Course teacher(s)
Alexander CORNFORD (Coordinator)ECTS credits
5
Language(s) of instruction
english
Course content
- Lexico-grammatical resources specific to scientific communication
- Phonological system of English
- Intermediate-advanced grammar
Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)
In general, this course targets, as a minimum pass level, a level B1+ according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, for reading and listening in the domain of scientific studies.
By the end of this course, the student will be able to understand both written and spoken scientific communication; the student will be able to read critically both descriptive and explanatory texts in English dealing with familiar and unfamiliar scientific topics; the student will be able to understand standard spoken English and be able to communicate that understanding in writing.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Required and Corequired knowledge and skills
A grammar and vocabulary level test is organised during the second trimester of the first Bachelor’s year. The results (grades A to E) are purely informative for the student: if the student obtains a grade D or below, the student is strongly recommended to follow remediation and support courses before the course begins. These courses are offered by F9 Languages in Brussels (http://www.f9languages.eu).
Courses requiring this course
Cours ayant celui-ci comme co-requis
Teaching methods and learning activities
Written exercises, language practice
The course provides students with English pronunciation exercises, vocabulary exercises, and reading and listening exercises. Additional grammar exercises are available via the Virtual university.
References, bibliography, and recommended reading
Recommended:
Advanced Grammar in Use Book with Answers and Interactive eBook. Martin Hewings, Cambridge University Press, 2015.
English Grammar in Use with Answers and Interactive eBook: Self Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English. Raymond Murphy, Cambridge University Press, 2019.
Course notes
- Syllabus
- Université virtuelle
Contribution to the teaching profile
This teaching unit allow the student to attain a level of English language knowledge which enables them to gain acces to scientific information in written and spoken form in relation their studies. The student has sufficient English language competence to:
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understand precise and discipline-specific language
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learn and assimilate new concepts in their discipline from various source materials
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recognise inconssitencies in explanations
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follow a scientific argument
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communicate their scienfic knowledge using clear and discipline-specific language
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apply critical thinking to their evaluation of scientific discourse
Other information
Additional information
N.B. Check your emails for announcements from teachers from the UV.
Contacts
Mr CORNFORD, Alexander - alexander.cornford@ulb.be
Campus
Solbosch
Evaluation
Method(s) of evaluation
- written examination
- Other
written examination
Other
The written examination is in two parts: i) a reading examination and ii) a listening examination.
Students must take both parts of the examination in the same session, whether in the first and/or the second session.
Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)
The final mark for the examination is the arithmetic mean of the marks for each part of the examination (reading examination (50%) and listening examination (50%)).
Language(s) of evaluation
- english