Advanced English Discussion and Writing in Life Science I
| Numbering Code | G-BIO21 65009 LE48 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Intensive, First semester | |
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| Number of Credits | 1 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | Doctoral students | Target Student | ||
| Language | English | Day/Period | Intensive | |
| Instructor name | HEJNA, James (Graduate School of Biostudies Specially Appointed Professor) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | Career advancement depends upon the ability of a researcher not only to read and write English, but to converse fluently in English. These skills are crucial for presentations at international meetings, international collaborations, peer review of manuscripts, and professional networking. This course will allow you to further develop your English language skills by giving oral presentations. In addition, a homework writing exercise will give you practice in writing a short document, such as an abstract, a cover letter, or Methods. Enrollment will be limited to just 3-4 students, to allow each student two 60-minute oral presentations, and ample opportunities for informal discussion in a low-stress environment. There will also be time to practice a timed, 10-minute talk. | |||
| Course Goals |
You will be able to present an hour-long talk in journal club format, and a 30-minute talk about your research (this can be about your Master's thesis research, if you are just beginning your PhD project). Alternatively, if you plan on an academic career, one presentation may be a lecture geared toward an upper division undergraduate audience. There will also be time to practice a 10-minute talk. We will correct grammar and pronunciation issues as they arise. In addition, a short writing assignment will help you to identify areas where you can improve your science writing in English. These skills will be useful later in your career when you begin giving seminars and writing papers. |
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| Schedule and Contents |
A: Spring Term, Tuesdays, 13:15-14:45 B: Spring Term, Tuesdays, 15:00-16:30 Dates: 4/26/2022 Introductions and discussion of class structure and organization, 5/10/2022 Student 1, presentation and discussion of a recent research article*. 5/17/2022 Student 2, presentation and discussion of a recent research article. 5/24/2022 Student 3, presentation and discussion of a recent research article. 5/31/2022 Student 1, presentation of individual research.Plus 10-minute talk. 6/7/2022 Student 2, presentation of individual research.Plus 10-minute talk. 6/14/2022 Student 3, presentation of individual research.Plus 10-minute talk. 6/21/2022 Optional class, either round-table discussion or short talks. If 4 students enroll, the schedule will be adjusted accordingly. *Alternatively, this could be a lecture designed for an undergraduate audience. This course will help you to confidently present your research at international meetings. We may also work on pronunciation if students so choose. In addition, there will be a written homework exercise (about 1-2 pages) designed to develop professional skills, such as writing abstracts, Introductions, Methods, or a summary of research. This course will nudge you toward working as an international scientist. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
Evaluation will be based on attendance and on effort, acknowledging differences in English skills among students. Further details will be announced in the first lecture. |
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| Course Requirements |
The class is limited to doctoral students. There are no other requirements. Students should have a solid foundation in English, but we will start with whatever level of English you are currently at, and add to it! 3 students per section (possibly 4, under extenuating circumstances). |
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| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) |
Students should read current literature to find an article to present for class. Students who will present an article for class should send the URL to the other students 2-3 days before the class, or to the professor, who will post it on PandA, to allow the other students to read the article beforehand. Reading an article may take several hours. The written assignment may take a day or two, depending on how much you would like to write! |
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| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | none required | ||
| References, etc. |
None required. Suggested: English for Oral Presentations, Speaking Exercises. C.S. Langham. Ishiyaku Publishers, Inc., Tokyo. ©2010 Suggested: English for Writing Research Papers, 2nd ed. Adrian Wallwork. Springer, 2016. |
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