Learning outcomes

Reading comprehension : The student can read factual texts on topics related to his/her field and interests independently. He/she has a fairly wide reading vocabulary but may have difficulty with infrequent expressions. Listening comprehension : The student can understand factual information on a variety of subjects and in his/her field of specialisation. He/she can also follow the main points of a speech, a presentation or a fairly long argument on a personal, academic or professional topic, provided that the oral language is standard and the articulation is clear. Written production : The student is able to write short essays. He/she can also confidently summarise a source of factual information on topics related to his/her field, report on it and give his/her opinion. Oral production : The student can explain his or her point of view with some ease. He/she can also exchange a large amount of factual information on topics related to his/her field with a certain degree of confidence. Finally, he/she is able to give a short, simple, prepared talk on a subject related to his/her speciality, the main points of which are accurately explained.

Goals

This course aims at a medium level B1+/B2 in the different skills. It is intended to prepare students as well as possible for the next year's course.

Content

To achieve the defined objectives, this course offers exercises designed to strengthen reading and listening comprehension, expand both general and scientific vocabulary, and develop communication skills. Students will also be expected to participate actively in small-group conversations, deliver short oral presentations before the class, and produce a well-structured short written assignment. Finally, a review of grammatical foundations and pronunciation elements is also included in the syllabus.

In collaboration with the astronomy course, several activities on the theme of space will be offered during the year. This theme will also be addressed in the English course in the second semester.

Teaching methods

The course is based on the principle of the flipped classroom; students are therefore required to prepare the material in advance of each session in order to derive the maximum benefit.

Assessment method

Continuous assessment throughout the year, incorporating the following components:

  • Q1 (50%) = Oral activity “The maths behind” (10%)* + Written examination in January on the semester’s material (40%)
  • Q2 (50%) = Short written assignment (15%) + Mini oral presentation (15%) + Oral examination based on a reading portfolio (20%)

*Applicable only in Q1; in the resit session, the Q1 evaluation will consist solely of the January written examination (50%).


The weighting of the different components is indicative. The final grade will also take into account the following considerations:

  • Non-completion of any component in Q1 or Q2 will automatically result in a failing grade.
  • Active participation in class, as well as the demonstrated potential for success in further learning, will influence rounding and may adjust the final mark.


In the event of failure, grades obtained in successfully completed components may be carried over to the resit session, but not to the subsequent academic year. For any questions regarding the resit session, please contact the course coordinator before the end of June.


Important note: Please be aware that successful completion of this course unit does not in itself confer certification.

Sources, references and any support material

See webcampus

Language of instruction

English
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Mathematics Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Mathematics Standard 2 3