UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Advanced English for Academic Study in the Applied Sciences
LZ600
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
LZ600 Advanced English for Academic Study in the Applied Sciences
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
CEWL
3.
Start date of the module
September 2009 (Revised version start date September 2014)
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
15 students (per class)
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
H
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTs)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Masters programmes in STMS
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Note: As the purpose of this module is to improve English language skills across a range of post
graduate science programmes, the subject specific learning outcomes are based on the Subject
Benchmark statements of ‘Languages and related studies’ (LRS). On successful completion of the
module, the student will be able to:
1. write accurate English ( grammar: word order, word form, tense, modality; spelling; punctuation)
2. use correct register and style for a range of written documents ( including, numerical reports,
essays)
3. present reasoned arguments orally in the appropriate register
4. achieve cohesion and coherence in academic writing
5. interpret and comment on data
6. summarise and synthesise visual, auraland textual information from academic sources
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
7. structure specifications
8. structure numerical reports
9. Give technical presentations to specialist and non-specialist audiences
12. The intended generic learning outcomes. On successful completion of the module, the student will
be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a range of audiences
work in teams
present visual information orally
demonstrate intercultural competence
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The focus of the module is on the development of the advanced English language competence
necessary for post graduate study in scientific disciplines. This includes the ability to interpret and
evaluate authentic scientific texts; analyse, discuss, summarise and synthesise written and visual
information both in writing and orally; organise written texts effectively and submit them in
grammatically accurate English, and present the results of research orally in a coherent and
stimulating way.
14. Indicative Reading List
Davis, J. W. and Dunn, I. K. ((2011) Communication Skills: A Guide for Engineering and Applied
Science Students (3rd Edition). Harlow: Prenrice Hall
Glendinning, E. H. and Holmstrom, B. (2004) Study Reading: A Course in Reading Skills for
Academic Purposes. CUP
Hamp-Lyons, L. and Heasley, B. (2006) Study Writing: A Course in Written English for Academic
Purposes. CUP
Laplante, P. A. (2012) Technical Writing: A Practical Guide for Engineers and Scientists. Florida:
CRC Press
Swales, J. M. and Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential
Tasks and Skills. (3rd Edition) Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes:
The module is taught through seminars and practical workshops in two blocks. Block 1: Autumn
term: Weeks 3 – 5 & 7 - 11 (8wks x 2hrs x wk) + 1 x 20 minute individual tutorial. Block 2: Spring
Term- Weeks 15 – 18 ( 4 weeks x 2 hrs x wk) + 1 x 20 minute individual tutorial. Students are
expected to complete 10 hours of private study per week in Block 1 and 12.5 hours of private study
in Block 2; a total of 150 hours. Seminars focus on language skills (LO11: 1, 2,3,6,9/12: 1,2,3), and
practical workshops on interpreting, evaluating, discussing and presenting scientific texts and
problems. (LO11: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8/ 12: 1, 2, 3, 4)
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
100% coursework comprising of: 1 short report of 1000 words (15%); 1x1 hour in-class written
assessment ( 20%); a final written assignment on a subject specific topic ( 40%) ,1 short
presentation ( 10%) and seminar participation (15%)
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Assessment is summative.. For their final written assignment, students are guided through the
writing process, with peer and tutorial feedback on two preliminary drafts, before final
submission.
Learning outcomes tested by each assessment are:





1 x short report (1000 words) (15%)(11: 1,2, 4,5,6,7,8)
In-class written test (20%) (11: 1,4,5,6)
Final written assignment (2500 words) (40%) (11: 1,2, 4,5,6,7,8/ 12:2)
Presentation (10 minutes (10%) (11: 3,9/12:1,3,4)
Seminar participation (15%) (12:1,3,4)
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Staff: 1 member of academic staff from CEWL per group of 15 students,
1 classroom with IT resources per group of 15 students
18. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and
teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to
students with disabilities
As far as can reasonably be anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of
assessment do not present any disadvantage to students with disabilities. CEWL is committed to
actively fostering an inclusive community within the classroom. We have enabled students with
physical disabilities, sensory impairments and learning difficulties to play a full part in the curriculum
of our programmes. Such support has taken the form of preparing teaching materials on CD for
visually impaired students, assisted note-taking and alternative assessment formats. We will
continue to work with individual students and Student Support & Wellbeing to identify strategy aids
and assess needs in order to provide appropriate educational support.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
20. Partner College/Validated Institution:
None
21. University School responsible for the programme:
CEWL
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
................................................................
..............................................
Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
..............................................
.......................................................
Date
Head of School
Anthony Manning………………………………………………
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED
INSTITUTION (Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I
confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
Date
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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