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English for STEM: Understanding Science Vocabulary

Learn key English vocabulary to help you explore different science subjects and advance your English language skills with this online course from Macquarie University.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

Premium course

What's included?

Accreditation

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Established

1964

Location

Sydney, Australia

World ranking

Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

Improve your English vocabulary in the main science subjects

This three-week course from Macquarie University EMI Centre will help you improve your English language ability as you develop your understanding of key science topics in physics, chemistry, and biology.

You’ll learn essential science vocabulary through videos, quizzes, and reading texts to help you master pronunciation, word form, and use.

The materials are designed to help you as an English language learner to understand new science vocabulary for your future studies. You’ll explore mechanics and gravity in preparation for physics, examine atoms and gases as you learn about chemistry, and uncover the living world and cells in biology.

Explore strategies to advance your language skills

Each week, you’ll focus on learning science vocabulary in context as you look at different word forms (noun, verb, adjective, adverb), listen to the pronunciation and see, hear, and practise the stressed syllable. You’ll learn about strategies for recording and revising new vocabulary and use interactive tools (like Quizlet) to do this.

You’ll also learn how to interpret written and visual texts on scientific topics, as well as key grammar, to help you improve your ability to read, listen, write, and speak in English.

Improve your academic skills

Each week, you’ll develop important academic skills to prepare you for studying in English. You’ll learn how to listen to lectures, understand lab reports, and give presentations.

Learn from the experts at Macquarie University

Throughout the course, you’ll have many opportunities to practise to ensure you master the new vocabulary.

Guided by a language trainer and a science trainer from Macquarie University EMI centre, you’ll finish the course with the confidence to use scientific vocabulary in real-life settings.

Week 1
Physics
- Welcome to English for STEM: Science
  In this section, you will meet your language trainer and science trainer. You will also learn how to use Quizlet to record and practise new vocabulary.
- Introduction to Physics
  In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to physics generally and also the topic of mechanics. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.
- Reading Practice
  In this section, you will read a text about gravity and answer some questions. You will also learn about comparatives and superlatives in the context of physics.
- Academic Skill: Lectures
  In this section, you will learn about the structure of lectures and some of the language used in lectures. You will also watch parts of an example physics lecture.
- Conclusion
  In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week and look at a summary of what you have covered during the week.
Week 2
Chemistry
- Introduction to Chemistry
  In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to chemistry generally and also the topic of atoms. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.
- Reading Practice
  In this section, you will read an infographic about the noble gases in the periodic table and answer some questions. You will also learn about word forms and how this can help you expand your vocabulary in English.
- Academic Skill: Lab Report
  In this section, you will see how a lab report is written in English and will watch a simple science experiment being conducted in a lab.
- Conclusion
  In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week and look at a summary of what you have covered during the week.
Week 3
Biology
- Introduction to Biology
  In this section, you will learn some basic English vocabulary relating to biology generally and also the topic of cells. You will also have the chance to practise and record the new vocabulary.
- Reading Practice
  In this section, you will read a text about osmosis and answer some questions. You will also learn about how to use the zero conditional in the context of biology.
- Academic Skill: Presentations
  In this section, you will learn watch an example of a student presentation on osmosis and learn about some of the language used in presentations. You will also learn how to use emphasis effectively during a presentation.
- Conclusion
  In this section, you will review some of the language you have learnt this week and look at a summary of what you have covered during the week.