The course is finalized in acquiring the necessary skills of the English language B1 level,  according to the criteria of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with a particular emphasis on scientific language;  capacity for reading and understanding English scientific text and understanding of spoken English (L2) in a scientific context; learning the specific lexicon-grammatical characteristics of scientific English texts and with particular attention dedicated to scientific reports and abstracts and their structures; and, as possible, the capacity of discussing arguments of a scientific context.  The command of the English language at a B1 level is essential for operating in the field of science.

The following grammatical aspects will be covered during the lessons; Review of verbal tenses: present simple, present continuous, past simple, present perfect, the future tenses, comparatives and superlatives, modal verbs, relative pronouns, definite and indefinite articles, gerunds and infinite forms, the passive forms, prepositions and connectives.

Gli argomenti grammaticali (riportati sopra), verranno approfonditi e rafforzati attraverso la lettura e l’analisi di testi scientifici e la visione e ascolto di presentazioni ed interviste (video/podcast) nella L2 nell’ambito scientifico. Contemporaneamente alla revisione grammaticale di base, i seguenti argomenti relativi al discorso scientifico saranno affrontati: le caratteristiche che distinguono il discorso scientifico in inglese: i gruppi nominali, la forma passiva, il lessico specializzato e il registro; lo scientific report abstract e le espressioni e tempi verbali che caratterizzano le sue sezioni (Introduction, Materials and Methods, Result and, Discussion); elementi che contribuiscono all’unità e coesione del testo; costruzioni/espressioni utilizzate per dare esempi, esprimere possibilità/probabilità, ipotizzare, descrivere cambiamenti e tendenze, trarre conclusioni; collocazioni di uso comune nel discorso scientifico e costruzioni particolari nel discorso scientifico.

It is assumed that students are already prepared with an understanding of the English language at level A2 (CEFR).

The student must demonstrate to understand and be able to use grammar correctly and to have a command of the “Use of English” in the field of science at a B1 level, according to CEFR.

The student must be capable of demonstrating that they are able to understand written texts and audio content specific to the scientific sector and answer questions and having a knowledge of the English language at a B1 level according to the CEFR.

The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure of a scientific abstract report and answer questions regarding the contexts at a level B1, according to the CEFR.

The student must demonstrate that they studied and understood the material used in class (written texts, audio video material).  All the material used in class will be available on the platform “Blended-Learning”.

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

Teaching

-  Frontal lessons and interactive participation (group activities)

-  Readings and linguistic analysis of technical articles specific for the scientific field.

-  PowerPoint presentations

-  Grammar exercises

-  Viewing and listening to scientific presentations and interviews (video/podcast) from the area of science, analyzing the content and language                        and followed by comprehension questions.

Attendance

Attendance is not obligatory.

Course books

The learning material  will be available, along with support material, on the Moodle › blended.uniurb.it

Suggested Text: Raymond Murphy, Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press, 5th edition (with CD).

Assessment

The student must take and pass a written exam that will consist in a test with multiple choice questions and gap filling. The questions will be in regards to the material and arguments covered during the lessons, the understanding of the 4 scientific texts discussed during the lessons and grammar for “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 study materials are the same for attending students. The non-attending students must refer to the platform Moodle/Blended Learning for the exam study material.