Skip to 0 minutes and 0 seconds Do you want to get ahead on English preparation for your studies and career? Sign up for Macquarie University’s ‘English for STEM’ series on FutureLearn. Improve your English so that you can study or teach science, technology, engineering or maths. STEM content specialists and English language trainers will help you develop language and skills to succeed in your studies. The course makes learning fun with STEM videos, quizzes, pronunciation practice, and interactive language tools. You’ll also learn about listening to lectures, giving presentations, and participating in discussions. Prepare for success with the Macquarie University EMI Centre’s ‘English for STEM’ series. Now available on Futurelearn.
This course is part of the Learn English to Study STEM Subjects ExpertTrack
English for STEM: Understanding Science Vocabulary
Learn key English vocabulary to help you explore different science subjects and advance your English language skills.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hoursIncluded in an ExpertTrack
Course 1 of 4
English for STEM: Understanding Science Vocabulary
Improve your English vocabulary in the main science subjects
This three-week course from Macquarie University EMI Centre will help you improve your English language ability as you develop your understanding of key science topics in physics, chemistry, and biology.
You’ll learn essential science vocabulary through videos, quizzes, and reading texts to help you master pronunciation, word form, and use.
The materials are designed to help you as an English language learner to understand new science vocabulary for your future studies. You’ll explore mechanics and gravity in preparation for physics, examine atoms and gases as you learn about chemistry, and uncover the living world and cells in biology.
Explore strategies to advance your language skills
Each week, you’ll focus on learning science vocabulary in context as you look at different word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb), listen to the pronunciation and see, hear, and practise the stressed syllable. You’ll learn about strategies for recording and revising new vocabulary and use interactive tools (like Quizlet) to do this.
You’ll also learn how to interpret written and visual texts on scientific topics, as well as key grammar, to help you improve your ability to read, listen, write, and speak in English.
Improve your academic skills
Each week, you’ll develop important academic skills to prepare you for studying in English. You’ll learn how to listen to lectures, understand lab reports, and give presentations.
Learn from the experts at Macquarie University
Throughout the course, you’ll have many opportunities to practise to ensure you master the new vocabulary.
Guided by a language trainer and a science trainer from Macquarie University EMI centre, you’ll finish the course with the confidence to use scientific vocabulary in real-life settings.
Syllabus
Week 1
Physics
Welcome to English for STEM: Science
In this section, you will meet your language trainer and science trainer. You will also learn how to use Quizlet to record and practise new vocabulary.
Introduction to Physics
In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to physics generally and also the topic of mechanics. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.
Reading Practice
In this section, you will read a text about gravity and answer some questions. You will also learn about comparatives and superlatives in the context of physics.
Academic Skill: Lectures
In this section, you will learn about the structure of lectures and some of the language used in lectures. You will also watch parts of an example physics lecture.
Conclusion
In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week and look at a summary of what you have covered during the week.
Week 2
Chemistry
Introduction to Chemistry
In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to chemistry generally and also the topic of atoms. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.
Reading Practice
In this section, you will read an infographic about the noble gases in the periodic table and answer some questions. You will also learn about word forms and how this can help you expand your vocabulary in English.
Academic Skill: Lab Report
In this section, you will see how a lab report is written in English and will watch a simple science experiment being conducted in a lab.
Conclusion
In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week and look at a summary of what you have covered during the week.
Week 3
Biology
Introduction to Biology
In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to biology generally and also the topic of cells. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.
Reading Practice
In this section, you will read a text about osmosis and answer some questions. You will also learn about how to use the zero conditional in the context of biology.
Academic Skill: Presentations
In this section, you will learn watch an example of a student presentation on osmosis and learn about some of the language used in presentations. You will also learn how to use emphasis effectively during a presentation.
Conclusion
In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week and look at a summary of what you have covered during the week.
Prove you're job ready
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Download a PDF
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service:
The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Develop key English vocabulary for Science
- Apply strategies for recording and revising new vocabulary
- Interpret written and visual texts on scientific topics
- Improve your academic skills for studying in English
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for learners and educators who are studying or teaching an area of science and would like to develop their English language ability in this area.
It is most suitable for learners who have an intermediate CEFR B1 level of English.
Who will you learn with?
English Language Teacher at Macquarie University College. Cambridge CELTA. Over 10 years' teaching experience in Spain, Belgium and Australia.
Biology teacher, former IELTS clerical marker and Senior Academic Team support. Developed and delivered Biology units at Macquarie University College and Taylor's University, Malaysia.
Who developed the course?
Macquarie University
Macquarie University aspires to be a different type of university: one focused on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society. Ranked in the top 1% of Universities globally, Macquarie is recognised for producing graduates who are among the most sought after professionals in the world.
Established
1964Location
Sydney, AustraliaWorld ranking
Top 200Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021
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