This unit is all about binary-the language of computers. You'll learn how text, images, sound, and video are all converted into sequences of bits (binary digits). You'll also explore data compression: how a 50MB photo becomes a 2MB JPEG, and what gets lost (or preserved) in that process.

Why it matters: Every file on your phone, every image you post, every song you stream-it all comes down to binary. Understanding this foundation helps everything else in CS make sense.

When you load a webpage, your request travels through cables, routers, and servers across potentially thousands of miles-and it happens almost instantly. Unit 2 explains how.

You'll learn about IP addresses, DNS (the "phone book" of the internet), packets, routing, and the protocols that make it all work together. You'll also explore why the internet was designed to be decentralized and fault-tolerant.

Why it matters: You use the internet every day. Understanding how it actually functions gives you insight into everything from why websites load slowly to how cybersecurity threats work.

This is the programming-heavy unit. You'll learn the building blocks of code: variables, conditionals (if/else), loops, lists, and functions. Most AP CSP courses use Python, though some use JavaScript or block-based languages.

But it's not just about syntax-it's about algorithmic thinking. You'll learn how to break down problems into steps, how to trace through code to predict outputs, and how to design solutions that actually work.

Why it matters: This unit builds the skills you'll use for the Create Performance Task (worth 30% of your AP score). Strong programming fundamentals here pay off big time.

We live in a world drowning in data. Unit 4 teaches you how to work with it: how to collect data, clean it, analyze it, and draw conclusions from it. You'll also explore simulations-computer models that help us understand complex systems.

Why it matters: Data literacy is one of the most valuable skills in the modern economy. Whether you go into medicine, business, science, or social work, you'll encounter data-and knowing how to interpret it (and spot its limitations) is crucial.

Cybersecurity isn't just for hackers and IT departments-it affects everyone. Unit 5 covers how computers and networks can be attacked, and more importantly, how they're defended.

You'll learn about encryption (how your bank keeps your data safe), authentication (passwords, two-factor auth), and common vulnerabilities like phishing and malware. You'll also explore the ethics of security research and digital privacy.

Why it matters: You're a target. Your data is valuable, and bad actors want it. Understanding cybersecurity helps you protect yourself-and maybe even pursue a career in one of the fastest-growing fields in tech.

Technology isn't neutral. It creates opportunities and solves problems, but it also introduces new risks and ethical dilemmas. Unit 6 explores the societal implications of computing.

You'll examine topics like algorithmic bias, the digital divide, intellectual property, data privacy, and how computing has transformed industries from healthcare to entertainment.

Why it matters: As someone who understands technology, you'll be in a position to shape how it's used. This unit helps you think critically about the impact of the systems you might one day build-or regulate, or report on, or use to make business decisions.