Handbook

This subject focuses on the communication of scientific knowledge in English. It is organised around three taskbased modules, which emphasise the process of developing knowledge, and pays close attention to the central role of language in scientific and academic learning. The modules are designed to develop a student’s proficiency in aspects of English that are key to academic and professional work, and to communication in the digital era. The subject works quite differently to traditional subjects, both in its task-based structure, in its use of technology and the classroom, and in the attention it pays to interaction. Most of the instruction and resources are provided online, so that classroom based workshops can be devoted to peer-to-peer extensive discussion and completion of assessment tasks, in collaboration with peers and under the supervision of academics. Tasks are designed to challenge established thinking, but by working on them together, with continual peer review and feedback, students have ample opportunity to develop the fluency and confidence in academic English and in communicating scientifically needed for successful engagement in their wider curriculum.