Teaching directory
Course 2024-2025

English : communicating science effectively (level B1+ or higher) [MELVB203]

  • 3 credits
  • 30h
  • 1st and 2nd quarter
Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

In general reading comprehension (B2), learners ...
- can read with a high degree of autonomy, adapting reading mode and speed to different texts (authentic, scientific, simplified or not) and purposes, and using appropriate references selectively. 
- have a wide and active reading vocabulary, but may have difficulty with less frequent expressions. 
 
In general listening comprehension (B2), the learner can...
- understand standard spoken language, either live or on the radio, 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 influence comprehension. 
- understand the main ideas of structurally and linguistically complex speeches in a standard language, including technical discussions in their field of specialization, and follow a speech of some length and complex argument, provided the subject is fairly familiar and the general outline of the speech is indicated by explicit markers.
 
 
In general oral production (B1+), learners can ...
    - explain an event, adding all the necessary details
    - describe feelings and reactions.
    - explain a problem and suggest solutions.
    - develop a sufficiently clear argument and be understood without difficulty most of the time. 
    - ask questions to verify understanding.
 
In general oral interaction, learners can...
        - initiate a conversation on a familiar topic without preparation.
        - express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or relevant to everyday life. 
        - communicate confidently on familiar topics of personal or professional interest.
 
In general written production, the learner can...
       - write simply articulated texts on a range of topics in his/her field, linking a series of elements in a linear sequence.
       - report on experience, describing feelings and reactions in simply articulated texts.
       - write very brief reports in conventional standard form that convey current factual information and justify actions.
       - take notes in the form of a list of key points during a simple talk, provided the subject is familiar, the formulation direct and the diction clear in everyday language.

Objectives

This course aims to perfect reading and listening comprehension of materials related to the specialty, as well as to develop oral production (including interaction) through a variety of in-class exercises. These will enable students to expand their scientific vocabulary, pronunciation and grammatical practice towards B2.

Content

See WebCampus platform for detailed program

Table of contents

 

 

Exercises description

See WebCampus platform


Teaching methods

The course is given face-to-face in small groups (manual group registration on Webcampus).
Before each session, the student will check the WebCampus platform and do the preparation required for the next class. Throughout the academic year, the student will complete various tasks to ensure the continuity of the formative assessment.
Students are also required to do self-study work throughout the year to prepare for the grammar and vocabulary assessment (= 2 continuous assessment tests).

Evaluations

Assessment includes : 
 
- 2 continuous assessment tests: vocabulary & grammar in the form of MCQs and open questions = 30%.
o January = 15% (all vocabulary and grammar seen in class +  self-study from modules 1 & 2*)
o End of Q2 = 15% (all vocabulary and grammar seen in class + self-study from modules 3 & 4*)
 
- a written exam in June, mainly based on the assessment of oral and written receptive skills, and consisting of a variety of questions similar to those worked on in class = 30%.
 
- an oral exam in pairs based on a reading file which will be handed in beforehand and without which the student will not be allowed to present their oral exam (monologue + interaction) = 40%.
 
Students must have taken all parts in order to receive their final grade. Unless all parts were taken, the pending grade in June will be 0/20.  It is therefore not possible to pass the course without having taken a part.
 
If a student fails to obtain the minimum overall mark of 10/20 in June, he or she will have to re-sit all the failed parts, and the continuous assessment test will then form one (which will include the continuous assessment material for the whole year).
 
* "Pratiquer l'anglais médical", Anne-Laure Kieffer

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

 

Recommended readings

- The course documents/material will be available throughout the year via WebCampus.

- Vocabulary selection from the book "Pratiquer l'anglais médical" also posted on WebCampus

Language of instruction

English

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté de médecine
rue de Bruxelles
61
5000 NAMUR
P. 081724347
F. 081724327
administration-medecine@unamur.be

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree