Course code ValoP233
Credit points 3
Total Hours in Course81
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32
Independent study hours49
Date of course confirmation17.03.2021
Responsible UnitLanguage Centre
Mg. philol.
ValoP229, Professional English I
ValoP231, Professional English II
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 the mastering of language skills in various forms and levels of communication – reading, speaking, listening, and writing focusing on the terminology of civil engineering
Students acquired terms from the field of civil engineering and are able to use them in professional and learning settings. Assessment: exam.
1. Design. Drawings.2h
2. Design development. Design solutions.2h
3. Resolving design problems.2h
4. Measurements. Horizontal and vertical measurements. 2D and 3D drawings.2h
5. Locating and setting out. Test 1: design and drawings.2h
6. Dimensions, dimensional accuracy.2h
7. Numbers and calculations. Area, size and mass.2h
8. Measurable parameters. Capacity and efficiency.2h
9. Energy. Work. Power.2h
10. Alternative energy in building. 2h
11. Load, stress and strain.2h
12. Forces and their exertion on structural elements. 2h
13. Structural mechanics. Test 2: energy, force and power.2h
14. Performance, sustainability, capabilities and limitations.2h
15. Term work presentations.2h
16. Term work presentations.2h
Assessment: Examination.
Student is admitted to the examination if there are:
successfully written 2 tests, the glossary of terms for each topic, timely completed home works, completed individual work (reading of professional texts, the prepared PPoint presentation on the selected topic, the glossary of terms). Tests and home works are with 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: 10 000 characters);
2. Prepared PPoint presentation and oral presentation (5-10 minutes) in front of the class;
3. Submitted glossary of terms
Assessment: Examination.
The examination consists of:
a terminology test,
a presentation.
The examination grade is calculated as an arithmetic mean of grades obtained in two examination tasks
1. Ibbotson M. Cambridge English for Engineering. Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008. 112 p.
2. Ibbotson M. Professional English in Use. Engineering. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2009. 144 p.
3. Killers V.K. Latviešu – angļu ilustrētā būvniecības terminu vārdnīca. Rīga: ‘Avots’, 1999. 203 lpp.
4. Bonamy D. Technical English 2 (Pre-inter). Pearson Education Ltd, 2008. 124 p.
1. Graham P. Building Ecology: first principles for a sustainable built environment. Oxford: Blackwell Science. 2003. 290 p.
2. Badger I., Pedley S. Everyday Business Writing. Pearson Education Ltd, 2008. 95 p.
3. Love T. W. Construction manual: concrete and form work. Craftsman Book Company, 2005. 158 p.
1. Building Design and Construction ISSN: 0007-3407
2. Latvijas būvniecība ISSN 1691-4058.
3. Civil Engineering ISSN: 0885-7024
The course is designed for civil engineering students and is included in the compulsory programme.