English: reading and listening comprehension of scientific texts

lang1861  2024-2025  Louvain-la-Neuve

English: reading and listening comprehension of scientific texts
2.00 credits
10.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Language
English
Prerequisites
A2 level (in reading) of the « Common European Framework of References for Languages ».
Main themes
The studied themes are connected with biology, chemistry, geography, physics, mathematics, veterinary science, and various scientific issues.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

At the end of the course, students should have developed the following skills :
 
1
  • Reading comprehension: reading and understanding of authentic texts concerning general scientific topics and pertaining to the different disciplines within the Faculty of Science.

    B1-B2 level of the « Common European Framework of References for Languages »
 
2
  • Listening comprehension: listening and understanding of authentic television programmes concerning general scientific topics and pertaining to the different disciplines within the Faculty of Science.

    B1 level of the « Common European Framework of References for Languages
 
Content
  • Reading comprehension: articles e.g. from the New Scientist, Scientific American, etc. oriented towards the various diciplines of the Faculty of Science.
  • Listening comprehension: authentic science programmes (from e.g. BBC and PBS) on subjects pertaining to the students' specific fields of study.
Some of the texts and videos used in this course cover topics linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The relevant SDG goal logos are indicated where this is the case.
Teaching methods
In order to allow for advanced learning despite the limited number of class hours the course is organized as a 'flipped classroom':
 
  1. Extensive home-reading of texts, with assistance from a set of questions aimed at developing the students' reading strategies.
  2. In class, checking of the student's reading strategies as well as analysis and comments.
  3. Listening comprehension: extensive and intensive work on understanding video programmes at home. Various comprehension exercises, such as questions, syntheses, diagrams etc. Questions and answers time as well as spot checks of understanding in class.
  4. Grammar revisions (e.g. tenses, complex grammatical structures) and systematic approach of discourse cohesion and coherence.
  5. Consolidation of new material through exercises on e-learning platform Moodle.
Evaluation methods
  • An online placement test (on Moodle) is organised for all students in the first term. Students who get 14/20 or higher at this can can have access to an exemption test. The exemption test is organised in the first term as well (face-to-face exam in a lecture hall). Students who get 14/20 or higher are exempted from both class attendance and the final exam.
  • WORDS OF CAUTION:
    • Students who did not take the online placement test may not take the exemption test.
    • No 'catch-up' session will be organised for the exemption test. An absence, be it justified or not, will automatically result in the exemption not being granted.
  • Exempted students: the June mark is the mark obtained at the exemption test.
  • Non exempted students: Continuous assessment based on regular work done on the Moodle platform (10% of the final grade) and written exam on reading and listening comprehension and grammar / vocabulary (90% of the final grade).
  • Students who obtain a grade lower than 10/20 in the June session will have to retake the exam in the September session. For the September session, the continuous assessment mark will only be taken into account if it is in the student's favour (still using the same weighting as for the first session). If this is not the case, the examination will count for the full number of points, i.e. 20 out of 20. Please note that under no circumstances will continuous assessment be carried over to a subsequent academic year.
Bibliography
  • Syllabus
  • Plateforme e-learning Moodle
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Chemistry

Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine

Master [120] in Environmental Science and Management

Bachelor in Biology

Interdisciplinary Advanced Master in Science and Management of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Bachelor in Mathematics

Bachelor in Physics

Bachelor in Geography : General

Bachelor in Biology, Anthropology and Archaeology