I took 27 credits this semester. My GPA was 4.09.

Course NameTeacher老師CreditsScore
Calculus A (I)Yuki CHINO千野由喜4A+
Physics (I)LIN Chun-Liang林俊良4A
Introduction to Computer Science (I)CHEN Chiuyuan陳秋媛3A-
Introduction to Scientific Research and Implementation (I)Interdisciplinary Science Degree Program理學院科學學士學位學程3A
Linear Algebra (I)SHIUE Ming-Cheng薛名成3A+
Mentor’s HoursDepartment of Applied Mathematics應用數學系1P
Service Learning IDepartment of Applied Mathematics應用數學系1P
Basic MathematicsWENG Chih-wen翁志文3A
Honor Calculus Problem Solving Session (I)CHAN Chi Hin陳子軒1A
Physics Recitation (I)LIN Chun-Liang林俊良0P
Physical EducationCHANG Yu-Hua張祐華0A-
English CommunicationKWONG Yuemin鄺越敏2A+
Japanese (I)KAMIJO Sumie上條純惠2A+

Taking 27 credits was tough, especially after midterms. Most grades landed within expectations, with Introduction to Computer Science the exception.

Calculus A (I)

Clear, detailed lectures that build a solid foundation — well-suited to engineering. For Applied Mathematics students, the course skips analysis, so it is worth picking that up on your own, or later courses get harder. Taught in English. Reports, quizzes, and attendance make points easy, but the two midterms and the comprehensive exam (大會考) still need real practice.

Physics (I)

Mostly 2019-recorded videos with very few in-person sessions; the instructor is fun and emphasizes interaction. Taught in English. Super relaxed — a little studying goes a long way toward a good grade.

Linear Algebra (I)

Essentially MIT 18.06 — a clean, standard linear algebra course. Attendance is not strict, and the bonus points from the video project make a good grade easy.

Introduction to Computer Science (I)

Taught in C++. Professor Chen’s mathematical background keeps the logic very clear, and she is patient with questions even when strict. The biweekly projects make for a heavy load — easy if you already program, demanding if you do not. Because C++ is her home turf, this first semester is the tougher of the two (the spring sequel switches to Python). It was also the one course that did not go to plan for me this term.

Introduction to Scientific Research and Implementation (I)

Mostly attending talks and writing reports, plus a group project. Low time commitment, and an A is straightforward once you meet the requirements.

Mentor’s Hours

Free credit for attending.

Service Learning I

I joined the “Toilet Literature” group, posting short articles in restrooms. An easy A.

Basic Mathematics

The hardest course of the semester — it felt like an 8-credit load on its own. The homework is demanding, but the exams stay close to it and are not tricky, and the instructor is generous with questions. Final grades were curved.

Honor Calculus Problem Solving Session (I)

The instructor picks analysis problems for us to work through at the board. As long as you attend, present, and hand in the report, you will not fail.

Physical Education

Attendance is 60% of the grade — show up and you pass.

English Communication

Lots of questions from the instructor, so it is good speaking practice. The reports keep it busy, but grading is generous and effort clearly pays off.

Japanese (I)

A slow pace, and the instructor cold-calls, so you have to stay attentive. You can skip, but you will lose points; grading is generally generous.