neu760 - Scientific English

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

+ 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.

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.

http://users.wpi.edu/~nab/sci_eng/ScientificEnglish.pdf

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.

within 2 months of completing the course

Portfolio: 70% several quick tests, texts, presentations, 30% term paper 
Bonus system for active participation