Writing and Presenting a Scientific Literature Review (level B2) [SELVB301]
- 2 credits
- 30h
- 1st and 2nd quarter
Learning outcomes
Module B2[1] The following two skills were achieved in the 2nd year. The Block 3 course will aim to maintain these skills.
In general reading comprehension (B2): Reads with a high degree of independence, adapting the mode and speed of reading to different texts and purposes and using appropriate references selectively. Has a large and active reading vocabulary but may have difficulty with infrequent expressions.
In general listening comprehension (B2): Understand 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. Can understand the main ideas of complex formal and non-formal discourse on a concrete or abstract topic in standard language, including technical discussions in own field of specialisation, and can follow a speech of some length and a complex argument provided the topic is fairly familiar and the general outline of the speech is indicated by explicit markers.
The following competence will be central in Block 3: In general oral production (B2) : Give a detailed description and presentation on a range of topics related to his/her field of interest, developing and justifying ideas with relevant secondary points and examples.
[1] Based on : TAGLIANTE, Christine (2005). Assessment and the Common European Framework. Paris: CLE International.
Objectives
The aim of the English course is to support Block 3 students in the oral presentation of their final year's work (BacheIor Thesis; see SBIOB304 course specifications). The sessions will therefore serve to develop aspects of "presentation skills" related to the project. The course will therefore have a very practical scope.
Content
The topics covered in the course will be those necessary for the oral presentation of the student's Bachelor Thesis. More specifically, the student will work on different language and linguistic skills through workshops where he/she will be asked to analyse the practice of professionals, to evaluate himself/herself, to put into practice the skills worked on in class, etc.
The course focuses on coaching for this work. We will cover the following topics: Public speaking - Verbal and nonverbal communication - Popular Science (via the It's Not Rocket Science contest) How to introduce - How to develop and finish - Effective visual aids - Handling questions - Dryrun and peer-feedback.
Exercises description
See course notes.
Teaching methods
The course is taught face-to-face and in small groups of up to 20 students. It is given in the form of interactive seminars in English and is structured around several modules, most of which include tasks that are part of the continuous assessment. Attendance is compulsory. Opportunities to work on oral production are provided in each course. The objectives and activities are designed in accordance with the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Language communication is worked on taking into account linguistic skills (lexicon, syntax, phonology), sociolinguistic skills (markers of social relations, rules of politeness, etc.) and pragmatic (organisation, adaptation, structuring of discourse) necessary for the target tasks. The course is not limited to considerations of linguistic knowledge.
Evaluations
For the first session (June), the learning activity is assessed on the basis of both continuous assessment and final assessment during the June session.
Students are required to take all assessments to validate the grade. If not, the overall grade will be 0.
The June grade is awarded as follows:
- 20% of the overall average is allocated on the basis of continuous assessment. Students will be required to complete a series of tasks as an extension to certain thematic units.
- 20% of the overall average is allocated on the basis of two out-of-session grammar/vocabulary tests. The first in December will be on the Q1 material and the second in May on the Q2 material.
According to article 79 §1 of the Landscape Decree, all learning activities that took place in Q1 must be assessed. The grade given in January reflects the student's progress on the different tasks carried out in the first semester as well as the results of test 1.
- 60% of the overall average is awarded on the basis of the oral presentation of the Bachelor Thesis during the June session. This part is done in parallel with the course specifications of SBIO304.
Erasmus students are asked to contact the teachers for their yearly organisation.
For the following session (September), if the overall average of the AA does not reach 10/20, each student repeats the parts for which he/she did not obtain 10/20. The average mark is calculated on the following basis: 20% compensatory task for the continuous assessment, 20% for the tests and 60% for the oral presentation.
Warning : please note that the success of this teaching unit does not lead to certification.
Recommended readings
Course notes: paper version available for purchase or electronic version downloadable from Webcampus.
Keith Kelly. Macmillan vocabulary practice series Sciences with key. MacMillan (2008)
Other vocabulary and grammar resources available on Webcampus.
Language of instruction
EnglishLocation for course
NAMUROrganizer
Faculté des sciencesRue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR
