Air Conditioning and Cooling Technology

»DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY AIR CONDITIONING AND COOLING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Location: Çankırı Karatekin University, Taşmescit Campus, 18200, Taşmescit, ÇANKIRI
E-Mail: elektrik.iklimlendirme@karatekin.edu.tr

 

MISSION

The program aims to train qualified technical personnel who have internalized the fundamental concepts and physical principles related to the field; who understand the working principles of air conditioning and refrigeration systems and devices; who are competent in the design, component selection, installation, and operation of such systems; who possess the knowledge and skills to carry out maintenance and repair of operating systems and devices; and who are capable of working in departments such as job preparation, design, assembly, and maintenance-repair, including quality assurance.

 

VISION

To train air conditioning refrigeration technicians who keep up with innovations in system installation, maintenance and repair issues, respect the environment and attach importance to occupational safety in the light of the knowledge they have acquired in the fields of air conditioning, cooling, heating and ventilation.

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Program is a four-semester program that provides education and training in order to train technicians in the installation, manufacture and operation of heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The program has switched to a 3 + 1 Workplace Training Model as of the 2024-2025 Academic year. 4 With this model. during the semester, students include a practical internship process.

 

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

The program aims to meet the public and private sector`s need for qualified technical personnel equipped with the professional knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current technology and continuously improve themselves, serving as a bridge between engineers and technicians. This program aims to train technicians in the installation, manufacturing, and operation of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

 

EDUCATION - TRAINING

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

In accordance with the regulations set by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), admission to this program is carried out through the examination system administered by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Candidates must be graduates of a high school or an equivalent institution and must have achieved a sufficient score in the TYT (Basic Proficiency Test) conducted by ÖSYM to be placed in the program.

For the admission and registration of foreign students: those whose nationality is not Turkish Republic (TR) or Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as well as dual citizens whose one nationality is not TR or TRNC, are evaluated as foreign nationals. Turkish citizens who continued their secondary education abroad before 01/02/2013 and completed the last three years of their secondary education (high school) in a foreign country other than the TRNC (including those who completed all of their secondary education in Turkish schools opened abroad under the Turkish Ministry of National Education) may apply to the quotas for students admitted from abroad.

For candidates who began their secondary education abroad after 01/02/2013, only those who have completed all of their secondary education (high school) in a foreign country other than the TRNC (including those who completed all of their secondary education in Turkish schools opened abroad under the Turkish Ministry of National Education) may apply to the quotas for students admitted from abroad.

Applicants who are TRNC citizens residing in the TRNC, have completed their secondary education (high school) in the TRNC, and possess GCE AL examination results, as well as those who enrolled and received education in colleges or high schools in other countries between 2005 and 2010 and possess or will possess GCE AL examination results, are eligible to apply.

 

DURATION AND CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM

The program is based on a 3+1 workplace training model. Education is delivered over 4 semesters, consisting of 3 semesters of formal (classroom-based) instruction and 1 semester of full-time practical training in a workplace. The courses offered throughout the program are as follows:

1st Semester: Vocational Mathematics I, Scientific Principles of Technology, Technical Drawing, Workshop Practices and Applications, Concepts of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Computer-Aided Design

2nd Semester: Vocational Mathematics II, Refrigeration Service Operations, Principles of Air Conditioning, Fundamentals of Refrigeration, Electrical Systems in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Business World and Entrepreneurship, Sectoral Occupational Health and Safety, Installation Technology, Natural Gas Installation

3rd Semester: Ventilation Systems, Laboratory Applications in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Electrical Control Circuits, Refrigeration System Design, Air Conditioning Systems, Commercial Refrigeration Systems

4th Semester: On-the-Job Vocational Training

Additionally, in the first year, students take general education courses such as Principles of Atatürk and History of Turkish Reforms, Turkish Language, and Foreign Language. One semester of workplace-based vocational training is also included, where students gain practical experience in their field.

  

DURING EDUCATION

Students may benefit from financial support such as student loans provided by the Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK), as well as scholarships and grants from other public institutions and organizations.

 

AFTER EDUCATION

Graduates employed in public institutions as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians are paid according to the degrees and coefficients specified in the Technical Services Class of the Civil Servants Law No. 657. In the private sector, salaries are determined through mutual agreement between employer and employee.

 

GRADUATE TITLE AND JOB DESCRIPTION

Graduates of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Program are awarded an associate degree and the professional title of "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician."
These technicians work under the supervision of mechanical engineers, handling the construction, installation, and operation of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in buildings. Their duties include installing motors, laying pipelines, and conducting maintenance and repair operations.

AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN

An air conditioning and refrigeration technician must not only be skilled in repairing faulty equipment but also possess a full understanding of the design and function of various HVAC systems. Technicians work in cooperation with engineers and personnel involved in the different stages of HVAC system development and production.

 

VERTICAL TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

Graduates of the associate degree program may transfer to the following undergraduate programs through the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS):

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Energy Systems Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND WORK AREAS

1) Private Sector Employment Opportunities

  • HVAC Installation and Maintenance Companies: Work in the installation and servicing of HVAC systems in large buildings such as shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, and schools.
  • Industrial Facilities and Factories: Engage in the setup and monitoring of industrial refrigeration and heating systems within production environments.
  • Cold Storage and Food Companies: Take part in the setup, maintenance, and monitoring of cold chain systems, which are critical for food safety.
  • White Goods Service Centers: Perform maintenance and repair on appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners, or work in authorized technical service centers.

2) Public Sector Employment Opportunities

  • Ministry of Health (Hospitals): Operate HVAC systems in sensitive environments such as operating rooms, intensive care units, and laboratories.
  • Ministry of National Education (Schools and Vocational High Schools): Maintain heating and cooling systems in schools or serve as technical staff in vocational school workshops.
  • Public Infrastructure Institutions (TCDD, DHMİ, Highways): Work on ventilation and cooling systems in stations, terminals, and other facilities.
  • Other Public Institutions (AFAD, Ministry of Justice, Prisons, General Directorate of Security): Serve as technical staff in government buildings and facilities.

3) Entrepreneurship Opportunities

  • Open an air conditioner and white goods service center
  • Start a small business for refrigeration system installations
  • Apply for authorized service certification upon meeting required qualifications

 

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES OF THE PROGRAM

  • İklimlendirme ve Soğutma Laboratuvarı: 100 m2
  • Bilgisayar Destekli Çizim Laboratuvarı: 150 m2
  • Soğutma Atölyesi: 75 m2
  • Elektromekanik Kumanda Laboratuvarı: 50 m2
  • Elektrikli Cihazlar Laboratuvarı: 30 m2

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

  1. Possesses fundamental, up-to-date, and practical knowledge related to the profession.
  2. Has knowledge about occupational health and safety, environmental awareness, and quality processes.
  3. Follows and effectively applies current developments and practices related to the profession.
  4. Effectively uses information technologies (software, programs, animation, etc.) related to the field.
  5. Possesses social, scientific, cultural, and ethical values in the collection, application, and dissemination of data related to the field.
  6. Has the ability to analyze and evaluate professional problems and issues independently with an analytical and critical approach and to propose solutions.
  7. Takes responsibility as a team member to solve complex and unforeseen problems encountered in field applications.
  8. Has awareness of career management and lifelong learning.
  9. Can effectively present thoughts at the level of knowledge and skills through written and oral communication and express them clearly.
  10. Follows information in the field and communicates with colleagues using a foreign language.
  11. Recognizes air conditioning and refrigeration systems, explains the functions of their main components and accessories, performs mathematical calculations of heat loads for air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems, and selects appropriate system components.
  12. Designs, manufactures, and installs duct connections in ventilation and air conditioning systems.
  13. Recognizes and connects electrical control and automatic control circuits used in related systems.
  14. Diagnoses and repairs faults related to air conditioning and refrigeration systems and performs their periodic maintenance.

ACADEMIC STAFF