Prior knowledge: For students, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science Discoveries, and/or a similar introductory computer science course.Contains 9 units, which includes an AP Exam Prep unit. Curriculum length: A minimum of 140 class hours should be taught as a full-year course.Audience: High school students, grades 9 - 12.AP® Computer Science A invites students to learn programming using Java and can be taken after completing an introductory course such as Computer Science Principles or Computer Science Discoveries.