LV EN RU DE FR

Professional English I

Course developers

Replaced course

ValoP218 [GVALP218] Professional English I

Course abstract

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.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

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.

Course Content(Calendar)

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

Requirements for awarding credit points

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%.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

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).

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

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.

Compulsory reading

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

Further reading

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

Periodicals and other sources

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

Notes

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.