Course code ValoP233

Credit points 3

Professional English III

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation17.03.2021

Responsible UnitLanguage Centre

Course developer

author lect.

Irina Orlova

Mg. philol.

Prior knowledge

ValoP229, Professional English I

ValoP231, Professional English II

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 the mastering of language skills in various forms and levels of communication – reading, speaking, listening, and writing focusing on the terminology of civil engineering

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Students acquired terms from the field of civil engineering and are able to use them in professional and learning settings. Assessment: exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

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

Requirements for awarding credit points

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%.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

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

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

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

Compulsory reading

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.

Further reading

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.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Building Design and Construction ISSN: 0007-3407
2. Latvijas būvniecība ISSN 1691-4058.
3. Civil Engineering ISSN: 0885-7024

Notes

The course is designed for civil engineering students and is included in the compulsory programme.