OVERVIEW

English is the primary medium for global scientific exchange. Developing the ability to interpret, synthesize, and disseminate research in English is a prerequisite for any academic career.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical application of English in professional science. Students will conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, culminating in the production of scientific papers and/or digital presentations. The module concludes with a mock international conference, where students present their findings to a peer audience, and answer the audience questions.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Deploy specific scientific terminology with precision.
• Navigate the structural requirements of formal scientific discourse.
• Differentiate between colloquial English and the nuanced syntax of academic writing.
• Master scientific public speaking and strict time-management.

PREREQUISITES

A minimum B2 proficiency level is recommended for successful participation. The curriculum integrates traditional lectures with interactive sessions.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons aim at introducing the topic and key-knowledge about scientific English, as well as presenting science professionally, be it in written or oral form. The laboratory phase is dedicated to project development; in this part each student -following the given instructions- will develop a topic of their choice into a scientific presentation. The final assessment is structured as a scientific conference: students present their work and defend their findings during a peer-led Q&A session. This simulation serves as an early examination opportunity (pre-appello).

While general attendance is encouraged, a 75% attendance rate is mandatory for all laboratory activities.

In the event of physical campus closures, instruction will transition to Microsoft Teams.

Students with a physical disability or learning disability certification submitted to the University can find information on support services on the webpage https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, prepared by the “Office for Inclusion Services for Students with Disabilities and SLD”.

Students may also contact Professor Cristina Carbone (cristina.carbone@unige.it), the DISTAV disability contact person.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program focuses on the critical analysis of peer-reviewed literature, examining linguistic patterns, structural conventions, and bibliographic integrity. Theoretical modules cover:

• Standardized templates for scientific writing.
• Source verification and citation ethics (preventing plagiarism).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students will have access to materials available in the Aulaweb repository.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CORINNA NUNNERI (President)

PAOLO VASSALLO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination integrates written and oral components within a simulated international conference environment. The "written" portion consists of the digital presentation materials, while the oral portion comprises the student's live delivery.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The following describes the evaluation criteria:

• Written Component: Assessment focuses on logical structure, content adequacy, grammatical precision, and the academic rigor of cited sources.
• Oral Component: Evaluation is based on clarity (intelligibility and syntax), rhetorical effectiveness, and the ability to address technical questions during the Q&A session.

Comprehensive preparation guidelines will be provided early during the course. The examination verifies the student’s proficiency in using English for the preparation and delivery of scientific findings, provided that the underlying research demonstrates adequate scientific rigor.