Course code Valo1041
Credit points 3
Total Hours in Course81
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32
Independent study hours49
Date of course confirmation20.12.2020
Responsible UnitLanguage Centre
Mg. paed.
Mg. philol.
ValoP218 [GVALP218] Professional English I
The course is aimed at the acquisition of knowledge and skills in professional foreign languages with the express purpose of extending the students` professional qualification and improving the students` communication skills with foreign students and specialists (including work placement abroad, participation in guest lectures, work in joint venture companies, etc.). The study course envisages mastering of language skills in various forms and levels of communication – reading, speaking, listening, writing focusing on the terminology of engineering in Agriculture.
Students have knowledge of core terminology in English that is related to mechanics, agricultural machinery and general engineering. Skills: formulate definitions, select field-specific information, explain procedures related to different technical aspects, give arguments, give a critical evaluation and description of a process, use professional terminology in written and spoken communicative settings, e.g. technical descriptions, business letters, discussions, dialogues and presentations. Evaluation takes place in each lesson, regularly checking the completed tasks.
1. Introduction. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology. Faculty of Engineering. 2h
2. Automobile invention and development timeline. 2h
3. Engines and motors. Internal combustion engine types. 2h
4. Cooling system, its functions and working principles. 2h
5. Test 1. Engine work, oiling system. System functions, working principles. 2h
6. Power system, its functions and working principles. 2h
7. Ignition system, its functions and working principles. 2h
8. Moving parts. Wheels and tyres. 2h
9. Transmission. Gearbox. Car bodywork. 2h
10. Test 2. Main automotive systems. Main branches of agriculture. Research centre “Vecauce”. 2h
11. Agricultural machinery and tools. 2h
12. Machinery and tools for soilworks. 2h
13. Harvesting equipment. Combine harvester. 2h
14. Test 3. Agricultural machinery. Tips for successful presentation. 2h
15. Individual term work presentations. 2h
16. Individual term work presentations. 2h
Assessment: Formal test.
It is made up of cumulative assessment.
Successfully written 2 tests, the glossary of terms for each topic, timely completed home works, completed individual work (reading of professional texts, presentation on a selected topic, the glossary of terms, summary). Tests and home works shall have a positive evaluation. The number of the missed classes shall not exceed 20%.
Individual work:
1. Reading of the independently chosen professional texts (the amount: 20 000 characters);
2. A written summary (the amount – 2000 characters);
3. Prepared PPoint presentation and oral presentation (8-10 minutes) in front of the class;
Submitted glossary of terms (30 translations, 20 definitions).
The cumulative assessment is composed of the grades in2 tests and a presentation of the individual work.The grade in tests is successful if at least 70% of the answers are correct. All home works should receive a successful grade.
1. Bonamy D. Technical English 2 (Pre-inter). Pearson Education Ltd., 2008. 124 p. ISBN 9781405845540
2. Cairns B. The farmer's and groundsman's workshop: a guide to planning vehicle and machinery maintenance. Ramsbury, Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press, 2009. 208 p. ISBN 978-1-84797-110-4
3. Dearholt J.D. Career Paths: Mechanics. Books 1-3. Express Publishing, 2012. ISBN 978-1-78098-621-0
4. Botson M. Professional English in Use: Engineering. Technical English for Professionals. CUP, 2009. 144 p. ISBN 978-0-521-73488-2
1. A brief illustrated history of machines and mechanisms. Emilio Bautista Paz ..[et al.]. Dordrecht; Heidelberg; London; New York: Springer, 2010. 217 p. ISBN 9048125111
2. Grussendorf M. English for Presentations. OUP, 2007. 80 p. ISBN 0194579360
3. Reynolds P. A. Maintenance of horticultural equipment. Delhi: Biotech Books, 2009. 183 p. ISBN 8176222044
1. Automotive Engineer [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 19.01.2016.] Pieejams: http://ae-plus.com/magazine
2. CAR Magazine [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 15.01.2016.] Pieejams: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/
3. Understanding Auto Parts [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 19.01.2016.] Pieejams: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-parts-roundup.htm
The course is included in the compulsory part of the TF study program "Agricultural Engineering". Compulsory course in bachelor's programme Biosystems Machinery and Technologies in the 1st study year in the 1st semester.