vcc.ca
ELRT 1120: Python Programming for Automotive Repair
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Automotive Electronics Repair
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course introduces the fundamentals of Python programming with a focus on applications in automotive diagnostics and repair. Students will learn to write scripts that read and analyze diagnostic data, automate service reports, and interface with modern vehicle control systems such as OBD-II and CAN bus networks. Emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on programming tasks that support real-world repair scenarios. No prior programming experience is required.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain core programming concepts such as variables, data types, loops, functions, and conditional statements in Python.
- Write and debug Python scripts to interface with automotive diagnostic tools and systems.
- Develop programs to analyze, interpret, and visualize data from vehicle diagnostic systems.
- Create scripts to automate routine automotive repair shop tasks, including service report generation and inventory management.
- Utilize Python libraries to read, process, and interpret OBD-II diagnostic codes and real-time sensor data.
- Design and implement a functional Python application that addresses a practical problem in automotive diagnostics or repair shop operations.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience. Assessment will include the following:
Actual scripts, programs, diagnostic logs, or service automation tools created and/or used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents required in the Python Programming for Automotive Repair course assignments. Examples may include Python scripts written to interface with diagnostic tools, process OBD-II codes, automate shop tasks, or generate reports.
A successful interview with the Electronics Programs’ Department Head or one of the department’s full-time faculty, focusing on programming knowledge, problem-solving strategies, and the use of Python in automotive diagnostics and repair shop applications.
An essay in which the applicant reflects on and analyzes their prior experience in relation to the themes, issues, and concepts of the course, such as applying Python fundamentals, developing diagnostic tools, automating workflows, and creating applications that support real-world automotive service tasks.
Actual scripts, programs, diagnostic logs, or service automation tools created and/or used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents required in the Python Programming for Automotive Repair course assignments. Examples may include Python scripts written to interface with diagnostic tools, process OBD-II codes, automate shop tasks, or generate reports.
A successful interview with the Electronics Programs’ Department Head or one of the department’s full-time faculty, focusing on programming knowledge, problem-solving strategies, and the use of Python in automotive diagnostics and repair shop applications.
An essay in which the applicant reflects on and analyzes their prior experience in relation to the themes, issues, and concepts of the course, such as applying Python fundamentals, developing diagnostic tools, automating workflows, and creating applications that support real-world automotive service tasks.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Daily instructional time is divided equally between classroom activity and practical workshop experience. Classroom activity consists of lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises that provide a practical working knowledge of concepts discussed. Extensive workshop experience is provided to reinforce theoretical concepts, develop hand skills and achieve familiarity with a variety of electronic equipment and apparatus.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
25 |
Weekly programming assignments applying Python concepts to automotive scenarios. |
|
Lab Work |
20 |
Practical lab exercises working with diagnostic equipment and Python scripts. |
|
Midterm Exam |
15 |
Evaluation of core Python programming concepts and automotive applications. |
|
Project |
25 |
Term project developing a complete Python application for automotive repair applications. |
|
Final Exam |
15 |
Comprehensive evaluation covering all course learning outcomes. |
Course topics
- Basic Python syntax, data types, and operators
- Conditional statements and control structures
- Functions and modular programming
- File handling and external data parsing (CSV, JSON)
- Python libraries for data analysis (pandas, numpy)
- Accessing and interpreting OBDII diagnostic data
- Interfacing with automotive diagnostic tools using Python
- Data visualization for automotive diagnostic information
- Building graphical user interfaces for automotive applications
- Database integration for service and inventory tracking
- Final project development and implementation
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.