neu760 - Scientific English (Complete module description)

neu760 - Scientific English (Complete module description)

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Module label Scientific English
Modulkürzel neu760
Credit points 6.0 KP
Workload 180 h
(
0,5 SWS Lecture (VO)
Total workload 23h: 8h contact / 15h research for term paper

3,5 SWS Supervised exercise (UE)
Total workload 158h: 46h contact / 46h preparation of texts and presentations / 66h term paper
)
Institute directory Department of Neurosciences
Verwendbarkeit des Moduls
  • (Master) >
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) >
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) >
  • Master's Programme Neuroscience (Master) >
Zuständige Personen
  • Köppl, Christine (module responsibility)
  • Köppl, Christine (Prüfungsberechtigt)
Prerequisites
non-native speakers
Skills to be acquired in this module
+ Neurosci. knowlg.
++ Social skills
++ Data present./disc.
++ Scientific English

Upon completion of this course, students
  • have increased their proficiency in different forms of scientific presentation and communication in English, with special emphasis on neuroscience
  • are able to express themselves with correct sentence structure and grammar, correct use of idioms and correct pronounciation
  • are proficient in different contexts of scientific communication (e.g., paper, poster and informal exchange by email or phone)
  • are able to recognize and avoid common errors of non-native speakers.
Module contents
Lectures cover
- characteristics of the different forms of scientific presentations
- sentence structure using the passive voice
- scientific vocabulary and terminology as contrasted to common speech
- appropriate language for communication with scientific editors and referees

Students read neuroscience texts of an advanced level and practice explaining and presenting these in both written and oral form. They also practice different contexts of scientific communication (e.g., paper, poster and informal exchange by email or phone). Emphasis is placed on individual problems in pronounciation and language use errors.
Literaturempfehlungen
http://users.wpi.edu/~nab/sci_eng/ScientificEnglish.pdf
Links
Language of instruction English
Duration (semesters) 1 Semester
Module frequency annually, semester break
Module capacity 12
Reference text
Usually held in the break before summer term
Outsourced to STELS-OL (Scientific and Technical English Language Service); native English speaker with in-depth neuroscience knowlg.
Previous knowledge minimum English level B2 (C1 preferred) according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
priority to non-native speakers, higher semester
Form of instruction Comment SWS Frequency Workload of compulsory attendance
Lecture 0.5 WiSe 7
Exercises 3.5 WiSe 49
Präsenzzeit Modul insgesamt 56 h
Examination Prüfungszeiten Type of examination
Final exam of module
within 2 months of completing the course
Portfolio: 70% several quick tests, texts, presentations, 30% term paper 
Bonus system for active participation