Powersports Technology/ Courses

This course introduces and illustrates all components of powersports, agricultural, outdoor power, and marine equipment. Safety, environmental protection, equipment and tool usage are covered. Students learn how air-cooled and liquid-cooled systems work as well as the major parts of both two-stroke and four-stroke engine lubrication systems and how these systems are serviced. Types and characteristics of motor oil, coolants, gearbox systems, radiator caps, and thermostats are covered. Students will also be taught the safe operation of equipment before and after service. Troubleshooting procedures are introduced along with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and accessory systems. The importance of schematics in electrical circuits as well as interpreting installation procedures and adjustments are emphasized.

This course includes instruction in battery, charging, and ignition systems. The use of electricity to provide the source of starting and operating power as well as the operation and design of common ignition systems are covered. Vacuum, centrifugal advance, half-wave and full-wave rectification, alternators, regulators, batteries, and AC charging systems are included.

This course includes instruction in front and rear wheels, tires, and brake systems. Types of wheels; wheel inspection; repacking wheel bearings; wheel removal, installation, lacing, truing, straightening, balancing, and troubleshooting are covered. Types of tires, tire removal, flat repair, and tire installation are included. Students learn the operating principles of mechanical drum and hydraulic disc brake systems and how inspection, troubleshooting, and repairs are performed. The advantages of anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and linked braking systems (LBS) are explored.

This course includes instruction on two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Engine parts, installation, initial starting, break-in, inspection, diagnosis, tune-up, general service, reconditioning, and reassembly are covered. Ignition system, fuel system, and valve train adjustments are included.

This course includes instruction in carburetion and electronic fuel injection. Students will learn the theory and operation of various types of carburetors as well as electronic fuel injection systems. Carburetors, fuel tanks, manual and electric fuel pumps, sensors, senders, fuel taps, and related tubing are also covered.

This course teaches the theories of electric starting systems, breaker point, capacitor discharge ignition (CDI), and different types of charging systems. The students will also service and troubleshoot alternators, batteries, rectifiers, stators, switches, wiring, regulators, relays, starters, solenoids, schematics, and all components associated with the starting, charging, and ignition systems.

This introductory course to basic marine systems includes boating basics, ignition systems, fuel systems, powerhead fundamentals, lubrication, drive unit, propellers, corrosion, and rigging. This fundamental class is designed to introduce the student to a basic platform from which they can further achieve advanced maintenance modules.

Students will take their marine-specific skills to the next level with advanced training. They will learn procedures to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair problems related to starting systems. Students also will get hands-on experience with diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing fuel systems, including EFI and carbureted.

Students are required to work a minimum of twelve weeks and perform a variety of tasks. Program objectives, students’ educational objectives, and employer’s on-the-job training capabilities determine internship content and objectives. A training agreement between the employer, the student and the college is required. The student will submit a weekly summary of activities (tasks performed).

This course includes instruction on powertrains used on light equipment. Classroom and lab instruction on components and systems is included. The use of diagnostic equipment and test interpretation are highly emphasized. Topics include: powertrain theory and principles, clutches, manual transmissions, drive shafts, differentials, final drives, hydrostatic drives, stern and jet drives, failure analysis, and terminology.

This course includes instruction on the safety precautions and knowledge required to service electrical and electronic systems. Electrical and electronic theory, system design and operation, the proper use of test equipment, and the procedures used to diagnose and repair electrical and electronic problems are covered.

This course includes instruction on two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines. Engine parts, installation, initial starting, break-in, inspection, diagnosis, tune-up, general service, reconditioning, and reassembly are covered. Fuel system and valve train adjustments are included.

This course includes instruction on diagnosing and troubleshooting problems and estimating the time and cost involved with repairs.

This course teaches the fundamentals of hydraulic circuits as well as how to diagnose and test problem areas. Pumps, motors, valves, and electrical controls are also covered. Schematics are used to understand the function of valves, fluid flow, and electrical control circuits.

This course includes instruction on frame and suspension system designs and how they affect performance and dependability. Fundamental inspection, service, repair, and troubleshooting procedures on frames and suspension systems are covered.

This course teaches the basic principles and responsibilities of a technician within a dealership or repair center. Topics covered include repair orders, work orders, customer relations, peer relations, warranty work, diagnosing and troubleshooting problems and estimating the time and cost involved with repairs and networking with other departments within the dealership or repair center including the parts and sales departments.

This course teaches the basic principles and responsibilities of a technician within a dealership or repair center. Topics covered include repair orders, work orders, customer relations, peer relations, warranty work, diagnosing and troubleshooting problems and estimating the time and cost involved with repairs and networking with other departments within the dealership or repair center including the parts and sales departments.

This course introduces students to emerging changes in the powersports, agricultural, outdoor power, and marine industries including changes to minor and major equipment components. Examples of topics that may be studied include modifications and innovations to electrical, fuel, braking, power, steering, and climate control systems.

This course introduces students to emerging changes in the powersports, agricultural, outdoor power, and marine industries including changes to minor and major equipment components. Examples of topics that may be studied include modifications and innovations to electrical, fuel, braking, power, steering, and climate control systems.

This course teaches students to expertly troubleshoot equipment and solve problems by replacing only defective equipment or components in the least amount of time. One of the most important factors in troubleshooting and diagnosing is using the correct approach. A troubleshooter uses a system or an approach that allows them to logically and systematically analyze a problem and determine exactly what is wrong. This course teaches a new approach that differs from basic troubleshooting procedures. Critical thinking is used to analyze and determine what component or components are responsible for the faulty operation of a unit. This approach is general in nature allowing it to be used on any type of problem.

Special Topics in Powersports Technology (PST) may include instruction on topics not covered in other PST courses. Topics covered in other PST courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course. Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement. The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours. The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office. Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits.

This course is an introduction to agribusiness systems. An overview of the agribusiness industry is provided. Economic and financial principles, retail salesmanship, and record keeping methods are covered.

A course designed to guide students in pursuit of the Missouri Pesticide Applicator’s License. This license is only available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

A course designed to introduce students to turfgrasses common to Missouri and the transition zone. Emphasis will be placed upon turfgrass structures as a means of identification as well as turfgrass characteristics and their usage.

A course emphasizing principles of machinery operation and maintenance common in the turf and grounds industry. Emphasis will be placed upon proper adjustment, calibration, repair and safety.

An applied mathematics course designed to teach skills utilized on a daily basis by professional turf and grounds technicians. Emphasis will be placed upon business math, bidding, and related fundamental math skills.

A course designed to introduce students to common weeds and diseases of ornamentals and turfgrasses. Identification and control are emphasized.

Emphasis on identification of insects and other pests on ornamentals and turfgrasses. Control of insects will be discussed using Integrated Pest Management and pesticides.

A course designed to introduce students to landscape and golf course irrigation systems, their design and installation as well as drainage. Special emphasis will be placed upon irrigation hydraulics and irrigation efficiency.

Designed to provide advanced establishment skills in the maintenance of turf areas pertaining to golf courses, athletic fields, parks, and sod producers. Includes golf course design, athletic field maintenance, fertilization, and mowing. Provides information for turf and grounds professionals in the maintenance and improvement of turfgrass playing areas. Methods of improving management practices, interpersonal skills, as well as leadership skills will be stressed.

This course includes instruction on the safety precautions and knowledge required for students to properly sharpen and maintain rotary and reel mowing equipment. Emphasis will be placed on sharpening, maintenance, adjustment, and setting proper height of cut.

Basic principles and fundamentals of SMAW, Oxy-fuel (welding, cutting and brazing), GTAW and GMAW.

A study and practice of interpersonal and group communications skills focusing upon the development and improvement of communication. Topics include verbal and nonverbal techniques, listening skills, professional presentations, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.

This lecture-demonstration-lab survey of the physical sciences is an introduction to basic physics. Students should learn about the scientific method and its application. The range of topics could include laws of motion, gravity, heat, sound, light, relativity, and magnetism. The laboratory component provides practical applications and emphasizes quantitative measurements.

Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. Information about the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the environment and their effect on organisms are studied to help solve ecological problems. Sustainable natural resource management will be stressed. An attitude of stewardship of natural capital will be encouraged.

This is the science lab corresponding to the Environmental Science lecture course. The courses are designed to increase student awareness of the issues surrounding the interactions of humans with the natural environment. Basic quantitative techniques for collecting and analyzing data from environmental systems will be introduced.