Course 2024-2025

English : Communicating science effectively (level B2 and above) [SELVB202]

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

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 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.

 

Objectives

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

Content

See WebCampus platform

Exercises description

See WebCampus platform


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.

Evaluations

The final grade consists of the collection of :
 
- two continuous assessment tests, 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 May's test).
 
- a written exam in June, mainly based on listening and reading comprehensions, with a variety of 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, the student will not be allowed to take the exam.
 
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.
 
Finally, 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.

 

 

Recommended readings

- 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

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree