English for Life Sciences
Englisch für Biowissenschaften
6 CPSummerENFÜS
Prerequisites
Recommended, as written
English knowledge: Abitur / CEFR level B1+
Contents
· Terminology: Understanding and using specialized vocabulary related to life sciences and healthcare (e.g. equations, macromolecules). · Scientific Communication: Techniques for effectively communicating scientific information, including summarizing research papers and presenting findings (e.g. lab rules, set up of experiments, preventing harm). · Cultural Sensitivity: Learning to communicate effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. · Ethical Considerations: Discussing ethical issues in life sciences & healthcare and how to communicate them. · Case Studies: Analyzing real-life case studies to apply communication skills in practical scenarios (e.g. BCIs, gene editing, mRNA vaccinations). · Reading skills: selecting texts and information, identifying purpose and audience, skimming vs. scanning, identifying relationships between ideas and theories, comparing fact vs opinion.
Learning outcomes
In this module, participants will improve their language skills in the following areas: · Enhanced Communication Skills: Develop the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and healthcare concepts in English. · Technical Vocabulary: Gain proficiency in the specialized vocabulary and terminology used in life sciences and healthcare. · Critical Reading and Analysis: Improve skills in reading and critically analysing scientific texts, research papers, and healthcare documents. · Presentation Skills: Learn to create and deliver clear, concise, and engaging presentations on scientific and healthcare topics. · Cultural Competence: Understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and effective communication in diverse professional settings.
Assessment
Continuous assessment 1 test to check understanding of scientific papers (15%) 20min 1 test to check listening comprehension (15%) 20min 1 Presentation of 20min (70%)
Literature (1)
- Armer: Cambridge English for Scientists. CUP, 2017. Evans, Dooley Norton: Genetic Engineering. Express Publishing, 2021. Delta Academic Objectives: Reading Skills; Louis Rogers (2017) Cambridge: Study Reading 2nd Ed.; Eric H. Glendinning (2013) University of Michigan Press: English for Nursing, Academic Skills; Bosher (2015) Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Madigan, M.T., Martinko J.M. & Parker, J., International Edition, Tenth Edition, Pearson 2003 Language and grammar books General and specialised dictionaries Articles of specific journals’ websites
Remarks
- The module is aimed at students with previous knowledge of English at least at CEFR B1+ level. Language skills can be tested with a placement test at the beginning of the semester. - An additional and prior REGISTRATION of the students at the Language Centre is required (https://www.b-tu.de/sprachen)! - No more than 25 students can be enrolled. - The courses can be held in presence or online.- English for Biotechnology 4 hpw
Source: BTU's module description · retrieved 29 Sep 2026Original