Learning outcomes

At the end of the teaching sessions, the student will be able :
 
In reading comprehension (B2):
- to read with a high degree of autonomy, adapting reading mode and speed to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate references selectively;
- to have a wide and active reading vocabulary, but may have difficulty with less frequent expressions.
 
In listening comprehension (B2):
- to understand live or broadcast spoken language on familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or professional life. Only very loud background noise, inappropriate speech structure or the use of idiomatic expressions can affect understanding.
- to understand the main ideas of complex formal and substantive speeches in standard language, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization, and to follow a speech of some length and a complex argument, provided the topic is fairly familiar and the general outline of the presentation is indicated by explicit markers.
 
In written production (B2): can produce clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to their field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
 
In general oral production (B1+):
- to develop a sufficiently clear argument and be understood without difficulty most of the time.  
- to check with questions whether he/she has been understood.
 
In interaction, the student will be able to hold a conversation on familiar/professional topics.

 

Goals

- To improve reading and listening comprehensions of authentic scientific texts and materials.
- To develop written and oral expression (monologue and interaction) relating to a scientific topic seen/prepared.

Content

See WebCampus platform

Exercices

See WebCampus platform

Pre-requisites

Introduction to Scientific English (level B1 and higher) [SCDLB102]

Teaching methods

The course is given face-to-face and in small groups. Students need to check WebCampus and do the required preparation before each session. All the skills assessed at the end of the year will be constantly worked on in class, through a variety of exercises.

Assessment method

The final grade consists of :

 

- two continuous assessment tests (30%), each one accounting for 15% of the final grade, covering vocabulary and grammar seen in class and to be worked on in self-study (Q1 material for December's test and Q2 material for the second semester's test).

 

- a written exam in June, based on a variety of (listening/reading/writing) exercises similar to those worked on in class (35%).

 

- an oral exam, in pairs, based on a reading file handed in beforehand, and accounting for 35% of the overall mark. If the reading file is not handed in on time and/or does not meet the requirements, the student will not be allowed to take the exam and the final grade for this skill then accounts for 0.

 

Please note that

  • all parts must have been taken in order for the student to receive a grade. As long as the student has not, the pending grade will be 0/20.

  • If a partial grade (continuous assessment [average of Q1 and Q2] and/or oral and/or written exam) is below 8/20, the final grade will correspond to the lowest partial grade, even if the overall average is already equal to or higher than 10/20.

  • Although these tasks will not be formally assessed, certain oral and written tasks will be compulsory throughout the academic year. Failure to attend and/or complete these compulsory tasks will automatically result in a 2-point deduction from the final grade awarded in June.

  • if the minimum overall mark of 10/20 has not been obtained in June, all failed parts must be resit. Continuous assessment will then cover the entire year's material.

 

Warning : please note that the success of this teaching unit does not lead to certification.

 

 

Sources, references and any support material

- Course documents will be available throughout the year via WebCampus.

- Selection from the book "Science", Keith Kelly is also available on WebCampus

Language of instruction

English
Training Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Chemistry 2 3 Yes