The objective of this course is  to develop a knowledge of  Scientific English at a B2 level according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for  Languages); to learn vocabulary and structures typically used in the field of the 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 of a scientific nature with 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.

The following elements of grammar will be reviewed / presented during the course. Exercises will accompany the topics.

1. A brief review of  verb  tenses (with practical examples from scientific texts)

2. Passive voice (with examples from scientific  sources and exercises)

3. Modals (with practical examples from scientific texts)

4.Conditional forms  (specific use in the sciences)

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

6. Reported speech

7. Reporting verbs (in particular those used in reporting information in scientific texts)

8. Countables and uncountables / Quantifiers

9. Comparative and superlative forms

10. Verbals (gerunds and infinitives)

11. Relative clauses (restrictive and non restrictive)

12. Connectives

13. The position of the adverb in English

14. Prefixes and suffixes (particularly in regard to scientific vocabulary)

15. Irregular plurals of words of Latin and Greek origin

Specific areas of Use of English :

Language used in the sciences (ex. verbs most commonly used)

Numbers and mathematics in English

Make vs. do  vs. take vs. have

Common collocations

Punctuation

During the first few lessons, the structure of the scientific abstract will be studied in detail and examples will be provided. 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.

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

Topics will be of a scientific nature and possibly of shared interest among students.

B1 level English

Students must  demonstrate  a B2 (CEFR)  command of grammar structures and Use of English in the field of the sciences.

Students must be able to comprehend written texts and spoken English on topics regarding the sciences be able to answer questions based on these at a B2 (CEFR) level.

Students must understand and be able to break down the structure of a scientific abstract and be able to answer questions based on its content  at a B2 (CEFR) level.

Students must show to have studied and understood the materials presented in class (written , audio and video materials) a B2 (CEFR) level. All materials or links to these materials will be 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 )

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.. 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

Students must pass a multiple choice written exam. Questions will regard materials in the ‘dispensa’and  those presented during lessons (all posted on the Blended-Learning platform), the comprehension of a scientific text/texts (oral and written) and/or a scientific abstract, grammar and use of English.

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. 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

Students must pass a multiple choice written exam. Questions will regard materials in the ‘dispensa’ and those presented during lessons (all posted on the Blended-Learning platform), the comprehension of a scientific text/texts( oral and written) and/or a scientific abstract, grammar and use of English.

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.

Geology students will be responsible for a reduced quantity of material, in proportion to the 2 credits necessary to complete their course of study. In alternative to the Materials Booklet and web links (Dispensa) provided to other students, a booklet of materials and links specifically regarding the geological sciences will be provided.

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 be SCIENTIFIC ENGLISH COURSE