neu760 - Scientific English (Complete module description)

Module label	Scientific English
Module code	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
Applicability of the module	Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Skills Modules Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Skills Modules Master's Programme Molecular Biomedicine (Master) > Skills Modules Master's Programme Neuroscience (Master) > Skills Modules
Responsible persons	Köppl, Christine (module responsibility) Köppl, Christine (authorised to take exams)
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.
Recommended reading	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

Type of course	SWS	Frequency	Workload of compulsory attendance
Lecture	0.5	WiSe	7
Exercises	3.5	WiSe	49
Total module attendance time			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