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.

The course aims to enhance the students' lexical background and use of syntactic functions relative to the scientific field and to provide them with a pragmatic tool for linguistic investigation and analysis of written and oral texts based on the contemporary scientific language in English.
Elements of grammar (with in-class exercises); Use of English; specific vocabulary; structure and comprehension of scientific abstract and academic articles will be addressed.

Texts taken as examples will be related to topics of scientific nature and possibly of common interest to all those enrolled 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) 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, to 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. These have been carefully selected for students attending this course.

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

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Course books

Course materials will be uploaded on the Blended learning platform.

Assessment

Oral interview that will focus on the materials and topics covered in class and on reading and comprehending an abstract and/or scientific text to assess the expression skills acquired during classroom exercises.

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.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Course books

Course materials will be uploaded on the Blended learning platform.

Assessment

Oral interview that will focus on the materials and topics covered in class and on reading and comprehending an abstract and/or scientific text to assess expression skills.

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.