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English for STEM: Understanding Maths Vocabulary

Improve your English language skills as you explore key maths concepts to expand your vocabulary and refine your pronunciation.

Photo of a STEM student writing in mathematical vocabulary and equations on a white board
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. Find out more.

Develop your knowledge of essential maths vocabulary

On this three-week course from Macquarie University EMI Centre, you’ll enhance your understanding of maths topics to help improve your English language ability.

You’ll learn essential maths vocabulary as you explore numbers and symbols, shapes and measurements, and probability and statistics.

The videos, quizzes, and reading texts in the course have been designed to help you as an English language learner master pronunciation, word form, and use.

Explore effective strategies to improve your English language skills

To help you record and revise new vocabulary, you’ll use interactive tools, such as Quizlet, and focus on activities to help you improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

You’ll learn maths vocabulary in context as you explore different word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb), learn how to interpret written and visual texts, and delve into grammar.

Develop essential academic skills

To prepare you for studying in English, you’ll learn how to listen to spoken maths solutions and recognise common phrases such as language for introducing solutions, sequencing steps, and describing results.

Receive guidance from the experts at Macquarie University

You’ll learn from a language trainer and maths trainer from Macquarie University EMI centre throughout this practical course.

With opportunities to practise your vocabulary and the expertise of your educators, you’ll finish the course with the confidence to communicate maths vocabulary in English.

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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.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Numbers and Symbols

    • Welcome to English for STEM: Maths

      In this section, you will meet your language trainer and maths trainer. You will also learn how to use Quizlet to record and practise new vocabulary.

    • Introduction to Numbers and Symbols

      In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to numbers and symbols. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.

    • Maths in Action

      In this section, you will practise using the vocabulary you have learnt for numbers and symbols to complete some maths problems.

    • Reading Practice

      In this section, you will read a text about the history of maths symbols and answer some questions. You will also learn about the past simple and past continuous.

    • 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

    Shapes and Measurement

    • Introduction to Shapes and Measurement

      In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to shapes and measurement. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.

    • Maths in Action

      In this section, you will practise using the vocabulary you have learnt for shapes and measurement to complete some maths problems.

    • Reading Practice

      In this section, you will read a text about the use of shapes in architecture and answer some questions. You will also learn about the present perfect with 'for' and 'since'.

    • 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

    Probability and Statistics

    • Introduction to Probability and Statistics

      In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to statistics and probability. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.

    • Maths in Action

      In this section, you will practise using the vocabulary you have learnt for probability and statistics to complete some maths problems.

    • Reading Practice

      In this section, you will read a text about the use of statistics in clinical trials and answer some questions. You will also learn about the gerund and infinitive after verbs in English.

    • Conclusion

      In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week, look at a summary of what you have covered during the week and consider how you can continue learning more STEM language in English.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
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.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

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 Maths
  • Apply strategies for recording and revising new vocabulary
  • Improve your ability to follow spoken maths solutions
  • Interpret written texts on maths topics

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone wanting to study maths who 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.

Mathematics teacher, FHEA, with 16 years' teaching experience in Romania and Australia. Developed and delivered Foundation Mathematics units at Macquarie University College.

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

    1964
  • Location

    Sydney, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 200Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

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Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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