Computer Science & Robotics

Computer Science And Robotics Department

The Computer Science and Robotics department seeks to encourage students to become creative, team-oriented, and technologically skilled lifelong learners. We believe this is best done through a combination of skill acquisition and team-based projects, in an environment which encourages exploration, self-advocacy, and internationally competitive standards.

All students starting out in the CS/Robotics department are required to take a Level 1 course as an introduction to the program. This will give students new to CS/Robotics a skill set specialization in either Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Programming. If you are already experienced in your preferred specialization, take this opportunity to add a new skill or specialization that you are not as familiar with. All courses offered by the Computer Science and Robotics Department fulfill the graduation requirement for Computer Science and Robotics.

Students who plan to continue on in CS/Robotics will then select a second Level 1 project course: such as Robotic Engineering, Media Arts, or ObjectOriented Programming. In these courses, students will have the opportunity to use their new skill specializations as part of a project team. Students will be grouped into teams with diverse skill specializations and work together on several large scope projects for the semester. These project courses emphasize teamwork and interdependence and provide first year CS/ Robotics students with the experience realizing large scale projects that they will need to be successful in our more advanced course offerings. Successful completion of any combination of two Level 1 courses will qualify students for our Level 2 course offerings.

In Level 2 courses and beyond, students will be challenged to continually stretch their technical ability and understanding with topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Robotic Engineering, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Video Game Design, and Control System Dynamics. Students who pursue Computer Science and Robotics at Taipei American School will find themselves exceptionally well prepared to study Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering at the college level, and will leave the program with useful lifelong skills in programing, design, and fabrication.

The department also sponsors a variety of extracurricular teams with a significant programming and engineering elements, including: FIRST FRC, VEX Robotics Competition, the International Rube Goldberg Competition, and the Computer Science Team, and VR club.

TAS students must satisfy a 1/2 credit CS/Robotics requirement. This requirement may be satisfied by any semester-long or year-long course listed in the CS/Robotics Dept. catalog of courses.

For certain courses, there are software demands that require a system that is robust and utilizes a 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM.

INTRO TO AUTOMATION (UCSR0151)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Light

Interested in automating things around your home using Raspbery Pi? Learn how to control devices in your world remotely over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Use python and other languages to control motors, LEDs, and remote switches. Read sensors and send information over the internet to your phone. Use your phone as a controller to automate technology in the world around you. Introductory level course. No previous experience required. Satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

Computer Science & Robotics Flow Chart

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (UCSR014)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: A laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Light

This course is an introduction to Mechanical Engineering. Students will learn to use CAD software to study the principles of mechanical engineering and learn to build their designs using our lab’s state of the art CNC (Computer Numeric Control) fabrication capabilities. Students will study, design, and build many common mechanisms as well as study gear design and gear ratios, pulley and sprocket systems, lift mechanisms, projectile launchers, and mechanical arms. Students will learn about transmission of power in a mechanical system including motors, servos, lever arms, springs, and pneumatic systems. Students in this class will be trained to operate and maintain all of the equipment in the lab and learn state of the art fabrication methods, including water jet cutting, aluminum TIG welding, multi axis CNC milling, 3D printing, and lathe operations. This course requires no prior knowledge of robotics or programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

PROGRAMMING FOR GAME DESIGN (UCSR016)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Moderate

This course is an introduction to computer programming where students primarily focus on creating user interactive 2D games using Java and the Processing programming environment. Students learn about variables, strings, arrays, Boolean algebra, text processing, regular expressions, loops, control statements, methods, parameters, return values, classes, constructors, creating and animating game objects, incorporating event listeners, and using various Java libraries. The course culminates in a project where students can create a new interactive game of their own design. This course requires no prior knowledge of programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

WEB DESIGN & PROGRAMMING (UCSR02)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Light

This is an introductory, project based course in computer programming where students learn to design and code interactive websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and Processing. Special emphasis is given to developing student algorithmic thinking, logic, design best practices, and problem solving skills. This course requires no prior knowledge of programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

AUGMENTED REALITY IN SOCIAL MEDIA (UCSR022)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Light

This course covers the technical and experiential design foundation required for the implementation of immersive environments in contemporary social media platforms. Using Facebook’s Spark AR development environment, students will create custom reactive filters and lenses. This course provides a basic introduction to reactive programming and visual scripting through Javascript. The course will also include discussions on the ethics of augmented reality, filters, facial recognition, and social media. This course requires no prior knowledge of programing or robotics. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

ROBOTICS MENTORING (UCSR020)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1, 5th period only.

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Light

This introductory course is a mix of mechanical design, programming, and mentorship. Along with learning the basics of robotic engineering and programming, students will mentor Lower School students to help them prepare for an in-house FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLL Challenge) competition. Upper school students will quickly learn the EV3 LEGO programming platform meant to be used in these competitions. Students in this course will learn about block programming, sensor feedback use, game strategy, team management, and best practices for working with lower School students. This course requires no prior knowledge of robotics or programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

ROBOTIC ENGINEERING (UCSR017)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: Any other Level 1 course; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Moderate

This course is intended as a first project course for students interested in pursuing robotic engineering at TAS. It is designed to be a second semester continuation of any of the first semester Level 1 course offerings. This course will combine students with different backgrounds and skill sets from the Level 1 courses into project teams focused on achieving specific goals selected by the team. Typical project teams will consist of a combination of students who are familiar with microcontrollers, programming, and/or mechanical design. Projects are selected by the teams and may include: battle bots, electric vehicles, drones, machines that assist with daily life, or other ideas proposed by student teams and approved by the instructor. Completion of this course in combination with any other Level 1 course will qualify students for Level 2 course offerings.

INTRO TO KINETIC ART (UCSR0181)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Light

A first course in Engineering, Design, and Robotics; students will learn the fundamentals of Computer Aided Design (CAD), computer science, and electrical engineering through the construction of kinetic (moving) and interactive sculptures. This multidisciplinary mechatronics course is intended to introduce students to the wealth of tools and techniques found in the Tech Cube, providing a stepping stone to later computer science classes. Topics include: transmission of power in mechanical systems through motors, springs, pulley/sprocket systems, gears, linkages and additional techniques. Students will have multiple opportunities to master technical and creative skills relating to design, engineering, programming, and circuit building. This course assumes no prior knowledge, fulfills the computer science graduation requirement, and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING (UCSR021)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: any other Level 1 course; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Moderate

This course is ideal for students who wish to take their Java-based programs to the next level, especially if they have an ambitious interactive graphics-based game or project in mind. At the start of the course, students hone their programming skills working with a standard Java IDE and external libraries such as the Processing library and Box2D physics game engine in BlueJ to create object-oriented games demonstrating inheritance, composition, and interfaces. A second large unit includes learning to use the JavaFX library to create Graphical User Interfaces and 2D games. Other topics include: object-oriented program design, file input and output, exception handling, try-catch, sorting algorithms, recursion, nested loops, matrices, hashmaps, and queues. The course culminates in a programming project focused on the student’s programming interests. Completion of this course in combination with any other Level 1 course will qualify students for Level 2 course offerings.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (UCSR04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of any two Level 1 courses plus teacher recommendation, Or concurrent enrollment or previous completion of Honors Algebra 2, Honors Precalculus, or above. The course is open to all seniors regardless of prerequisites.

Homework: Heavy

This is a college-level introductory course in computer science which focuses on the design and implementation of computer programs using the Java language. Successful students often have some prior programming experience before coming to this course and/or are good at solving math and logic puzzles. Topics include classes, objects, primitive data types, strings, lists, methods, control structures, search and sort algorithms, arrays, recursion, Boolean logic, inheritance, and polymorphism. Students are prepared for and are required to take the AP Computer Science-A exam in May.

HONORS ROBOTIC ENGINEERING 1 (UCSR051H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of two Level 1 courses; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Moderate

In this project based honors level course students will master the complete engineering cycle including research, prototyping, design, fabrication, and failure testing. It is especially tailored to round out a student’s growing knowledge of programming, robotics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Students will be pushed to pursue advanced topics in computer programing, electronics, sensors and actuators, and fabrication. Student driven projects can include competition robotics applications, interactive or media arts, service applications, wearable technology, musical robotics, or other topics that the student or project team is interested in pursuing. Emphasis will be placed on producing high quality innovative finished products and creating a documented portfolio of work.

HONORS ROBOTIC ENGINEERING 2 (UCSR052H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Honors Robotics Engineering 1; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Moderate

This course is for students who have already taken Honors Robotic Engineering 1 that want to pursue more advanced robotics projects.

HONORS RESEARCH IN HIGH PERFORMANCE AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING (UCSR06)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of any two Level 1 courses.

Homework: Moderate

This is a second-level course in the CS&R department that teaches students about server administration and use of high performance computing. Students will have their own server to test, change, and work on throughout the year. The course will begin with a basic introduction to server administration by using a personal prototyping device such as a Raspberry PI. They will also have the opportunity to use high performance computers to develop and train their own machine learning models. Students in this course will learn security, networking, parallel/distributed computing, as well as high level neural network as they relate to server administration and use. As the course progresses, students will be able to use these servers to host their own tasks, set up automation systems within the tech cube, and interact with other student’s projects from other CS&R classes.

HONORS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (UCSR07)

Duration: 1 Year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science, or by permission of the CS Dept. Chair; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Heavy

This project-based course includes a survey of major areas of artificial intelligence based in part on the text “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, 2nd edition, by Russell and Norvig”. Students receive an introduction to programming in Python during the second semester, but they are free to choose any language they wish to complete their programming assignments throughout the year. The focus of the course is not any particular language but programming and algorithm design. In a series of tutorials and challenges, students learn to incorporate elements of artificial intelligence into their programs and applications. Students learn advanced search algorithms such as Uniform Cost Search, Greedy Search, and A*, as well as visual processing, neural networks, and fuzzy logic. A required capstone for each unit consists of completing a medium-sized project.

All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can’t get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer.

HONORS MODERN TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (UCSR03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science, or Honors Algebra 2, or AP Physics, or permission from instructor; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Moderate

This course provides a survey of modern computing. The primary focus of the course will be on machine learning and quantum computation. Classical logic gates will be introduced, moving onto introductory quantum mechanics, and then finally into applications of qubits. The course will transition into machine learning, neural networks and how they function. This will culminate in a personal research project at the end of the course. Recommended for students with a strong interest in applications of math, physics, or computer science.

HONORS VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING (UCSR031H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science, or CS Dept. Chair’s permission; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM

Homework: Heavy

This course gives an introduction to C-based object-oriented programming (C++ or C#) with a focus on creating video games. The first unit focuses on the unique syntax, advantages and pitfalls of object-oriented C-based programming. The second unit focuses on graphics using standard graphics libraries and event-based programming for interactive applications. The third unit focuses on creating games using a playcentric approach. All students complete a capstone project which consists of creating an interesting video game that will be submitted to international competitions like IndieCade and the Independent Game Festival.

TEACHING ASSISTANT IN COMPUTER SCIENCE & ROBOTICS (UCSR061)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Advanced achievement in Computer Science and Robotics courses and CS Dept. Chair’s approval

Homework: Moderate

Students who sign up for this course act as teaching assistants for various computer science and robotics courses. Under supervision by faculty, the student teacher helps provide timely assistance and feedback for students undertaking individualized building or programming projects. The course is graded as pass/fail.

HONORS COMPUTER SCIENCE & ROBOTICS RESEARCH (UCSR053H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Advanced achievement in Computer Science and Robotics courses and instructor’s permission

Homework: Heavy

This course is for students who want to pursue a research project at Taipei American School under the supervision of a faculty member. Students wishing to pursue off-campus research should instead sign up for Advanced Scientific Research.

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS (USCI012)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Light

This course explores the fundamentals of science and physics through experiments, demonstrations and activities designed to create a basic understanding of our physical universe. Motion, forces, energy, electricity, sound, and light are the core phenomena to be investigated throughout the year. The course will focus on experimental methods, procedures, and analysis of scientific data, with the intent of laying the foundation for success in chemistry and biology. Advanced math skills are not required for this course, which will cover the same topics as the other courses, but with a much greater emphasis on lab experiences and less on problem solving.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5

PHYSICS (USCI021)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 and Science Department recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course illuminates the principles of physics through laboratory experiments, conceptual development activities, and some problem solving (but less than Honors Physics). The class includes similar activities and laboratory activities as Experimental Physics and Honors Physics with a balance of quantitative and conceptual acquisition of physics knowledge so that the students acquire the basis necessary for understanding the physical world. Motion, forces, electricity, sound, and light are some of the topics. Science and Mathematics departments request students purchase the following calculator: TI-84 CE. It is available in the Tiger Shop.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5

HONORS PHYSICS (USCI022)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, high level mathematics placement, and Science Department recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course illuminates the principles of physics through laboratory experiments, conceptual development activities, and problem solving. The class includes most of the same activities and laboratory activities as Experimental Physics and Physics, but it also includes extensive problem solving for students with the appropriate mathematics background, good study skills, and proven record of accomplishment of excellent achievement in science and mathematics. Motion, forces, electricity, sound, and light are some of the topics. Criteria that will be used for student placement include student achievement in previous science courses, and mathematics placement. Science and Mathematics departments request students purchase the following calculator: TI-84 CE. It is available in the Tiger Shop.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5)

EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY (USCI051)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or department permission

Homework: Light

Experimental Chemistry explores the behavior of matter from a laboratoryfocused perspective. Students will perform lab exercises almost daily to attain understanding of concepts in chemistry. By analyzing and explaining what they have performed in the lab, students will develop their logic, writing, and explanatory skills in addition to becoming more critical thinkers and problem solvers. The course prepares students with the knowledge and skills to link this subject with items learned in Physics and will prepare students for the study of Biology as the same topics will be covered in this course as in the other Chemistry courses.

Text: Introduction to Chemistry 13th Edition (Hein, Wiley) and digital reader and resources are provided. (ISBN 978-0-470-50591-5)

CHEMISTRY (USCI05)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed for students who may pursue science-oriented college studies after high school. The syllabus is structured to give students a strong foundational background in chemistry that will enable them to succeed in an introductory college level course. Theoretical concepts are accompanied as much as possible by “hands-on” activities; so, lab work constitutes a large proportion of class time. Students will learn to think critically, solve problems, and develop an awareness of the environment in which they live. They will also develop written communication and applied math skills.

Text: Introduction to Chemistry 13th Edition (Hein, Wiley) (ISBN 978-0-470-50591-5)

HONORS CHEMISTRY (USCI11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Physics) instructor

Homework: Heavy

Honors Chemistry provides an in-depth look at a wide range of Chemistry topics and their application. In laboratory situations, students will have the opportunity to develop their lab skills and problem solving skills as challenges arise. The first quarter is dedicated to forming a solid foundation in atomic theory, periodicity, and bonding.

Text: Chemistry (Brady, Senese, Jespersen) (ISBN 978-0-470-23440-2)

CONCEPTUAL BIOLOGY (USCI041)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to be flexible in content and provide the student with a broad background in biology. The first quarter of study will be similar to the Biology course in the study of the basic nature of living things. From there the course will diverge depending on student interest into molecular and cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Activities will include lectures, class discussions, laboratory experiences, and several projects.

Text: Campbell Essential Biology, 5th Edition (ISBN 978-0-321-77259-6)

BIOLOGY (USCI04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to provide the student with a broad background in biology. Students will develop an understanding of the basic nature of living things, molecular and cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Activities will include lectures, class discussions, laboratory experiences, and projects.

Text: Biology Life on Earth with Physiology 11th Edition (Pearson) (ISBN 978-0-133-92300-1)

Gertrude B. Elion, biochemist, pharmacologist, 1988 Nobel Prize

AP (Advanced Placement) and ELECTIVE COURSES: See prerequisites for each course. Typically, students must take the honors course in order to take the AP course in the same discipline.

Science Flow Chart

Honors

Honors

See prerequisites for each course in the course descriptions. Students take physics in the 9th grade, chemistry in the 10th grade, and biology in the 11th grade. Placement in a “regular,” “conceptual,” or “honors” course does not guarantee or imply placement in the same level in subsequent years.

Honors

IB PROGRAM: This course of study starts in 11th grade. Students must meet with the IB program coordinator and commit to two-year courses.

Honors

Honors

Honors Quantum Mechanics and Relativity

Research in Chemistry

Honors

Research in Chemistry

Independent Research Internship (1 and 2)

Anatomy & Physiology of Movement

NOTES:

• All three sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology, are required for graduation.

• The TAS Summer Academy, for students with very strong student skills, offers flexibility in course selection over four years of science and enhances opportunities for scientific research.

• Students with a passion for science and research are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities in scientific research.

• Availability of elective courses depends on student interest.

• All students should make a four-year plan of study in science to meet prerequisites to achieve their goals.

• Class sizes are capped in some courses.

HONORS BIOLOGY (USCI07)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor

Homework: Heavy

Honors Biology is a year-long course designed to expose students to the major topics in biological science. It is a laboratory based course which emphasizes the development of biology laboratory skills, as well as critical thinking skills. The course will emphasize the gathering, assessment, and interpretation of scientific data. Topics in biology to be studied include cell biology, energy relationships, and body systems, patterns of inheritance, evolution, and ecological principles. The course provides a broad foundation in biological principles for students who wish to undertake further study in biology through enrollment in Advanced Placement Biology or in Advanced Placement Environmental Science and as an honors level introductory biology course for students who do not plan further studies in biology.

Text: Inquiry into Life, 13th Edition (Mader) (ISBN 978-0-077-28010-9)

IBSL BIOLOGY 1 (USCI08)

IBSL

BIOLOGY 2 (USCI081)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Homework: Heavy

The IB Standard Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. With an emphasis on the nature of science, four basic biological concepts are woven into the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. A multidisciplinary Group 4 Project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and requires student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours, most likely on one Saturday or Sunday. IB laboratory investigations and one formal Internal Assessment (IA) will require students to gain mastery in statistics, data analysis, and advanced lab writing skills. The IA will constitute 20% of the final IB score. Core concepts from the curriculum include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human physiology.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Biology for the IB Diploma: Standard Level, (Tosto, Damon, Mcgonegal, Ward) (ISBN 9781447959045)

IBHL BIOLOGY 1 (USCI09)

IBHL

BIOLOGY 2 (USCI10)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Homework: Heavy

The IB Higher Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. With an emphasis on the nature of science, four basic biological concepts are woven into the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. A multidisciplinary Group 4 Project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and requires student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours, most likely on one Saturday or Sunday. IB laboratory investigations and one formal Internal Assessment (IA) will require students to gain mastery in statistics, data analysis, and advanced lab writing skills. The IA will constitute 20% of the final IB score. Core concepts from the curriculum include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human physiology. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Biology Higher Level 2nd Edition, (Tosto, Mcgonegal, Ward, Damon) (ISBN 9781447959007)

IBSL CHEMISTRY 1 (USCI14)

IBSL CHEMISTRY 2 (USCI141)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Homework: Heavy

The IB Standard Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. Students will spend at least 40 hours on practical work including 10 hours on their Group 4 Project. This multidisciplinary lab project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and will require student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energy, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. The course provides excellent support for students preparing to pursue study in any of the Scientific or Engineering fields. Students are required to sit the IB exam at the completion of year two.

Note: Honors Chemistry cannot be taken in lieu of IBSL 1

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry Higher Level (Pearson Education) ISBN 978-1-447-95975-5)

IBHL CHEMISTRY 1 (USCI12)

IBHL CHEMISTRY 2 (USCI13)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Homework: Heavy

IB Chemistry is a rigorous and fast-paced two-year sequence of courses satisfying a Higher Level (HL) requirement for an IB diploma. It is equivalent to a first-year college course and emphasizes the development of higher thinking skills by the study of theoretical concepts and laboratory investigations. Students will spend 60 hours on practical work including 10 hours on their Group 4 Project. This multidisciplinary lab project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and will require student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energy, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. The course provides excellent support for students preparing to pursue study in any of the Scientific or Engineering fields. Students are required to sit the IB exam at the completion of year two.

Note: Honors Chemistry cannot be taken in lieu of IBHL 1.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry Higher Level (Pearson Education) (ISBN 978-1-447-95975-5)

AP BIOLOGY (USCI18)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Biology teacher’s recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course is the equivalent of a college biology course and considers in detail such topics as biochemistry, cells, genetics, microbiology, and body structure and function. Emphasis is placed on laboratory activities and gaining an understanding of how biological information is collected and interpreted. The syllabus is structured so that a student will be prepared for the required AP examination at the completion of the course.

Text: Campbell Biology in Focus (Campbell) (ISBN 978-0-321-81380-0)

AP CHEMISTRY (USCI19)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and Honors Chemistry teacher’s recommendation (or completion of Summer Academy Honors Chemistry course)

Homework: Heavy

AP Chemistry is equivalent to a first year university chemistry course. Students should expect a fast-paced, rigorous course, with emphasis on critical thinking skills. Laboratory work involves significant problem solving, with numerous opportunities to extend lab skills in both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Text: Chemistry, (Wiley), 7th Edition (Jesperson, Hyslop) (ISBN 978-1-118-51646-1)

AP PHYSICS 1 (USCI201)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2, completion of Physics, and Physics teacher’s recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The AP Physics 1 course is equivalent to a semester college physics course. The course will foster a greater conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principals, concepts, and skills through student centered and inquiry based instruction. AP Physics 1 will focus on big ideas as opposed to content coverage. Time will be spent on engaged inquiry-based learning of essential concepts to help develop critical thinking and reasoning. Topics include Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Torque, Rotational Motion, Angular Momentum, Work, Energy, Power, Momentum, Oscillations, Waves, Sound, and an introduction to circuits. The AP Physics 1 course provides a readiness for the study of further topics in other college level courses such as Physics 2, life sciences, pre-medicine, or applied sciences. The course meets the syllabus requirements for the required Advanced Placement Physics 1 test.

Text: Introduction to Physics 8th Edition (Cutnell and Johnson) (ISBN 978-0-470-40942-8)

AP PHYSICS 2 (USCI203)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics, Algebra 2, and Honors Physics teacher’s recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The AP Physics 2 course is equivalent to a semester college physics course. Understanding fundamental physics principals and applications of concepts and skills learned in Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 is essential to be successful in the course. Critical thinking and reasoning will be developed through student centered and inquiry based instructional practices. First semester topics include a review of Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy, Power, and Momentum. Other topics of study throughout the year include Fluids, thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Electrostatics, Electrical Circuits, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics. Students who would like to take the AP Physics 1 test will need to complete additional review materials on their own. The Physics 2 course provides a readiness for the study of advanced topics in other college level courses such as life sciences, pre-medicine, or applied sciences.

Text: Introduction to Physics 8th Edition (Cutnell and Johnson) (ISBN 978-0-470-40942-8)

AP PHYSICS C (MECHANICS, E & M) (USCI21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC or AB, completion of Honors Physics, AND Honors Physics teacher’s recommendation

Homework: Heavy

The Physics C course forms the first part of a rigorous college sequence that serves as the foundation of physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is concurrent with or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating the physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the AP Physics 1 and 2. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is mechanics, followed by electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas of study. The course meets the syllabus requirements for the required Advanced Placement Physics C exam.

Text: Physics for Scientists & Engineers, 7th Edition (Serway & Jewett) (ISBN 978-0-495-11223-5)

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (USCI22)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology

Homework: Heavy

This class is equivalent to a semester college environmental science course. The course is interdisciplinary, involving concepts from chemistry, biology, earth science, economics, political science, and ethics. The goal of the course is to provide students with the science principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. A concentrated focus is made on human impact on the environment and sustainable practices. Thus, sustainability, climate change, agriculture, air and water pollution, energy and human population growth are at the heart of the course content. Students are required to take the AP exam upon completion of the course.

IBSL SPORTS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTH SCIENCE (UHPE11)

HONORS SPORTS AND EXERCISE SCIENCE (UHPE11H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 12

Homework: High

The Sport, Exercise and Health Science IB and Honors course is the study of physiological and biochemical responses of the human body to exercise. This course introduces the physiology of exercise with an emphasis on topics in metabolism and muscle physiology. It describes the acute effects of exercise and the influence of chronic exercise training on various functional systems in different populations (age and gender) and under different environmental conditions. Ergogenic and nutritional factors are considered from a physiological perspective.

IB students are required to sit the external IB examination in addition to completing an internal assessment research project that includes a literature review, study design, data collection, data analysis, and results and discussion of your findings.

Honors students will conduct a review of literature in which the subject matter will be narrowly focused on a specific issue in exercise, sport or health science. Students will be able to select from a list of preselected topics or, if approved, a self-selected area of interest.

Semester Elective Courses

NOTE TO STUDENTS: When possible, sign up for 2 Semester courses in Science! Sign up for Astronomy, Anatomy and Physiology, or others to round out your course schedule. Electives may or may not be offered depending on student interest.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF MOVEMENT (USCI37)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 11–12

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Honors Biology, IBSL Biology Yr 1, or IBHL Biology Yr 1

Homework: Light

This semester-long course addresses foundational questions - how are we built? How do we move? Students will study the form and function of the human body as it relates to movement, focusing on the muscular system, energy metabolism, mechanics, and nutrition. Students will learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise that ensure adequate oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscles. Joints as levers and how neurotransmitters stimulate skeletal muscle contraction are a part of the curriculum. The content of this course is complemented through microscopy work, dissections, and experimentation. This course is wonderfully suited for those who are interested in kinesiology, physical therapy, exercise science – and those who are generally interested in the science behind being healthy and fit. At the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding of their athlete within!

Text: Biology Life on Earth with Physiology 11th Edition (Pearson) (ISBN 978-0-133-92300-1

FORENSIC SCIENCE (USCI35)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Physics and Chemistry; completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology

Homework: Light

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary applied science, encompassing Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and crime scene investigation (CSI). This course will focus on forensic science concepts, including inquiry performance, crime scene investigation, ballistics, fiber evidence, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, trace evidence, blood splatter, tool mark evidence, forensic anthropology, and other applicable concepts of student interest.

Class is lab-based and grading will consist of group lab reports, performance assessments where students practice the skills of a CSI scientist, and on student performance on a semester project. The individual or group project allows students to dive deeper into any topic of interest related to the burgeoning field of Forensic Science.

Text: Forensics Science Fundamentals and Investigations (Bertino) (ISBN: 978-0-538-73155-3)

HONORS QUANTUM MECHANICS & RELATIVITY (USCI36)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and completion of Pre-calculus or enrollment in higher level math course.

Homework: Heavy

This course is ideal for physics students who want to better understand the magical world of quantum mechanics and special relativity! Students first learn the essentials of special relativity, time dilation, the Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, including the origin of Einstein’s E=mc2. The course then shifts gears to the early quantum theory of Bohr, de Broglie, and Schrodinger culminating in the Copenhagen doctrine of quantum mechanics. Students learn to solve the Schrodinger equation both qualitatively and by explicit solution of the Schrodinger equation for simple potential energy profiles corresponding to 1D quantum wells and 3D quantum dots. Python computer code also allows students to solve the Schrodinger equation for more general 1D potential energy profiles. Some previous programming experience would be useful but is not assumed. Finally, we consider the foundational issues in quantum mechanics provoked by recent experimentally verified properties of entanglement, such as non-locality, Bell’s theorems, relativity, and de Broglie – Bohm theory. We try to answer the Einstein questions: Is there “spooky action at a distance”? Does “God play dice with the universe?” For students who have a very busy schedule, there is a non-honors option for this course which will have less homework.

Text: Teacher’s notes plus Concepts of Modern Physics (Beiser) (ISBN: 978-9-351-34185-7) and QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter (Feynman)( ISBN: 978-0691164090).

HONORS COMPUTER MODELING (USCI39)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and completion of Pre-calculus or enrollment in higher level math course.

Homework: Heavy

This computer science course is ideal for science-mathematics students who wish to learn about numerical modeling of dynamic systems which vary in time and may have numerous applications in science research courses. After a quick review of Python essentials, students learn how to use Numpy and Scipy libraries in Python to quickly evaluate, solve, and visualize the solutions of the types of systems of coupled ordinary and partial differential equations that describe physical, chemical and/ or biological systems. Topics include visualization of data and solutions using Matplotlib and Vpython libraries, Fourier transform methods, initial conditions, boundary conditions, function spaces, phase space methods. Several advanced topics are introduced and demonstrated including using Lagrangian methods to obtain differential equations from potential energy expressions and finite difference and finite element for numerically solving systems of partial differential equations in complex domains.

Text: None. Course materials supplied by the teacher.

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE RESEARCH (USCI40)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 9-10

Prerequisite: none

Homework: Light to Moderate

The Introduction to Science Research course is designed for high school students who are interested in understanding how scientists investigate real-world problems. Students will research, plan, design and test a series of hands-on science projects in all three major scientific disciplines: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The main goal of this course is to introduce students who have never taken a research course to the research process and provide them with an opportunity to apply a logical approach to scientific questions. This course is ideal for 9th or 10th grade students who are looking for a solid foundation in research methods and data evaluation before they take another research course later in high school or in college.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (USCI27) HONORS RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (USCI27H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Chem.

Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Chemistry course is designed as an experimental based course for students interested in various research projects in Chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to design a project that involves one (or more) of the following branches of Chemistry: Material, Analytical, Biochemical, Computational, Organometallic, Organic or Inorganic chemistry. The goal of this course is threefold by providing students with 1) an understanding of how to create a viable chemical research project with multiple variables; 2) a knowledge of how to use a variety of instrumentation, chemical techniques and literature databases; and 3) an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Truly excellent work may have the option to publish their findings in a chemical journal or present at a chemistry conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation on how a research lab operates before they attend college. In order to promote flexibility for students, this course will be designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26) HONORS RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26H)

Note: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Bio.

Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Biology course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in conducting their own unique research projects. All students in the class will conduct an independent research project based upon a common theme. The goals of this course are threefold: 1) develop the skills needed to design and conduct a unique and relevant research project; 2) build a knowledgebase of how to use a variety of instrumentation, analytical techniques and literature databases; and 3) provide an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Exceptional work may have the opportunity to publish their findings in a science journal, enter an appropriate scientific competition, or apply to present at a scientific conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation in a research lab before they attend college.

Note: This coursework can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long, research project in AP Research Capstone (Diploma Program).

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (USCI28) HONORS RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (USCI28H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester)

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP Physics. Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Physics course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in various research projects in Physics. The goal of this course is threefold by providing students with 1) an understanding of how to create a viable physics research project with multiple variables; 2) a knowledge of how to use a variety of instrumentation, techniques and literature databases; and 3) an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Truly excellent work may have the option to publish their findings in a scientific journal or present at an academic conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation on how a research lab operates before they attend college. In order to promote flexibility for students, this course will be designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

HONORS RESEARCH: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY (USCI411)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of either a full year TAS research course, AND successful completion or current enrollment in an honors science course (chemistry or biology)

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The Honors Research course in Synthetic Biology is for students who are interested in biotechnology and engineering. This course offers a unique opportunity to motivated high school students who possess a strong interest in pursuing advanced education in bioscience and biomedical science. The centerpiece of the course is an immersive laboratory experience in which students work in teams to learn the practical and theoretical underpinnings of synthetic biology research. Broadly, the course explores how cellular regulation can be used to engineer cells that accomplish well-defined goals. Students will first learn to critically analyze results, carefully measure and test experiments, and effectively communicate complex ideas through a variety of team-based activities and labs involving report writing, synthetic biology techniques, and presentations. Ultimately, the course culminates in a student-driven and student-chosen team project that aims to create a product or solve a problem through synthetic biology.

Students are expected to develop hands-on skills in Pipetting, Solution Preparation, Spectrophotometry, Bacterial Transformation, DNA and Protein Gel Electrophoresis, Sterile Technique, Microbiology, Molecular Cloning, PCR, and Protein Purification. In addition, students will learn to read research papers and communicate their research to peers and as oral and poster presentations at the TAS Scientific Research Symposium at the end of each semester. Students also have the opportunity to present their work at the BioBuilderClub Final Assembly, an international high school synthetic biology conference.

Text: Biotechnology (Brown) (ISBN 978-0-983-23960-4)

LEVEL 1

Semester 1

Introduction to Science Research

Research in Biology

Semester 2

Scientific Research Flow Chart

LEVEL 2

Requires the completion of any Level 1 OR enrollment in respective AP/IB course

LEVEL 3

Requires the completion of any Level 2 OR 2 semesters of Level 1 course

Research in Biology

Honors Research in Biology

Research in Chemistry

Research in Chemistry

Honors Research in Chemistry

Research in Physics

Research in Physics

Honors Research in Physics

Honors Research: Synthetic Biology

Honors

Research: Nanotechnology

DEPARTMENT REC.

Independent Research Internship (1 and 2)

HONORS RESEARCH: NANOTECHNOLOGY (USCI421)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of a full year or semester long Research course in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The Honors Research course in Nanotechnology is for students who are interested in materials science, which is the combination of engineering with chemistry and applied physics. Students will first learn about current research in the field of nanotechnology and materials science in addition to how the use of nanomaterial will influence future developments in science. Students will then design, build and test their own independent projects in order to investigate the properties of matter on the 5-100nm scale. Using instrumentation such as a nanotube furnace and planetary ball mill, students will synthesize their own nanomaterial. Analysis of these materials can then be performed on an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope at the TAS research laboratory. A possibility of interdisciplinary research with synthetic biology research exists for students interested in Nanobiotechnology and atomic force microscopy. During the year-long course, oral and poster presentations will be given at the science research symposia at the end of each semester.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program

Text: The Science of Nanotechnology: An Introductory Text (Tilstra, Broughton, Tanke, Jelski, French, Zhang, Popov, Western, George) (ISBN 978-1-600-21466-0)

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 1 (USCI231) INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 2 (USCI251)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 (PASS/FAIL)

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of a summer research internship and Science Department recommendation

Homework: Moderate to Heavy (8 hour of off campus research time per week is required)

This independent study course is for the highly motivated student who wants to experience working in a professional, academic research institution. Students will learn how to select a proper investigation, collect data, systematically analyze results, and then communicate the results at the two TAS scientific research symposia and international research competitions. Research projects will be completed under the supervision of a research mentor at an off-campus location. Students who want to undertake a year-long, off campus research project must enroll as an intern in the TAS Summer Academy Summer Internship program in the summer preceding their enrollment in Advanced Scientific Research I course. Alternatively, students can find their own summer research internships. Students who choose these routes should consult with the Director of Scientific Research to see what internships currently available and what qualifications are necessary to be considered for placement as an intern. Students should plan on spending a significant amount of time commuting to and conducting an off-campus research project. It is recommended that students have 4th period lunch on the same day as their 5th period research class to allow adequate time for research. Some evening, vacation, and weekend time may be required for successful completion of the research. A second year of independent study may be elected as Independent Research Internship 2.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program

Text: None (papers and references will be gathered by the student

At Taipei American School, the study of world languages is considered a core subject. Students are required to reach a 3rd year level proficiency. We offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced level courses in Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese. Students are strongly encouraged to take four consecutive years of their selected world language. Students may choose to study more than one world language course per year. Students with no prior knowledge or experience in Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese will be placed into a beginner’s level 1 course. Students wishing to enter a new language program with prior knowledge or experience in that language are required to take a placement test. Students will need to register for the placement test through the World Languages office prior to finalizing their course selections.

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 1 (UMAN01)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: None

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help non-native learners develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and computer-based writing and to prepare them for further study of the Mandarin language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and grammar structures through the functions of language. Students will also learn the basic principles behind Chinese characters. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for language proficiency and an appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures.

Text: Integrated Chinese

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (UMAN02)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 1 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

In this course for non-native learners, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. Students will develop and expand their understanding of how the language functions while continuing to make the Mandarin language relevant to their daily lives. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities are related to everyday needs and experiences. The continued emphasis of this course is on authentic communication and cultural awareness.

Text: Integrated Chinese

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3 (UMAN03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills for nonnative learners of Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect students’ daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in Mandarin, thus giving them the opportunity to become more confident communicators in the target language.

Text: Integrated Chinese

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 4 (UMAN04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course continues to develop language skills for non-native learners in Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students continue to develop their ability to confidently communicate their own needs and interests in Mandarin. Supplementary materials help to further develop a continued cultural awareness of the Mandarin-speaking world.

Text: Integrated Chinese

AP CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UMAN05)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 4 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course for non-native learners provides students with opportunities to enhance language development across three modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students will increase their awareness of contemporary and historical Chinese culture through the study of authentic materials including public announcements, advertisements, articles, contemporary literature, and film. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Chinese Language & Culture exam near the end of the school year. Students who wish to continue their Mandarin studies after completing this course will be placed into the appropriate Heritage Mandarin class based upon their language proficiency.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines

HERITAGE MANDARIN 2 (UMAN12)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers who are developing their reading and writing abilities. Emphasis is placed on developing a solid grasp of common, high-frequency characters used in one’s daily life. Students will also learn how to communicate effectively in Mandarin through handwritten characters. Speaking activities will challenge students to expand their vocabulary to encompass more abstract topics, build more complex arguments, and develop a solid understanding of proper grammar.

Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)

HERITAGE MANDARIN 3 (UMAN13)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers to further develop their reading and character-writing proficiency. Students will be expected to compose longer, more in-depth, and well-argued compositions, as well as begin to read and discuss original written Chinese language texts. Students will further develop their ability to utilize technology as a means for authentic communication. Speaking activities will target more formal rhetorical speech elements, such as presentations and topic-based panel discussions.

Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)

Mandarin Program Flow Chart

Students enter the Mandarin program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students who are not currently enrolled in a Mandarin course at TAS will need to take a placement test.

To complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 proficiency level or higher.

HONORS HERITAGE MANDARIN 4 (UMAN14)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course further prepares students to communicate using Mandarin in more formal language settings. Spoken activities emphasize presentations, oral reports, and debates. Students will develop further confidence and ability in written forms. Students will engage in creative writing activities, as well as conduct research and write reports in Mandarin. In this class, students transition from using prepared textbook materials to more real-life content and abridged articles. Students will build on their fluency in Mandarin to communicate through a variety of means and discourse models.

Texts: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese); teacherselected readings and authentic materials

HONORS HERITAGE MANDARIN 5 (UMAN15)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 4 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

In this course, activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. Students are encouraged to express not only their own needs and interests but also their opinions on a variety of contemporary and cultural issues. Supplementary materials further develop and integrate the students’ language skills as well as foster an awareness and appreciation of the Mandarin-speaking world.

Texts: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese); teacherselected readings and authentic materials

IBSL CHINESE B (UMAN16)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 5 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will study how to handle and process information, write their own texts, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and enter intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

Students move along the program in a forward direction as indicated by the flowchart arrows. All levels starting at Heritage Mandarin 4 are indicated as honors courses. These honors courses are not interchangeable and build upon increasing language proficiency levels.

AP Chinese, IBSL/IBHL Chinese B, and IBSL/IBHL Chinese A are optional courses and may be selected when students meet the grade level and course prerequisite requirements. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Honors Heritage Mandarin 4.

HONORS SEMINAR: CURRENT MANDARIN TOPICS (UMAN17)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 12

Prerequisites: IBSL Chinese B + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course further develops students’ confidence and skills to communicate effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire new vocabulary and build the necessary skills for in-depth reading of a variety of texts. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of the cultures and history related to the language studied.

*The offering of this course for 2023-2024 is dependent upon student interest and enrollment.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 1 (UMAN21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively both orally and in written form. Students study a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles) to explore themes such as traditional Chinese values and their impact on modern life, personal growth, communication, and technology. An emphasis is placed on acquisition of vocabulary and practice of sentence patterns as students work to refine their composition skills. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.

Texts may include: 賴小禾《動物狂想曲》; 鄭宗弦《媽祖回娘家》; 王淑芬 《親愛的綠》; 陳榕笙《孤狗少年》; additional teacher-selected materials

HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 2 (UMAN22)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course explores modern-day themes through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Continued emphasis is placed upon effective communication both orally and in written form. Vocabulary acquisition remains of primary importance as does the development of polished writing skills in a variety of styles. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.

Texts may include: 張友漁《目擊證人》; 鄭丞鈞《我的麗莎阿姨》; 陳幸蕙 編《我只想回到自己的家》; 侯文詠《侯文詠極短篇》; additional teacherselected materials

HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 3 (UMAN23)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course enables students to develop their language skills by exploring contemporary issues through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Students will continue to refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner through essays and research projects. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class presentations and discussions.

Texts may include: 林良《會走路的人》; 汪莫《寫給喧囂的37個安靜練 習》; 劉臺痕《閻王不要的小子》; 李家同選集; 蘇兒真《法律的背後,是愛的 戀習曲》; additional teacher-selected materials

IBHL CHINESE B (UMAN24)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication through the use of authentic materials. Students will work on comprehending and participating in formal and informal conversations as well as expressing their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the new vocabulary and skills necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 1 (UMAN31)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

In this course, students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Mandarin. Various texts, including novels and Chinese poems, will be analyzed. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts may include: 亞榮隆‧撒可努《山豬．飛鼠．撒可努》; 鍾肇政 《白翎鷥之歌》; 龍應台《孩子你慢慢來》; 陳幸蕙主編《49個夕陽》; additional teacher-selected materials

學而不思則罔， 思而不學則殆。

Confucius

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 2 (UMAN32)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

Building on the literary analysis work established the previous year, this course further strengthens students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. There are rigorous expectations for in-depth written analysis and critical interpretations of various genres of literature. Moreover, oral presentations and class discussions require students to express nuanced ideas when speaking. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts may include: 三毛《撒哈拉歲月》;《守候盼望》; 劉俐譯 Antoine de Saint-Exupéry《小王子》; 吳濁流《先生媽》; 洪醒夫《黑面慶仔》; additional teacher-selected materials

IBSL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 1 (UMAN33)

IBSL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2 (UMAN35)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin by writing literary analysis essays and participating in oral activities including presentations, class discussions, dramatizations, and debates. Students will engage in the study of topics that relate to language in cultural context. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

IBHL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 1 (UMAN34)

IBHL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2 (UMAN36)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin through the study of a wide range of genres and rigorous literary analysis. Requirements of the course include both oral and written critiques, comparative commentaries, essays, and creative writing assignments. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 3 (UMAN37)

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 4 (UMAN38)

Duration: 1 or 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

These courses will continue to strengthen students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. Students will develop the language skills necessary to become highly proficient readers and writers of Mandarin. Students will engage in the study of well-known literary works. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

*The offering of this course for 2023-2024 is dependent upon student interest and enrollment.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

Spanish Program Flow Chart

Solid lines indicate the standard path; dashed lines indicate alternative path options available with teacher permission. Students enter the Spanish program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students with previous knowledge or language experience who are not currently enrolled in a Spanish course at TAS will need to take a placement test

To complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Spanish 3 proficiency level or higher.

The IBSL Spanish B exam may be taken in junior or senior year; students may take the course over a period of 1 or 2 years. The IBHL exam may be taken in senior year only; this is a two-year course. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Honors Spanish 4.

SPANISH 1 (UWLD11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: None

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Spanish language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for proficiency in the language and an appreciation of the cultures of the countries where Spanish is spoken.

Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española

SPANISH 2 (UWLD12)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 1 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Spanish language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Spanish for comprehension.

Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española

SPANISH 3 (UWLD13)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Materials and activities emphasize authentic situations of daily life and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus giving them the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

HONORS SPANISH 3 (UWLD13H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect daily life. Oral comprehension and proficiency will be stressed, and students will be expected to demonstrate greater independent initiative when completing practice activities. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 3.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

SPANISH 4 (UWLD14)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 3 (or Honors Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

This course continues to develop Spanish language skills through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus enabling them to become more confident language learners. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

HONORS SPANISH 4 (UWLD14H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 3 (or Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course will stress proficiency in all language skills with a strong emphasis on grammar. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 4.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

HONORS SPANISH 5 (UWLD15H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are expected to demonstrate indepth cultural awareness and appreciation of the Spanish-speaking world.

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher-selected readings and materials

IBSL SPANISH B (UWLD15)

Duration: 1 or 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 4 / Honors Spanish 5 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Spanish B exam near the end of their one-year or two-year course (junior or senior year).

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

IBHL SPANISH B (UWLD161)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for indepth reading of a variety of authentic texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Spanish B exam at the end of their two-year course (senior year).

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UWLD181)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 or Honors Spanish 5 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Language and Culture exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: TEMAS Spanish Language and Culture; AP SPANISH Language and Culture Exam Preparation

AP SPANISH LITERATURE & CULTURE (UWLD191)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 12

Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language & Culture + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This intensive course is designed for students with advanced language proficiency and interest in Spanish. Students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Spanish through the study of various types of texts including novels, short stories, poetry, and essays based on the AP Spanish curriculum reading list. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when analyzing and interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: ABRIENDO PUERTAS; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines

JAPANESE 1 (UWLD21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: None

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Japanese language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Students learn the Japanese sound system. The HIRAGANA and KATAKANA writing notations are introduced from the outset. The 72 basic characters of KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials

JAPANESE 2 (UWLD22)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Japanese 1 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 73 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials

There is always a way if you do not give up. Surely.