National Taiwan University

This course teaches the usage of R for the analysis of ecological data. It introduces several different analysis options for biological or ecological data (focusing specifically on community-level data) using the free and open-source statistical, mapping, and graphing platform R. Broad topics covered will include: introduction to R language and basic functions / graphics; basic mapping options; diversity measurement; univariate, multivariate, parametric and non-parametric analysis and their basis; functional diversity; and ecological time series analysis. Students will require a laptop for sessions. Schedule is subject to changes according to student progress.

This course introduces the main themes, concepts, and perspectives of sociology. It defines sociology, and examines the theories and methods researchers use to answer sociological questions. It discusses the fundamental social processes and concepts (culture and socialization, social structures, and social inequalities); social institutions (family, education, gender and religion); and environment and social movements.

This course provides students with Japanese pronunciation and listening practice so they become familiar with Japanese tones and intonation rules. 

This course examines Chinese-language film to illustrate the cultural values of Chinese society. The course uses Chinese films from Taiwan and mainland China and teaches vocabulary and usage. After watching the film, students discuss related topics and compare with the differences in their own country. Group discussion is a large part of the course. Assessment: Attendance, participation, discussion, reports and final.

This course develops an understanding of physio-chemical and ecological aspects of the freshwater systems, especially for Taiwan rivers; explains the causes and consequences of human modification of fresh waters, and their implications for conservation of aquatic biodiversity and maintenance of human well- being; describes the techniques which may be used to quantify the status of (and monitor the changes in) instream and riparian ecological niches; and introduces the range of management strategies that can be used to reduce or mitigate human impacts on freshwater ecosystems and maintain water quality; and the concept of drainage basin management. Assessment: final exam, coursework, assignments, projects.

Taiwan has the fastest aging rate in the world. While encountering this important change, relevant health topics become important. This course examines the epidemiologic research and related topics on aging and common disease in the elderly. Students read essential literature in relation to the elderly. The first half of each lecture provides an overview of a specific topic and the latter half of class consists of literature discussion and critique. Students are required to prepare a final report. This course aims to bring topics related to aging and elderly disease to the practice of public health.

This course covers advanced topics in plant molecular genetics. Emphasis is given to how modern molecular genetics tools have been applied to study various plant biology topics. Topics include forward and reverse genetics, functional genomics, epigenetics, and plant pathogen interaction. Lectures are combined with literature reading, student presentations and discussion. Towards the end of the semester, each student is also required to write a research proposal/review. Assessment: homework, paper presentation, research proposal/review article, and discussion participation.

This course introduces the origin and evolution of traditional puppet theatre; the front stage and use of props in traditional puppet theatre; the musical notation and gong and drum scriptures in the backstage of traditional puppet theatre; the introduction and application of traditional puppet theatre sets, and the appreciation of traditional puppet theatre script.

This course is focused on the contemporary metropolis, Taipei, Taiwan and its concentration of power and wealth, goods, symbols, ideas, and information. The city is full of conflict, tension and oppression and this course focuses on understanding these issues and discussing potential solutions to these dilemmas. This course will explore Taipei urban life composed of different culture, class, ethnic, racial, age and gender groups that are gathered in this adjacent space in close contact. The social relations they link, and the activities that are juxtaposed in the common space, may lead to conflicts, resulting in the chances of life of certain people, being excluded, and causing social injustice. The city is a pool of differences and this course objective is aimed to understand how to coordinate diversity and differences, to achieve social justice that is a major challenge of urban life. The main axis of this course, that is, in the face of external environmental changes, as well as the internal conflict pressure of urban life, is how to connect the difference between the crowd, so that different people have the opportunity to pursue their beautiful life in the city vision.

This course covers the basics of semiconductors. Topics: Crystal Structure of Solids; Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and The Quantum Theory of Solids; Semiconductor in Equilibrium; Carrier Transport Phenomena; Nonequilibrium Excess Carrier in Semiconductor; Junction Theory and Diode; Metal Semiconductor Contacts and Heterojunctions (Metal Semiconductor Contacts and Heterojunctions).