Learning objectives
- Review and deepening of linguistic functions and grammatical structures acquired during compulsory education.
- Development of the skills necessary to communicate effectively in English, both in written and spoken forms, in professional contexts.
Prerequisites
Students must demonstrate a solid knowledge of the English language at the B1/B2 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) established by the Council of Europe for foreign languages.
Course unit content
The Scientific English I course is designed to equip students with the linguistic skills necessary to operate in the fields of radiology and radiotherapy. The course spans two academic years, with one credit in the first year, equivalent to approximately 8 hours of lectures and practical exercises, and an additional credit in the second year.
First Year:
- Linguistic Review: Deepening of fundamental linguistic functions and grammatical structures.
- Initial Level: B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in line with the Council of Europe's directives for foreign languages.
- Entry Test: Administration of an initial test to assess students' competency level, which must not be lower than B1, in accordance with the curricula of lower and upper secondary schools.
- Midterm Assessment: Halfway through the course, students will undertake a practical test in which, working in pairs, they will simulate a clinical case using English.
Full programme
Grammar Content:
- Verbs: review of verb tenses (past, present, and future), phrasal verbs, modal verbs, present perfect, past perfect, conditional sentences, passive forms.
- Syntax and morphology: relative pronouns, expressions of quantity and quality, idiomatic expressions, adverbs, adjectives, and prepositions.
Lexical Content:
- Parts of the body, body functions, branches of medicine.
- Illness and health; healthcare and hospitals.
- Taking a medical history, medical ethics, medical and surgical treatment.
- Referral letters, health and safety reports, journal abstracts, case reports.
Functions:
- Taking notes during a radiological examination.
- Writing a medical history.
- Reassuring the patient.
- Writing a clinical case.
- Describing a patient's symptoms using appropriate terms.
- Physically examining a patient.
- Explaining causes and prospects.
- Discussing treatment expectations.
Bibliography
Reference Texts:
- Materials provided by the instructor.
- Textbook: “Professional English in Use” by Glendinning EH, Howard R.
- Textbook: “Manual of English Grammar for Italians, with Reference Glossary – Medical-Nursing Sector”.
The listed texts will provide students with a solid theoretical and practical foundation for learning scientific English, supporting their educational journey with targeted exercises and specific content for the radiology and radiotherapy sectors.
Teaching methods
- Interactive lectures
- Practical educational workshops
The lessons will be conducted in person, adhering to safety standards, unless further measures are required due to the ongoing health emergency. Educational materials will be available on the student-exclusive platform (Elly) and will include iconographic presentations, audio-video supports, and video recordings of the lessons.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam consists of a written test that evaluates various linguistic skills:
- Reading: Comprehension of written texts in the medical-scientific field.
- Listening: Listening to and understanding conversations and presentations in technical English.
- Writing: Production of written texts, such as reports and clinical case descriptions.
- Speaking: Oral skills, including simulations of clinical dialogues and discussions.
- Grammar: Grammar exercises aimed at consolidating B1-level linguistic structures.
The course is designed to ensure that students acquire the necessary skills to communicate effectively in English in their future professional field.
Other information
The course is conducted entirely online: study materials and exercises are available on the Elly platform, following the path LAUREE TRIENNALI > TRMIR > 1° ANNO > Inglese Scientifico.
