Division of Science

Introduction to Physics is a basic science course which invites you to observe and investigate nature like a scientist. You could meet different scenarios where physics can support the real world, and experiments and seminars will have your back for analyzing those cases. You will probably find another perspective to understand how nature is changing and developing as the course goes on. We will build connections among mass, energy, and their interactions; and also sail from waves to electromagnetism. Hope that your one-year journey is worthwhile.

Welcome to our physics course! As one of the most fundamental science courses in the STEM field, we will observe and explore natural phenomena and learn how to deepen our understanding of them through calculations. This course is recommended for learners in STEM fields and covers topics including kinematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity. We will introduce various formulas and calculation methods in physics to help you better understand the concepts. Through experiments and discussions, you will receive the best support and find another perspective to understand the development and changes in nature. Join us and start exploring the various phenomena in nature!

Mechanics is an algebraic-based course learned through inquiry and experimentation. This course aims to enable learners to understand basic physical phenomena, describe physical phenomena in scientific language, understand basic scientific research methods, and apply basic knowledge of quadratic equations and trigonometric functions.

As the preferred course for advanced physics, AP Physics (Mechanics) will take you to explore the principles behind various phenomena. Through rigorous reasoning and calculation, you will explain and even predict some phenomena in life, and solve some common mechanical problems.

Electricity and Magnetism is an algebra-based, introductory high school-level physics course. Students will cultivate their knowledge of physics through investigations of topics including electrical force, field, and potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.

Calculus-based Mechanics is a college-level physics course. It covers kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations, and gravitation.

Advanced Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for learners planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. Introductory differential and integral calculus are used throughout the course. The course delves into the fundamental principles of electromagnetism through the powerful tools of calculus. This course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the interplay between electric and magnetic fields, their interactions, and their applications in various scientific and technological contexts. Throughout the course, students will engage in lectures, interactive demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and problem-solving sessions. The course emphasizes the application of calculus to solve complex electromagnetism problems, helping students develop critical analytical skills and a strong foundation in this essential branch of physics.

The physics competition seminar is intended to be the encounter with physics problem solving for students with strong math skills and interests. This course will guide students towards successful participation at the physics bowl and BPHO. The curriculum will cover the areas as those competitions dose, i.e., parts of classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism. This course may involve calculus. Recommended for students with prior experience with physics problem solving, strong self-motivation, and math skills.

This is an introductory course that provides an overview of the chemistry and its application to real life. It encourages curiosity and improves the skills for scientific discovery. This course lays the foundation for further studies in chemistry, material science, life sciences, and environmental sciences. The course contains five learning themes: scientific investigation and chemical experiments, properties and applications of substances, composition and structure of substances, chemical changes of substances, chemistry and society, and interdisciplinary practices.

We can often hear something amazing in life: cans can last for over ten years because of the antisectic, which will lead to cancer if taken for a long term; aspartame will not cause obesity when used as a substitute of suger in drinks. Are all these statements reasonable? What "principles" are hidden in a seemingly rigorous science article? Let's do a "internet troll" to answer these doubts.

Sea of advertisements are flooded in our life：99 kinds of stains can be washed away by our new powder; a novel health product with the most excellent effect ever before; a magic spray can make you cool down immediately you sprinkle onto your skin.... Do they really have such magical effects? What are the scientific principles behind this? Let's explore and select the best.

This course introduces essential terms, concepts and laws in chemistry and relates them to materials and events encountered in real life. This course provides learners with a pre-advanced palcement (pre-AP) level foundation to support future AP coursework in chemistry. learners cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, molar calculation, redox reactions, thermodynamics, electrochemistry and organic chemistry.

Plus, this framework encourages learner development of inquiry and reasoning skills such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, creating models and representations, applying mathematical routines, developing a scientific argument, and connecting concepts in and across domains independently.

The Organic Chemistry course is strategically designed to enrich the existing knowledge gained from current compulsory chemistry courses (CHEM1001, 3001 and 5001). It is aimed at empowering students with a fervor for learning subjects such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science, enabling them to push the frontiers of chemical knowledge. In parallel, the course serves as a catalyst, motivating and guiding students towards active participation in prestigious international chemistry competitions, including CCC and CCO in Canada, UKCHO in the United Kingdom, and USNCO in the United States. Open to students from a wide range of grade levels, this course promises to be an enriching journey for all participants. If you have innate curiosity, strong motivation, a passion for chemistry and its applications, as well as a willingness to take on challenges, please join us.

This course provides the professional knowledge in chemistry covered in a year-long college/pre-university level learning of chemistry concepts.

This course will explore "how the arrangement of particles affects the macro state of matter?" "How do particles form matter?" "What is the essence of chemical reaction?" "What factors affect the reaction speed?" "What does the change of enthalpy in chemical reaction mean?" "What is le Chatelier's principle?"

Have you ever heard of nano-TiO2? Do you really want to know how to make it and where we can use it? Have you ever thought of developing a real carbon nanotube and applying it to biosensor? If your answer is YES, please do not hesitate to join us.

This is an interdisciplinary course that provides you a college or even graduate level experiment skill to aid your further research in nano world. This course lays the foundation for further studies in chemistry, material science, life sciences, and environmental sciences. In the first semester, we will complete four units: basic chemistry lab skill, basic biology lab skill, nano-TiO2 and its application, carbon nanotube and its application. In the second semester, we will read literature together, truly experience the work of scientists, and decipher those magical paper experiments together. Also, we will work together to complete a literature review of your own.

Through this course, you can systematically master the lab skill of biochemistry and have the chance to be qualified to further your research in the club of Shing-Tung Tau base.

This course is designed to prepare learners for the future study of chemistry and biology in college. The course covers topics such as the use of experimental equipment and apparatus, experimental record-keeping, and data analysis. Learners will participate in laboratory activities to learn and master basic experimental skills, and to improve their practice and data-handling abilities. 

This introductory course cultivates learners' understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations and project-based learning, as they explore the two topics: Taxonomy and Health.

Biology is the study of life. The diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Through the learning of the first topic, learners will know how to simplify the study of the numerous species and use their knowledge to protect the living organisms and the environment they share with us.

The second topic is Health, which is a concern of everyone. Learners will get to understand that human health is a consequence of the relationships and interactions between biological processes in our bodies, our lifestyles and the conditions we live in.

This course integrates both Pre-AP biology and Chinese high school biology curriculum, which is structured around the core and component ideas: Ecosystem, From molecules to organisms, Heredity, and Biological evolution. You will develop essential biology knowledge by applying science practices (see below) through inquiry-style experiences that will provide you with an organizational framework for connecting knowledge from across disciplines into a coherent and scientifically based view of the world. You will develop the habits of mind that are necessary for scientific thinking and that allow you to engage in science in ways that are similar to those used by scientists.

Adapted from the development of modern biology and life science, the curriculum is divided into five modules theme (cells, genetics and evolution, the homeostasis and regulation, ecology, biotechnology). As each module theme focuses on one aspect of modern biology, collectively they will constitute a complete system of modern biology discipline. The completion of all module topics indicates the mastery of core concepts in high school biology with an Advanced Placement level. Students will think critically, learn inquiringly, and participate actively in related social issues, which constitute key competencies for a condensed life science learning experience.

This course is designed for students interested in the future studies in medical college, agronomy, medicine, life science, neuroscience and brain-like intelligence science, man-machine engineering, nutrition and food science, environmental science, ocean science and related fields. It is suitable for the students in a planned way to participate in the activities of biology competitions at home and abroad to study, students of high level biology, Taking senior high school chemistry and physics course is suggested at the mean time.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural hazards happen every day. Where is it safe to live? How has the global climate changed since the Ice Age? Why is London warmer than Heilongjiang, even though London is closer to the North Pole than Heilongjiang? How do earth processes influence our lives? What stories do landscapes tell? If you are interested in exploring these questions, you're welcome to join this introductory course, which provides you with a basic knowledge of Earth's natural features and the processes that affect them. Understanding how earth, an integrated system, functions and how it varies over space and time is crucial for making informed decisions about the use and preservation of Earth's natural environments and resources. Focusing on the four components of the earth system — land, water, air, and life — and their interactions, this course identifies physical phenomena and natural processes and stresses their characteristics, relationships, and distributions. GIS, geographic data, maps, satellite images, and numerous landscape photographs are offered for learners to study and analyze the physical environments around us.

This course is suitable for learners who are attracted and amazed by the beauty of nature and wonder how and why this rich and colorful world is created. Perhaps you may not study earth science or a relevant major in the future, considering that such fields are often financially unfavorable. However, it equips you with the ability to read the signals of nature. In the summer meadows, when a cloud drifts by, you can speculate that there might be a lake below. When walking through a mountain valley at noon, you know that climbing up the hillside will bring a refreshing breeze blowing from behind... These are romantic experiences unique to those who study Earth science.

This course is also suitable for learners who plan to study Earth science, environmental science, geography, geophysics, ecology, urban planning and other related fields in the future. One of the highlights of this course is the use of GIS (Geographic Information System) which is rarely taught in high schools in China, but it is a recommended skill when applying for earth science-related majors such as geography, environmental science, animal protection, urban planning, and others.

When you see single-sided printed paper without creases being discarded, do you feel it's wasteful and wish to establish a paper recycling mechanism? When you witness lights and TVs on in an empty classroom, do you think about finding a solution to turn off lights and TVs when not in use to conserve energy and reduce emissions? When you have various eco-friendly ideas, do you struggle due to lack of time, partners, and direction, and thus those ideas remain mere thoughts?

If you aspire to bring your ideas to life, this course will teach you how to transform your ideas into a project, how to progressively advance your project, and eventually achieve tangible results and impacts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 for sustainable cities and communities and SDG 13 for climate action. If you're interested in participating CTB Competition or the SDG Environmental Marathon, the course will provide guidance for these contests (CTB Competition registration takes place in October each year, final submissions are due in January, with the final defense in March, and it allows both individual and team participation; SDG Environmental Marathon registration is in May, preliminaries in June, finals in August, requiring teams of 2 or more). Enthusiastic learners with their own ideas are highly encouraged to join this course.

The outputs of this course encompass innovative solution reports (papers), solution pitch posters, and pitch presentations. Although traditional assignments are not part of the course, teams will report weekly and engage in monthly presentations, which will contribute to the overall assessment. For learners aiming to participate in competitions, dedicating time to project work during winter and summer vacations is necessary. Therefore, a strong passion for your project, effective time and task management skills, teamwork spirit, willingness to observe on-site, listen to diverse voices, and analyze problems from various angles are essential.

Look forward to meeting individuals who are passionate about project work and are committed to take actions.

AP Environmental Science is a year-long course designed to show thematic connections between a variety of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, and physics. It gives students a coherent and realistic picture of the applications of a variety of scientific concepts as they manifest in our environment. Students will focus on human population growth, natural resources, biodiversity, global resource use, ecosystem dynamics and global change. As a college level course, the amount of material covered as well as the complexity of the topics will be high. Students are expected to read difficult texts, participate in self- directed learning and keep up with the fast pace of the course. The aim of this course is to increase students’ knowledge of the environmental challenges of today, while continuing to cultivate scientific critical thinking skills. Mastery of this course will develop empathy and a sense of global awareness. Students taking this course should have a passion for saving and improving the world they live in as many of the assignments are focused on real world problems and solutions.