SCIENTIFIC ENGLISH
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
A knowledge of English at the A1 pre-intermediate level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is recommended.
The assessment will take place through a written exam at the end of the course. The test consists of questions related to the program carried out in class; it has the purpose to assess the ability of the student to understand and synthesize information and communicate using the language and its structures in an appropriate manner with respect to the context, especially the science and chemistry domains.
The duration of the test is 60 minutes.
To pass the exam, the student must obtain a score of no less than 18 (eighteen).
TEACHING AIMS
This course aims to revise the pre-intermediate and intermediate grammatical structures (A2/B1-B2 of the CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), necessary to convey certain linguistic functions, and to provide students with the tools to deal with Academic English texts focusing on scientific English.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Through theoretical and practical exercises aimed at deepening grammatical structures and vocabulary, at the end of the course the student will be able to:
- express themselves in English in an appropriate manner with respect to the context;
- analyze short scientific texts in English;
- understand oral productions on science-related topics
- use English in a flexible and effective manner in the academic and professional fields.
The acquisition of the different skills will be developed through a two-fold approach:
1- the study of English grammar and idiomatic structures for the comprehension and oral and written communication in English at pre-intermediate and intermediate level;
2- the use of English in the scientific field focusing on science and chemistry lexicon and the morpho-syntactic structures of Academic English.
Regarding the study of Grammar and idiomatic structures:
Main verb tenses
Noun + noun
Separable and inseparable phrasal verbs
Question form and indirect/embedded questions
Relative clauses
If clauses (all types)
Passive form
Use of have (all meanings)
Modal and semi-modal verbs
Use of say, tell, speak/talk
Use of bring / take / get
The verb get
Reported speech
The -ing form (all cases)
Used to / to be used to / to get used to
Linking words
Word formation
MURPHY, Raymond. English Grammar in Use (4th ed.). Cambridge, 2012.
PHILLIPS, Anna, & PHILLIPS, Terry. Moving into Science. Garnet Education, 2015.
SLAGHT, John, & PALLANT, Anne. English for Academic Studies: Reading and Writing. Garnet Education, 2012
The lecture notes (slides and any additional material in the form of links, articles or extracts) will possibly be made available on the e-learning platform.
The course objectives will be achieved through lectures for a total of 48 hours (3 CFU). Lessons will be supported by MS Power Point presentations and on-line applications. During the lessons, practice could be carried out individually or collectively.
For appointments, please, send an email to Orietta.colombai@uninsubria.it