OVERVIEW

The course, comprising 36 hours of lessons, aims to develop the learners’ communicative competence in English at the B2 level of the CEFR, focusing in particular on receptive (reading and listening comprehension) and productive (oral) language skills, metalinguistic competence and skills in English for Specific Purposes. The topics covered relate to the technical-scientific area with particular regard to the biomedical field, including robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, nanotechnologies and 3D printing.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to develop the learners’ communicative competence in English at the B2 level of the CEFR, with particular regard to receptive language skills (reading and listening comprehension) and metalinguistic competence. Furthermore, the course focuses on expanding the vocabulary relating to the technical-scientific area with particular regard to the biomedical field, including robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, nanotechnologies and 3D printing.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Development of the learners’ communicative competence in English at the B2 level of the CEFR, with particular regard to receptive (reading and listening comprehension) and productive (oral) language skills, metalinguistic competence and skills in English for Specific Purposes. Expansion of the vocabulary relating to the technical-scientific area with particular regard to the biomedical field, including robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, nanotechnologies and 3D printing.

Please see also the CEFR level description below.

B2 Vantage or Upper-Intermediate

• Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

For further information on the various levels from A1 and A2 to B1, as well as higher ones, such as B2, C1 and C2, please check the British Council website either in Italian or in English.

In addition, during the course, students will acquire:

- the ability to manage their social interactions

- collaborative attitude

- awareness of their own learning strategies

- organisation and evaluation of personal learning

- understanding of their own needs and ways of developing competences

- ability to identify and pursue learning objectives.

PREREQUISITES

Communicative competence in English at a B1/B2 level of the CEFR.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (36 hours) in presence. Lessons are interactive and will include a variety of different activities, such as group work, discussions, presentations, exercises (grammar, audio-visual, listening, reading, speaking), peer evaluation, peer learning, problem-based learning, etc. 

In addition, students will be able to take the online English language course level B2 on the https://clim.aulaweb.unige.it/ platform independently.

Working students and students with a certified DSA, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course in order to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Topics: Artificial intelligence in medicine; artificial limbs; biotechnology and the medicine of the future; robotics; automation; nanotechnologies; 3D printing.

Reading and analysis of scientific texts, in particular of articles taken from biomedical journals.

Analysis and production of texts such as abstracts, e-mails, scientific texts etc. (structure of a text, structure of a paragraph, linking words and linking phrases etc.)

Grammar at B2 level.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Materials provided by the instructor

R. Murphy (2019), English Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press.

Online English language course level B2 on the https://clim.aulaweb.unige.it/ platform

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The start of classes (in September 2025) will be announced on the Aulaweb page 2025 of the course.

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/index.php?view=easycourse&_lang=it&include=corso

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam.

If the lecturer considers it necessary, an oral examination may be scheduled after the written examination. If necessary, students will be informed in good time by e-mail.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written exam that will ascertain receptive language skills (reading comprehension) developed during the course. The pass mark is 60%.

Active participation in class.

If the lecturer considers it necessary, an oral examination may be scheduled after the written examination. If necessary, students will be informed in good time by e-mail.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule