Online ExpertTrack in Language

Learn English to Study STEM Subjects

Upgrade your English skills and learn key vocabulary to help you study or teach STEM: science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Created by

Macquarie UniversityMacquarie University

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Accredited by

The CPD Certification ServiceThe CPD Certification Service

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Develop your English vocabulary in all areas of STEM

This 12-week series of four courses from Macquarie University EMI Centre will help you improve your English language ability in the context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

You’ll delve into key concepts in all areas of STEM learning and teaching. Through this exploration, you’ll learn essential vocabulary in topics such as sustainable building, mathematical equations, mechanical science, and robotics.

You can also use this knowledge to teach using English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in these subject areas.

Throughout the courses, you’ll master pronunciation, word form, and use to ensure you can use your newfound vocabulary in the right way.

Improve your English language skills using effective strategies

You’ll learn from videos, quizzes, and reading texts designed specifically for English language learners to help you understand different STEM subjects.

You’ll also discover interactive tools, such as Quizlet, as a strategy for recording and revising new vocabulary. This tool allows you to practise until you perfect your speech.

Develop your academic skills to help with STEM teaching and studying

Each week, you’ll explore group work and develop problem-solving skills to help prepare you for studying or teaching in English.

You’ll learn useful vocabulary for group discussions such as language to make suggestions, analyse solutions, and evaluate outcomes.

Learn from the experts at Macquarie University

Throughout each course, you’ll be guided by a language trainer and a subject matter expert from Macquarie University EMI centre.

With their expertise, and frequent opportunities to practise your new language skills, you’ll finish the ExpertTrack with the confidence to use STEM vocabulary in real-life settings.


The four courses that make up this ExpertTrack are also available standalone if you are seeking just a single subject:

Industry statistics

  • Average salary in Canada

    CA$60,943 (PayScale)
  • Average salary in Australia

    AU$103,000 (SEEK)
Source: Reed
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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.

Key skills you will learn

  • English Language
  • Maths Vocabulary
  • Science Vocabulary
  • Engineering Vocabulary
  • Technological Vocabulary
  • English Grammar
  • Sentence Structure

Learning outcomes

By the end of the ExpertTrack, you’ll be able to...

  • Improve your academic skills for studying in English
  • Interpret written and visual texts on STEM topics
  • Apply strategies for recording and revising new vocabulary
  • Develop key English vocabulary for STEM subjects

Experience required

This ExpertTrack is designed for anyone who is going to be studying or teaching STEM subjects and would like to develop their English language ability.

It will be most useful for learners who have an Intermediate CEFR B1 level of English.

Getting started

If you are an English language learner looking to work in any area of STEM, or a teacher using EMI to deliver lessons on STEM in English, this ExpertTrack will empower you with the confidence to speak, write, and listen in English.

ExpertTrack course overview

  • Course 1

    Learn key English vocabulary to help you explore different science subjects and advance your English language skills.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Physics
      • Welcome to English for STEM: Science
      • Introduction to Physics
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Lectures
      • Conclusion
    • Week 2

      Chemistry
      • Introduction to Chemistry
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Lab Report
      • Conclusion
    • Week 3

      Biology
      • Introduction to Biology
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Presentations
      • Conclusion
  • Course 2

    Advance your English language skills as you learn the vocabulary to help you discuss and understand technology topics.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Data Science
      • Welcome to English for STEM: Technology
      • Introduction to Data Science
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Tutorials
      • Conclusion
    • Week 2

      Artificial Intelligence
      • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Tutorials
      • Conclusion
    • Week 3

      Telecommunications
      • Introduction to Telecommunications
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Tutorials
      • Conclusion
  • Course 3

    Improve your English language skills as you learn the essential vocabulary to help you understand key engineering subjects.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Civil Engineering
      • Welcome to English for STEM: Engineering
      • Introduction to Civil Engineering
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Group Work
      • Conclusion
    • Week 2

      Industrial Engineering
      • Introduction to Industrial Engineering
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Group Work
      • Conclusion
    • Week 3

      Mechanical Engineering
      • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
      • Reading Practice
      • Academic Skill: Group Work
      • Conclusion
  • Course 4

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

    3 weeks

    2 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Numbers and Symbols
      • Welcome to English for STEM: Maths
      • Introduction to Numbers and Symbols
      • Maths in Action
      • Reading Practice
      • Conclusion
    • Week 2

      Shapes and Measurement
      • Introduction to Shapes and Measurement
      • Maths in Action
      • Reading Practice
      • Conclusion
    • Week 3

      Probability and Statistics
      • Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • Maths in Action
      • Reading Practice
      • Conclusion

Prove you're job ready

Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.

  • Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
  • Complete each course and pass assessments.
  • Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
  • Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
  • Make your career dreams a reality.

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How ExpertTracks work

Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award which proves your expertise.

Join a free 7-day trial

Decide if the ExpertTrack is right for you with free access to the full suite of courses and assessments for a week.

Keep learning for $39/month

Pay a monthly subscription fee of $39 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time.

Earn digital certificates

Receive a certificate for every completed course and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate.

Become an expert

Use your specialist training to progress further in your career or build expertise in areas you’re passionate about.

World-class learning with 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

This ExpertTrack is 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.

Meet your instructors

English Language Teacher at Macquarie University College. Cambridge CELTA. Over 10 years' teaching experience in Spain, Belgium and Australia.

PhD. in Control Theory. Engineering, Physics and Maths Teacher at Macquarie University College. Over 10 years’ teaching experience in Australian Universities. Experience in the engineering industry.

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.

Information Communication Technology teacher at Macquarie University College. PhD and MRes in AI and BSc in Software Engineering. Over 14 years' teaching and working in industry in Australia and Iran.

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

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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Start learning today - free 7-day trial

After your free trial you can:

  • Pay $39 per month to keep learning online
  • Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time
  • Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage
  • Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
  • Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
  • Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network
  • Keep access to the content of courses you complete even after your subscription ends

FAQ

ExpertTracks are a series of online courses designed to help you master new skills in specialist areas. You pay a monthly subscription fee which includes access to all courses within the ExpertTrack, as well as assessments and the final digital certificate.

Each ExpertTrack comes with a 7-day free trial period. You may cancel your subscription at any time and your subscription will automatically cancel when you finish the courses and assessments in your chosen ExpertTrack.

Yes. All of our ExpertTracks come with a 7-day free trial. You may claim one free trial period per ExpertTrack.

You have seven days before you will be charged your first monthly subscription fee. When you join an ExpertTrack you automatically receive a 7-day free trial period. You can cancel at any time during the trial period and no payment will be taken from your account.

Please see our full refund policy here.

No, all of our ExpertTracks consist of fully online courses. This means you can take an ExpertTrack from anywhere in the world.

No. ExpertTracks are designed for you to master new skills in a specialist area. You will earn a digital certificate that proves your learning, but it does not carry accreditation.

If you’re looking for certified or accredited courses, many of our microcredentials offer university credit or professional certification.

Have more questions about ExpertTracks? Read the ExpertTracks FAQs, or contact us.