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.

01. Verbs recap
01.01 Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect
01.02 Modal Verbs
01.03 Future Tenses
01.04 Phrasal Verbs
01.05 Conditional
02. Passive form
02.01 Reported Speech
03. Superlatives and Comparatives
04. Abstract Structure
05. Scientific Papers types and structure
05.01 Hedging
06. Specific scientific language
06.01 Prestiti e calchi
07. Speaking and Listening exercises

Knowledge and understanding

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

Students must be able to comprehend written texts and spoken English on scientific topics and 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 issues.

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 interactive websites and quality online materials. 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 strongly recommended.

Course books

Course materials will be uploaded on the Blended learning platform.

Assessment

The final assessment will consist of a written exam divided into two parts.
The first part will be a grammar test with multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank and theory exercises, covering most of the grammar topics covered in the lectures. The grammar test will be used to ascertain that the student has the minimum written comprehension and expression skills equal to those of a B2 (upper intermediate) level. Students will then have to demonstrate that they can understand a scientific text and, using appropriate vocabulary, both general and specific, write an abstract from an article that will be provided at the time of the test.

Grading will be in thirtieths, 15 points for each test. A score of at least 8/15 in each test will be required to achieve a passing grade.

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 strongly recommended.

Course books

Course materials will be uploaded on the Blended learning platform.

Assessment

The final assessment will consist of a written exam divided into two parts.
The first part will be a grammar test with multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank and theory exercises, covering most of the grammar topics covered in the lectures. The grammar test will be used to ascertain that the student has the minimum written comprehension and expression skills equal to those of a B2 (upper intermediate) level. Students will then have to demonstrate that they can understand a scientific text and, using appropriate vocabulary, both general and specific, write an abstract from an article that will be provided at the time of the test.

Grading will be in thirtieths, 15 points for each test. A score of at least 8/15 in each test will be required to achieve a passing grade.

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.