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

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

 All materials and exercises used during the course will be uploaded onto the Moodle platform › 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

The final evaluation consists of  a written, multiple choice exam with some open questions (brief responses).

From 5 to 10 of these questions will be based on the comprehension of an audio file, usually a podcast produced by a governmental agency or reliable source for scientific content.

The objective of the exam is to verify the students’ competences:

- in understanding spoken language, interpreting content, and in answering  questions about what they have heard.

- as regards grammar,  vocabulary  (in the biomedical field as well), and Use of English at a B2 level.

- in understanding  and interpreting a written text in the field of the sciences

- in understanding  and interpreting a scientific research  abstract and their ability to break it down into its components according to content

- in recognizing the correct pronunciation of words.

To pass the exam, students must answer a t least  40 out of the 60 questions correctly, the equivalent of 20/30.

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

The final evaluation consists of  a written, multiple choice exam with some open questions (brief answers).

From 5 to 10 of these questions will be based on the comprehension of an audio file, usually a podcast produced by a governmental agency or reliable source for scientific content.

The objective of the exam is to verify the students’ competences:

- in understanding spoken language, interpreting content, and in answering  questions about what they have heard.

- as regards grammar,  vocabulary  (in the biomedical field as well), and Use of English at a B2 level.

- in understanding  and interpreting a written text in the field of the sciences

- in understanding  and interpreting a scientific research  abstract and their ability to break it down into its components according to content

- in recognizing the correct pronunciation of words.

To pass the exam, students must answer a t least  40 out of the 60 questions correctly, the equivalent of 20/30.

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.

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 (LM)