Program Requirements

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

601-105Refrigeration Principles2601-106 and 601-140 and 601-148 or concurrentIn this course, the student will properly use tools and test equipment for installation and servicing of domestic and commercial refrigeration systems. Soldering, brazing and flaring of copper tube systems is an essential skill developed in this course.

601-106Refrigeration Theory1This course will cover the basic refrigeration cycle and components. Different refrigerants and proper handling will also be included.

601-107Heating Theory1This course will cover the basics of how heat is transferred, moved and the properties of combustion.

601-108Prncples of Gas Heat & Airfl2601-107 and 601-140 and 601-148 or concurrentGas heating systems are evaluated and tested. Operation, service and maintenance are performed on gas heating systems. Evaluating the proper airflow patterns for a variety of applications is emphasized. Prerequisites are required.

601-109Prin of Oil, Elec & Hydron Htg1601-107 and 601-140 and 601-148 or concurrentOil, electric and hydronic heating systems are evaluated and tested. Operation, service and maintenance are performed on oil, electric and hydronic heating systems. Prerequisites are required.

601-116Principles of Air Conditioning2601-106 and 601-140 and 601-148 or concurrentThe purpose of this course will help the student understand how air is treated by air conditioning equipment to maintain our health, comfort, and cooling environment. The principles of air conditioning will be covered with a look at various types of air conditioning equipment. Equipment included would be air conditioners, heat pumps (geothermal and air-to-air) rooftops and other types of related equipment. This course will assist the student in understanding the principles that underlie present day air conditioning equipment, both residential and commercial.

601-123HVACR Industry Skills 11This course is designed to teach the student specific skills related to the Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry.

601-125Safety - HVAC1Program studentThis course provides OSHA based safety training for the HVAC industry.

601-140Electricity Theory1This course will cover the fundamentals of electricity as related to air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration. Ohms Law, circuits, direct and alternating current will be introduced.

601-146Schematic Wiring-HVACR1601-140 and 601-148 or concurrentThe primary focus of this class is learning to read and interpret schematic symbols and diagrams. Students will be able to wire and operate various HVAC equipment using the schematics found on the equipment. They will also be able to identify individual circuits and their function when given a schematic diagram.

601-148Electricity Principles2601-140 or concurrentWiring and physical properties as they are related to electricity will be covered. Motors, controls and electrical meters used in the HVAC/R industry will be covered and applied.

TOTAL CREDITS:15 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

601-118Sustainability for HVAC1The purpose of this course is to answer the question, what is sustainability? The student will explore how sustainability is integrated into HVAC/R systems and building management systems. Improving efficiencies in systems and buildings would be the major goal.

601-121HVAC/R Service & Applications3Program student; 601-116 and 601-105 and 601-106Students learn the techniques to install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Students will have the benefit of learning in a well-equipped lab that provides experience on both residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Equipment such as heat pumps (geothermal and air-to-air), rooftop air conditioners, walk-in freezers and furnaces, boilers, and other HVAV/R types of equipment will be worked on.

601-122HVACR Industry Skills 21Program studentThis course is designed to teach the student specific skills related to the Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry.

601-130Sheet Metal Layout1The student will layout and fabricate a variety of sheet metal fittings. Safe working practices are reviewed and stressed. The proper use of hand tools, shears, benders and other types of sheet metal equipment are detailed and demonstrated. One and two piece duct, reducers, elbows, offsets, plenums, drive cleats, S-locks, and square to round transitions are fabricated and assembled.

601-144Solar/Wind Applications2This course provides an overview of solar water heating, solar air heating, solar photovoltaic and wind applications. Students will be involved in the installation, maintenance, service and performance of these systems. Passive and active solar systems will be reviewed. The declination angle and the effect it has on the sun's radiation during winter and summer is detailed in site evaluation. The student will be given the opportunity to explore and evaluate small wind systems.

601-145Geothermal Applications1This course explores the use of air source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps in the HVAC industry. Students work on actual systems and learn the basics of installation, operations, maintenance and troubleshooting. The economics and practical applications are also examined.

601-147Schematic Wiring-Trblshtng1601-140 and 601-148 and 601-146 or concurrentThis course focuses on having students use their knowledge of schematics and electricity to troubleshoot a variety of HVAC/R systems. Both computer simulations and actual working equipment will be used to provide experience in troubleshooting. Emphasis will be on proper use of multi-meters and other electrical testing equipment to determine underlying faults.

601-151Technical Problems-HVAC2Program student; 601-107 and 601-108 and 601-109This course utilizes the knowledge gained in previous courses. The student will be asked to diagnose and troubleshoot a variety of electrical and mechanical problems found on actual HVAC/R equipment. These problems are also simulated using computer programs. The student will complete a detailed start-up analysis on a gas and oil furnace.

601-153Basic Home Automation1This course introduces the basics of home automation. The student will learn how to wire and program thermostats, install and set-up wireless thermostats, and learn the basic programming of simple whole home automation including security, lighting and interior comfort.

601-163Residential HVAC Load Calcs2This course introduces basic air properties psychometrics, basic manual calculation principles from ACCA Manual J and various computer software heat loss and heat gains on residential.

801-196Oral/Interpersonal Comm3Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

TOTAL CREDITS:18 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

601-114Plan & Print Reading-HVAC2Program studentIn this course the fundamentals of reading and interpreting architectural, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical plans for the sizing and installation of equipment is covered. Working with actual plans of actual buildings the student is able to understand all aspects of basic plan reading. The International Code as modified by the State of Wisconsin is studied by the students giving them the necessary skills for proper system layout and design.

601-119Hydronic System Design3Program studentThis course consists of the design and selection of modern hydronic heating systems and geothermal heat pumps. This course (specifically designed for HVAC/R students) studies the way which different components are connected, which translates in energy efficient operating systems. Detailed coverage of open and closed loop geothermal heat pump systems is covered. Systems analyzed include various heat sources, piping and fittings, circulating pumps, heat emitters, radiant panel heating, distribution piping, expansion tanks, air removal, and auxiliary loads. The student will perform sizing, layout, and design of complete systems.

601-155HVAC Air Handling2Program studentThe purpose of this course is to inform the student about air and analyzing its properties. The study of fans, fan laws, HVAC system balancing, duct layout and sizing detailed. The students are given the opportunity to work on a variety of air handling systems.

601-169Basic HVAC CAD2Program studentThis course is designed to teach the basic elements or computer-aided drafting using AutoCAD software. The student learns how the system operates, basic entity control, editing functions, dimensioning, plotting, and template setups. The drafting commands are practiced by creating specific HVAC field related drawings. Individual study supported by short lectures and monitoring drawing times supervised by instructors.

601-171HVACR Installation Principles2Program studentIn this course, the student will build on prior knowledge acquired in HVACR Service & Applications course as well as in Technical Problems- HVAC course. The focus of this course will be on the advanced installation of commercial and residential equipment with emphasis on speed, accuracy and aesthetics. There will be opportunities to assist CVTC's Residential Construction Program, and their HVACR contractor, and other local HVACR contractors installing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. In addition, the student will also focus on the installation of refrigeration systems, ice machines, walk in cooler/freezer boxes.

801-136English Composition 13This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

804-113College Technical Math 1A3Designed for the students who are preparing for a technical career, this course covers a variety of algebraic topics. These include solving linear, quadratic, and rational equations; measurement systems; formula rearrangement; solving systems of equations; percent; proportions; and operations on polynomials. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Math 1A and College Technical Math 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Math 1.

TOTAL CREDITS:17 

Fourth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

601-117Drafting-HVAC2601-169 and 601-157 and 601-167 or concurrentIn this course the student draws the HVAC system for a two-story commercial building of his or her choice. The building may be an office building, school, hotel, etc. The student uses AutoCAD to create duct layout and piping drawings, equipment schedules, and details for the HVAC system he or she designs in HVAC System Design class. All equipment is selected by the student, and the system is designed in accordance with the International Code as modified by the state of Wisconsin.

601-143Advanced HVAC Controls2Program studentThe purpose of this course is to review the basic concepts of a HVAC control system. Becoming familiar with the components of a direct digital control (DDC) and pneumatic control system are a priority. The student becomes familiar with analog and binary inputs and outputs. Programming and evaluating control schemes as found on HVAC equipment is the main emphasis.

601-157Commercial HVAC Systems Design2601-169 and 601-117 and 601-167 or concurrentIn this course the student designs air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems for commercial buildings. The building may be an office building, school, hotel, etc. The student performs room by room load calculations, duct layout and pipe sizing, and equipment selection. The system is designed in accordance with the International Code as modified by the state of Wisconsin. This course runs concurrently with Drafting HVAC.

601-167Commercial HVAC Load Calcs1Program studentIn this course, the student will build on prior learning and knowledge acquired in Residential HVAC load Calculations course. The student uses basic air properties psychrometrics, ACCA Manual N and various computer software to calculate heat loss and heat gains on light commercial and full-scale commercial buildings.

601-173Advanced Service Applications3Program studentIn this course, the student will build on prior learning and knowledge acquired in HVACR Service & Applications as well in Technical Problems-HVAC. The focus of this course will be in-depth look into advanced troubleshooting skills regarding commercial and residential refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems and equipment. The student will also focus on customer interaction skills, researching and ordering parts, work order completion, and preventative maintenance procedures. The students will also have opportunity to explore both the residential and commercial sector of the industry by participating in a ride-along local HVACR contractors.

809-195Economics3Designed to give an overview of how a market-oriented economic system operates, and it surveys the factors which influence national economic policy. Basic concepts and analyses are illustrated by reference to a variety of contemporary problems and public policy issues. Concepts include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and global economic issues.

809-199Psychology of Human Relations3Students will become acquainted with the basic theories and concepts of psychology and human behavior, enabling them to be more effective in their work and personal lives. A better understanding of human relations will help the individual adjust and grow in a complex society.

TOTAL CREDITS:16