LS1452 Essential STEM communication 7.5 credits

The starting point of the course is that today's technical challenges are often complex since they include different priorities, perspectives and limitations. This complexity requires effective communication in clear, concise and precise language.

This course focuses on clear, concise, and precise English. The course aim is to bridge the gap between the English that is taught at upper-secondary school and the English and communication skills that are required for advanced-level studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This course takes into consideration the requirements of both advanced-level studies and complex technical challenges, and students can expect training in and personal feedback on:

• scientific English, including discipline-specific vocabulary and expression
• strategies to interact effectively in discussions and Q&A sessions
• methods to present technical information effectively in speech, in writing, and using electronic communication tools
• strategies for speed reading text on technical topics

In a language-focused learning environment and with course participants from different technical disciplines, the students learn both the mechanics of English and strategies to communicate their technical knowledge in clear, concise, and precise English.

More exactly, the students should be able to do the following on completion of the course:

1. participate actively in group discussions in English in order to share their technical knowledge, make suggestions, and reach a consensus
2. give a presentation about their technical discipline, and participate in a question-and-answer (Q&A) session
3. identify strategies for speed reading text in English
4. identify the strategies and conventions used for text structure, scientific style, and reference management in relevant research articles, and apply the same strategies and conventions in their own written assignments
5. use e-communication effectively, and write short texts in their specific technical discipline

General admission requirements.

No experience of to use English in higher studies is required.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• INL1 - Assignments, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Oral examination, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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.

Jane Bottomley

Jamie Rinder

• 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.