The rhetoric of the degree project report, its structure and linguistic style
Critical analysis of degree projects in English, for instance regarding research methods and visual presentation of data
Short written assignments that reflect the different parts of the report
Scientific English: grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary
Presentation techniques with special focus on the oral presentation of the degree project

The aim of the course is to give the student the necessary proficiencies before writing and presentation of an English language degree project. At the same time, the course gives general knowledge and skills in the English language, spoken and written scientific English, and text structure and global competence.

After passing the course, the students should be able to:

-analyse how a well-written report is structured and assess how his/her own report should be structured

-write an effective degree project report in scientific English using dictionaries and other resources, with no more than a few problems in grammar or style

-handle source material, quote and use references according to convention

-assess how the oral presentation should differ from the written report, with regard to the medium, time limit and target group.

Assignments (two written, two oral). Feedback from teacher, and discussion about how texts and presentations can be improved.

Grammar exercises, focusing on the most useful constructions for a degree project (e.g., tenses in Introductions, modal verbs for Discussions). Many of these grammar tasks are taken as Quizzes on Canvas.

Group discussions: Peer review of drafts + discussion of typical features of successful degree projects

Students should select two well-written and successful degree projects from their field, to use as model texts.

Students should also familiarise themselves with the KTH Guide to Scientific Writing, produced by the course examiners.

Bottomley, J. Academic Writing for International Students of Science. 2nd edition (2021) London: Routledge. (Available as an e-book from KTH Library)

Caplan, N. Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers. 2nd edition (2019) Ann Arbor: Michigan University Press.

Students should select two well-written and successful degree projects from their field, to use as model texts.

Additional material will be made available on Canvas.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

P, F

• LEXA - Continuous Assessment, 7.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Continuous examination by means of written assignments and short presentations.
The course is aimed at students who are going to start, or have just started, their degree project on Master's level.

Continuous Assessment ( LEXA )

All course components passed. 75% attendance requirement

Students who miss a session will be given a compensatory task. It is also possible to take that session the next time the course is given. Students who do not fulfill the grading criteria for a PASS grade on a specific assignment will be given the opportunity to revise.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.