The aim of the course, which focuses on scientific English, is to bring students to a full B1 level as described in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR); to develop their ability to understand scientific English in its written and spoken forms; to familiarize students with the particular lexicogrammatical and stylistic characteristics that define scientific English, with a special focus on the scientific report and the distinguishing features of its various sections. Attaining at least a B1 level of proficiency in English is essential for students wishing to pursue their studies or to work in the field of science.

The following grammar topics will be explored during the course in roughly the same order as they appear here: review of verb tenses: present simple vs. present continuous, past simple vs. present perfect, future forms; the comparative and superlative; modal verbs; relative pronouns; definite and indefinite articles; the gerund and infinitive; the passive form; prepositions; linkers.

The above-mentioned grammar topics will be explored further and reinforced through the reading and analyses of scientific articles as well as science-related listening activities (videos/podcasts). In addition, the following topics related to scientific English will be examined in roughly the same order as they appear here: the linguistic features that distinguish scientific English: nominal groups, the passive form, specialized lexis and register; the scientific report and the expressions and verb forms that characterize its various sections  (Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion); elements that contribute to the unity and cohesion of a text; structures/expressions used to give examples, express possibility/probability, hypothesize, describe changes and trends, draw conclusions; problem structures and collocations commonly used in scientific texts.

Students attending the course are expected to have already mastered the general language skills that are described in the CEFR for the A2 level.

D1 – KNOWLEDGE When the student has successfully completed the course he/she will have a command of B1 level English grammar (CEFR).

D2 – UNDERSTANDING The student will be able to identify the lexicogrammatical characteristics of scientific English and the features that distinguish the various sections of a scientific report; he/she will be able to understand the lexis and grammatical structures that are commonly used in written and oral scientific English at a B1 level (CEFR).

D3 – THE ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The student with have the ability to apply his/her knowledge of English grammar and the characteristics of scientific language to understand written and oral scientific English at a B1 level (CEFR).

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

The course materials, links for articles, videos and podcasts and special announcements from the instructor are available on the Moodle platform blended.uniurb.it .

Teaching

Lectures and classroom activities (in groups and pairs); reading and analysis of technical articles in various scientific fields; PowerPoint presentations; grammar exercises; listening comprehension activities with science-related videos/podcasts, linguistic analysis and comprehension questions.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory.

Course books

The course materials, links for articles, videos and podcasts and special announcements from the instructor are available on the Moodle platform blended.uniurb.it .

Assessment

Written exam (including a listening comprehension exercise) with closed- and open-ended questions. The exam will assess the student’s knowledge of B1 level English grammar; the lexicogrammatical characteristics of scientific English and the features that distinguish the various sections of a scientific report; lexis and grammatical structures commonly used in scientific language. The exam will also assess the student’s ability to understand written and oral scientific English at a B1 level (CEFR).

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 syllabus and course materials are the same for both attending and non-attending students. Students who do not attend the course must refer to the course materials that are uploaded onto the ‘Blended Learning’ platform on a weekly basis.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory.

Course books

The course materials, links for articles, videos and podcasts and special announcements from the instructor are available on the Moodle platform blended.uniurb.it .

Assessment

Written exam with a listening comprehension exercise

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.