English for Mechanical Engineering (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

You
- know how to use technical language on a general level
- know the basic vocabulary in the professional field
- understand the need for English in working life
- know how to tell about the studies and oneself in connection with the job application process
- can manage in everyday spoken situations
- know how to present a product, a process, or a service in one's field
- know how to communicate appropriately in spoken and written customer service situations, understands the levels of formality - - in communication
- can prepare and present spoken presentations
- know the basic principles of report writing, and
- can read texts in one's field by using various language aids, such as dictionaries

Content

- Telling about studies and oneself
- Expressing opinions
- Small talk
- Communication styles and registers
- Basic vocabulary in mechanical engineering: materials, shapes, measurements, units, products, services
- Spoken presentation skills
- Customer service situations
- Telephoning and e-mailing
- Communication in the job application process, documents, job interview, pitching
- Basics of intercultural communication
- Basics of reporting in speaking and writing
- Using language aids
- Reading strategies

Location and time

First year, Wärtsilä campus

Materials

Engineer your English, Edita, e-book or traditional paperback (See Edita webstore), and material provided by the teacher in class and in Moodle.

Teaching methods

In this course, the students practice the basic principles of professional English communication in speaking and writing, applied to the professional engineering field. The course is taught at the skills level of B2 (CEFR), applied to the needs of the professional field (mechanical engineering).

After completing the course, the student knows the basic principles of communication in English in international settings in engineering and English at work,
understands the basics of marketing communication, knows how to persuade the listener, and how to present the benefits and features of a technical product or a service.
The student knows how to communicate appropriately in spoken and written situations at work, and
can prepare and present spoken presentations and communicate formally in job interviews and application documents.
The student also
knows the basic principles of applying for work and reporting.
The student learns the basic terminology of mechanical engineering and
can also read professional and formal texts, using reading strategies and various aids, such as dictionaries. He or she understands the different degrees of formality and the importance of register in English.
The course book (see below) and participating in the contact lessons are required.

Completion alternatives

AHOT/ Accreditation of Prior Learning:
Accreditation of prior learning is assessed in writing and speaking at skills level B2 according to the contents of the course. See the course description in the curriculum. Note that this course is a course in professional English.
Prior learning may be attained at work or university, or in other settings where evidence of the attained knowledge and skills can be shown.
Contact your teacher and suggest a way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge of the course contents.
The skills level required for accreditation is B2-C2. If you have not done the skills level test, do the test and mark your results (e.g. on paper) in English 1) vocabulary and 2) structures at Dialang website https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/
, before contacting your teacher. Note that it will only give you an idea of what level you are at in general English, not professional English.
If you have passed a university course of English with similar contents and extent (ECTS credits), but in a different professional field, you may be asked to compensate for the missing field-specific English e.g. through a vocabulary exam. Discuss the details of the compensation method with the course lecturer.

Student workload

Contact lessons 28-30h. Active participation in the lessons and independent work in Moodle in pairs, groups or individually. Written and spoken assignments and word tests. Possible exam.

Further information

Contact teaching. Active participation in communication in the classroom and in Moodle are required. In case of any online lessons, the use of a webcamera and a microphone headset is needed.

Competences: Learning to learn, Internationality and multiculturalism, operating in the workplace