioning and refrigeration. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in the industry.
Unique Approaches:
- The program utilizes a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
- The program focuses on industry-relevant skills and knowledge, preparing students for immediate employment upon graduation.
- The program utilizes a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to work together and learn from each other.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Refrigeration Mechanic
- Service Technician
- Installer
- Sales Representative
- Design Engineer
- Project Manager
Opportunities:
- The air conditioning and refrigeration industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, creating ample job opportunities for qualified individuals.
- Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the industry.
- With additional experience and training, graduates can advance to supervisory and management positions.
Outcomes:
- Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared to take the EPA 608 certification exam, which is required for many jobs in the industry.
- Graduates have a high success rate in finding employment in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.
Other:
- The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
- The program is offered at a reasonable cost, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
- The program has a strong industry reputation, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
- The program provides students with the opportunity to network with industry professionals and potential employers.
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Entry Requirements:
- There are no prerequisites or enrollment limitations
- Students will need to complete General Education coursework in addition to the required courses listed below
- All international students who are not U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents and have not attended a secondary school (high school) in the U.S. for at least two years must provide proof of English language proficiency prior to their application being evaluated. Language Proficiency Requirements: