The objectives of the course are to reach a B2 level of English, according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for  Languages), dedicating particular attention to vocabulary and structures typically used in the field of the biological sciences;  to develop reading comprehension skills in this  field including the scientific abstract; to be able to break down and comprehend the structure of the scientific abstract; to understand spoken English and be able to discuss topics in the fields of  health science, nutrition, and the environment  using correct pronunciation. The knowledge of English at a B2 level will serve as a base for  further studies of English, a language now essential in the scientific world. Lessons will be entirely in English.

Various elements of grammar will be reviewed / presented during the course, indicatively in the following order:

1. A brief review of  verb  tenses

2. Interrogative forms

3. Passive voice

4. Reported speech

5.Conditional forms

6. Modals

7.The indefinite article / the definite article (and its omission)

8. Countables and uncountables / Quantifiers

9. Comparative and superlative forms

10. Verbals

11. Relative clauses (restrictive and non restrictive)

12. Connectives

13. The position of the adverb in English

14. Prefixes and suffixes

Specific areas of Use of English (Not necessarily in the given order):

Numbers and mathematics in English

Make vs. do  vs. take vs. have

Common collocations

Punctuation

Common terminology in the sciences (verbs most commonly used, etc.)

Elements of English (use of passive voice, phrasal verbs, reporting verbs, the definite and indefinite article, etc.) will be identified and analyzed in selected scientific texts.

The structure of the scientific abstract will be studied in detail.

Audio and visual materials (usually with subtitles) will be used and discussed in class, often accompanied by comprehension exercises.

Topics will be relative to the health, nutrition, and environmental sciences.

B1 level English

The student must  demonstrate  a B2 (CEFR)  command of grammar structures and Use of English in the field of health, nutrition, and environmental sciences.

The student  must be able to comprehend written texts and spoken English in his/her sector at a B2 (CEFR) level.

The student must understand and be able to break down the structure of a scientific abstract and discuss its content  at a B2 (CEFR) level.

The student must show a B2 (CEFR) level command of English when discussing  the topics presented in class and materials posted on the Blended Learning platform.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

All materials used will be uploaded onto the Blended Learning platform ( Moodle › blended.uniurb.it ) before and during lessons. Lesson content will be uploaded on a weekly basis.

Teaching

Lectures accompanied by exercises in class. Lessons will be entirely conducted in English.

Attendance

Non mandatory

Course books

Materials Booklet (Dispensa)

This booklet contains  reading materials, grammar notes, notes on abstracts with examples, exercises, etc. All materials, including links to audio and video materials,  will be uploaded onto the Blended Learning platform before and during the course.  A list of useful websites for grammar and Use of English practice will be provided.

Further materials may be introduced during the course. These will all be uploaded onto the Blended Learning platform as the course progresses.

Assessment

Oral language assessment to confirm a B2 level knowledge of English. The oral assessment will be based on topics in the 'dispensa' and those discussed in class, which will be posted on the Blended Learning Platform.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

The program and teaching materials are the same for both attending and non attending students. Both  attending and non attending students are responsible for materials posted on the Blended Learning platform..

Attendance

non mandatory

Course books

Materials Booklet (Dispensa)

This booklet contains  reading materials, grammar notes, notes on abstracts with examples, exercises, etc. All materials, including links to audio and video materials,  will be uploaded onto the Blended Learning platform before and during the course.  A list of useful websites for grammar and Use of English practice will be provided.

Further materials may be introduced during the course. These will all be uploaded onto the Blended Learning platform as the course progresses.

Assessment

Oral language assessment to confirm a B2 level knowledge of English. The oral assessment will be based on topics in the 'dispensa' and those discussed in class, which will be posted on the Blended Learning Platform

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attending classes is strongly advised.
Students must write to the professor using the email address provided by the University of Urbino. The 'subject' of the email must indicate the name of the course. (es. NUTRITION SCIENCE)