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 the 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 course aims to enhance the vocabulary and the use of the students' syntactic functions in the scientific field and to offer them a pragmatic tool for linguistic investigation and analysis of written and oral texts based on scientific language contemporary in English.
Grammar elements will be addressed (with exercises in class); Use of English; specific lexicon; structure and understanding of the scientific abstract and academic articles.

The texts taken as an example will be related to scientific topics and possibly of common interest to all participants in the course.

Knowledge and understanding

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

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

Applying knowledge and understanding

 Students must apply their knowledge and comprehension skills so as to develop a professional approach to the workplace, sustain their opinions, and solve problems in new and interdisciplinary fields in the biomedical sciences.

Making judgments

Students will often be asked to reflect on topics of current interest in the biomedical sciences.

The topics dealt with in class are often chosen to encourage students to voice opinions on controversial topics.

Communication skills

Students will be encouraged to express themselves clearly and correctly in English both with experts in their field as well as the general public.

Learning skills

Students will learn to study and learn independently through the use of interactive websites and quality materials available online. 

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

Assessment

Oral interview that will focus on the materials and topics covered in class and on the understanding of an abstract and/ or a scientific text.

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.

Assessment

Oral interview that will focus on the materials and topics covered in class and on the understanding of an abstract and/ or a scientific text.

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.