FP023-30 English for Academic Purposes for Maths and Computer Science
Introductory description
This module is designed to enhance student academic performance within higher education.
Module aims
The core purpose of this module is to enhance students' achievement in their academic subjects. We aim to:
- introduce students to a variety of techniques for analysing texts appropriately within mathematics, statistics and computer science.
- develop students' ability to organise their writing, signal their main points, and cite the sources used to support their main arguments within mathematics, statistics and computer science.
- develop students' ability to stage effective, engaging presentations, skilfully express their opinions, respond to others in group seminar discussions, in addition to lead such seminars within mathematics, statistics and computer science.
- make students aware of how to listen to lectures strategically to identify key points, take notes and review learning within mathematics, statistics and computer science.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
ACADEMIC WRITING
+. Writing in a formal and impersonal academic style
+. Interpreting assignment titles and using grading guidelines
+. Organising subject-specific written genres (essay or report)
+. Writing introductions (including writing a thesis statement)
+. Writing a literature review
+. Making observations and writing topic sentences
+. Citing sources (including integral and non-integral citations)
+. Paraphrasing
+. Summarising
+. Synthesising ideas
+. Describing methodology
+. Describing results
+. Discussion: analysing reasons (expressing cause and effect)
+. Discussion: evaluating ideas / data / results
+.Discussion: expressing caution (hedging)
+. Drawing conclusions
+. Conceding limitations and making recommendations
+. Writing a reference list
+. Classifying information
+. Describing problems and solutions
ACADEMIC READING
+. Reading textbooks
+. Reading research reports
+. Evaluating reading materials
+. Surveying a text and formulating focus questions
+.Using grammatical cohesive markers to understand a text
+.Using lexical cohesive markers to understand the text
+. Note-making: Concept mapping
+. Note making: Using logical connectors to make linear notes
+. Recounting a text
+. Making general observations from multiple sources
ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS
+. Structuring a presentation
+. Formulating a thesis for a presentation
+. Using attention-getters
+. Supporting your main points with explanation, evidence and examples
+. Referring to sources and including a reference list
+. Using basic techniques: pausing and pacing
+. Using emphasis
+. Using repetition
+. Creating PowerPoint slides
+. Asking and answering questions
SEMINAR DISCUSSIONS
+. Identifying the qualities a good seminar participant
+. Interrupting appropriately
+. Making arguments
+. Making refutations and rebuttals
+. Considering different perspectives
+. Clarifying and confirming understanding
+. Referring to what other speakers have said
+. Behaviours that negatively affect seminars: monopolisation and alpha pairs
+. Using written sources
ACADEMIC LISTENING
+. Consider factors influencing the ability to understand lectures
+. Identifying and using the overall organization of lectures
+. Using the main features of an introduction to increase comprehension
+. Note-taking (using abbreviations and symbols)
+. Note-taking (the Cornell system)
+. Summarising notes
+. Recognising main ideas
+. Following argument
+. Dealing with digressions
+. Using the main features of conclusions to increase comprehension
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Analyse, interpret and evaluate spoken and written discourse for the study of mathematics, statistics and computer science
- Synthesise relevant information/data to produce discipline-specific written and spoken genres, incorporating own ideas
- Communicate effectively in written and spoken genres, employing academic conventions relevant to the disciplines
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Interdisciplinary
Students will have opportunities to draw on knowledge and skills acquired within the different modules on their pathway.
International
The international nature of the student cohort allows for the teaching and learning to be approached from and inclusive of a range of international perspectives.
Subject specific skills
+. Strategies to read discipline specific genres effectively, appropriate to Maths and Economics.
+. Strategies to listen to discipline specific genres effectively, appropriate to to Maths and Economics.
+. Techniques to produce coherent discipline-specific written genres, appropriate to Maths and Economics.
+. Techniques to deliver an effective and engaging presentation, appropriate to Maths and Economics.
+. Strategies to participate effectively in and lead a seminar discussion, appropriate to Maths and Economics.
Transferable skills
+.Study skills
+.Academic integrity skills
+. Independent study skills
+.Information technology skills: library skills, research skills
+. Research methodology
+.Critical and innovative thinking
+.Report writing skills
+.Group work skills
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 100 sessions of 1 hour (33%) |
| Tutorials | 3 sessions of 30 minutes (0%) |
| Private study | 138 hours 30 minutes (46%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (20%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Background reading prior to classes, research for written assignments, completion of assessments and examination preparation
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group C
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Student-led seminar | 25% | 15 hours | No |
|
Individual student presentations leading to a group discussion on a topic appropriate to the discipline. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Essay | 25% | 15 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Students write an essay on a discipline-specific topic. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Listening Assessments | 25% | 15 hours | No |
|
Students complete two assessments. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Reading Assessments | 25% | 15 hours | No |
|
Students complete two assessments. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme
- Year 1 of FP18 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Computer Science
- Year 1 of FP16 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Mathematics and Statistics
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 1 of FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme