Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

The English of Science in Health Care Research

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
DN_206
Branch of Science
Languages and Literature
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Medicine; Pharmacy; Psychology
LQF
Level 8
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Doctoral Studies
Contacts

Riga, Dzirciema Street 16, dn@rsu.lv, +371 67409120

About Study Course

Objective

To understand and master in depth the writing of health care science articles in English related to the doctoral thesis research and issues, strengthening knowledge of grammar, improving vocabulary, adhering to the scientific English style and thus increasing one’s ability to actively participate with scientific publications and articles in international written and oral communication of science.

Preliminary Knowledge

English B2-C1 (according to CEFR [Common European Framework of Reference for Languages])

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.At the end of the course, doctoral students will know the principles and techniques of text formation in English, the most important tools (sources, resources) for preparing a manuscript of a scientific text. Doctoral students will know the grammatical, lexical (terminological) and stylistic features of health care science articles, as well as the requirements according to publication guidelines. The doctoral student will be familiar with the linguistic specifics of scientific language expression (terminology, vocabulary of special use, grammar, text formation, pronunciation) and will know which linguistic tools to use to produce an adequate written and oral health care text in a foreign language appropriate for international science communication.

Skills

1.Doctoral students will be able to write the first version of the manuscript of a scientific article, according to the peculiarities of the scientific genre and its sections. Doctoral students will be able to choose appropriate lexicogrammatical devices according to text formation of a health care science article in English. Doctoral students will be able to comment on, justify the structure and organisation of scientific manuscripts and other scientific genres (e.g. poster presentations) in English, as well as compare the content, informative, stylistic and lexicogrammatical features of different health care science texts. Doctoral students will be able to draw independent conclusions on text quality issues from representative examples of health care science texts and provide constructive feedback in discussions on improving text quality, using appropriate terminology to link the research design and its linguistic realisation in the practice of scientific articles. The doctoral student is able to write grammatically correct and scientifically appropriate texts in a foreign language and to improve the quality of the written text by using analogue and digital language resources. The doctoral student is able to use terms relevant to the field of science, is able to explain them in a foreign language, as well as is able to justify the choice of their research topic, describe its content, research process, hypothesis, goal, objectives, main conclusions in a foreign language. The doctoral student is able to produce a logical written text according to the pragmatic aim of the research and the genre of the information science text. The doctoral student is able to orally present their scientific research to the target audience using linguistic and text formation means appropriate to the foreign language of science. The doctoral student is able to structure their oral communication in a foreign language in accordance with the principles of science communication in order to actively engage in international research, both written and oral, respecting scientific and linguistic culture, as well as academic ethics.

Competences

1.Doctoral students will improve their skills and knowledge in planning scientific articles. Doctoral students will observe accuracy in the presentation and processing of scientific articles and will independently and responsibly develop analytical and critical discourse skills for the preparation of a health care science manuscript. By learning the specifics of scientific articles, doctoral students will also strengthen their initiative in the writing process and linguistically informed decision-making, which is geared towards the result of producing a high-quality scientific manuscript and oral presentation in English. The doctoral student evaluates the range of linguistic resources of a scientific foreign language and critically selects grammatical, phonetic, content and text formation resources for written and oral texts, thus continuously improving their linguistic competence for the purpose of international science communication. The doctoral student integrates linguistic skills and knowledge into professional scientific activity, tackling tasks of relevance to the field and research career (e.g. preparation of international publications, presentations at international conferences, participation in scientific seminars and lectures) that require a high level of linguistic competence in global science communication.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Preparation of an article and presentation for the exam in English (according to the final examination description) and in consultation with the course lecturer during the study course. The student's contribution to the improvement of the study process is the provision of meaningful feedback on the study course by filling out its evaluation questionnaire.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
Written part of the exam: 1. The foreign language doctoral examination committee assesses the written assignment submitted by the doctoral student in accordance with the requirements of the study course description. The doctoral student shall submit the prepared written assignment electronically to the committee members ten days before the exam. Oral part of the exam: 2. In the face-to-face session, the doctoral student presents their topic in a foreign language, answers questions from the committee members, and engages in a discussion in the foreign language on the submitted article and presentation.
2.

Examination

-
-
In the written part of the exam (60%): 1. Linguistic (grammatical, syntactic, stylistic, lexical) and textual (formatting) quality of the review, bibliography, glossary of terms and their explanations, theses, according to the specifics of the scientific foreign language, assessing 1) grammar, 2) formatting, 3) choice of lexical devices, 4) text formation, 5) scientific style. In the oral part of the exam (40%): 2. Linguistic and textual quality of the spoken monologue, assessing 1) grammar, 2) language quality in visual aids, 3) pronunciation, 4) wording, 5) oral scientific style, 6) answers to questions.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Introduction. Macrostructure of a Science Article in English.
Description
Annotation: The lecture and practical session will cover the specifics of the English language in the context of health care science, the variety of genres of scientific articles: annotations, articles, summaries, poster presentations, monographs, dissertations, reviews, etc. Doctoral students will describe in English the specifics of the structure of one health care science article of their choice: the topic, annotation and/or summary, sections of the article, aim, objectives, conclusions, literature and sources used. Topics covered during the class: 1. The English language of science, among other varieties of English. 2. Genres of social science articles and specificities thereof. 3. Barriers to scientific writing and how to address them effectively. 4. Design and planning of the scientific article and poster presentation: possible use of online tools such as Kialo, Mindmup, Miro, etc. 5. Thematic focus of the scientific article: health science, pharmacy, health psychology in English. Literature: Buckingham, Thomas (2017) Effective Medical Writing: An Academic Writing Guide. 1st ed. Cambridge International Association. Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd edition. World Scientific. (Introduction “Narrative Wrap”) Posters for Medical Students – [Available at: http://cures.cardiff.ac.uk/files/2014/10/NSAMR-Poster.pdf] Research Poster – [Available at: https://guides.nyu.edu/posters] Scientific Posters – [Available at: https://researchguides.uvm.edu/c.php?g=290226&p=5077240] Tips for Research Posters – [Available at: https://acmedsci.ac.uk/more/news/top-tips-for-designing-a-research-poster]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Introduction. Macrostructure of a Science Article in English.
Description
Annotation: The lecture and practical session will cover the specifics of the English language in the context of health care science, the variety of genres of scientific articles: annotations, articles, summaries, poster presentations, monographs, dissertations, reviews, etc. Doctoral students will describe in English the specifics of the structure of one health care science article of their choice: the topic, annotation and/or summary, sections of the article, aim, objectives, conclusions, literature and sources used. Topics covered during the class: 1. The English language of science, among other varieties of English. 2. Genres of social science articles and specificities thereof. 3. Barriers to scientific writing and how to address them effectively. 4. Design and planning of the scientific article and poster presentation: possible use of online tools such as Kialo, Mindmup, Miro, etc. 5. Thematic focus of the scientific article: health science, pharmacy, health psychology in English. Literature: Buckingham, Thomas (2017) Effective Medical Writing: An Academic Writing Guide. 1st ed. Cambridge International Association. Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd edition. World Scientific. (Introduction “Narrative Wrap”) Posters for Medical Students – [Available at: http://cures.cardiff.ac.uk/files/2014/10/NSAMR-Poster.pdf] Research Poster – [Available at: https://guides.nyu.edu/posters] Scientific Posters – [Available at: https://researchguides.uvm.edu/c.php?g=290226&p=5077240] Tips for Research Posters – [Available at: https://acmedsci.ac.uk/more/news/top-tips-for-designing-a-research-poster]
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Microstructural elements of a health care science article
Description
Annotation: In the lecture and practical class, doctoral students will be introduced to the generic models of sections of a scientific article. Writing a title, annotation and introduction in English for the practical exercise and to consolidate writing skills. Topics covered during the class: 1. Generic models of sections in a health care science article in English: 1. 1. annotation, 1.2. introduction, formulation of the research question and problem in English, 1.3. methods and results section, 1.4. discussion, 1.5. conclusions. 2. Wording of headings and sub-headings. 3. Creating a reference and bibliography list. 4. Making a list of key concepts, keywords. 5. Thesis formulation. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Chapters 6-17) Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd edition. World Scientific. (Unit 1-7) Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 163-205
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Microstructural elements of a health care science article
Description
Annotation: In the lecture and practical class, doctoral students will be introduced to the generic models of sections of a scientific article. Writing a title, annotation and introduction in English for the practical exercise and to consolidate writing skills. Topics covered during the class: 1. Generic models of sections in a health care science article in English: 1. 1. annotation, 1.2. introduction, formulation of the research question and problem in English, 1.3. methods and results section, 1.4. discussion, 1.5. conclusions. 2. Wording of headings and sub-headings. 3. Creating a reference and bibliography list. 4. Making a list of key concepts, keywords. 5. Thesis formulation. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Chapters 6-17) Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd edition. World Scientific. (Unit 1-7) Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 163-205
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Data description in English. Presentation of articles in English.
Description
Annotation: In the classes, doctoral students will compare and describe different means of expressing visual data in English, as well as practically develop a short written presentation in English on their research topic. Topics covered during the class: 1. Description and interpretation of visual data in English: graphs, tables, figures, charts. 2. Description of trends and quantities in English. 3. Presentation and organisation of written research in English for presentation purposes. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Chapter 17) Carter, Matt (2020) Designing Science Presentations. A Visual Guide to Figures, Papers, Slides, Posters and More. 2nd ed. Academic Press. Moore, Julie (2021) Oxford Academic Vocabulary Practice. Upper-Intermediate B2-C1. Oxford University Press, pp. 14-15, 22-33, 30-31
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Data description in English. Presentation of articles in English.
Description
Annotation: In the classes, doctoral students will compare and describe different means of expressing visual data in English, as well as practically develop a short written presentation in English on their research topic. Topics covered during the class: 1. Description and interpretation of visual data in English: graphs, tables, figures, charts. 2. Description of trends and quantities in English. 3. Presentation and organisation of written research in English for presentation purposes. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Chapter 17) Carter, Matt (2020) Designing Science Presentations. A Visual Guide to Figures, Papers, Slides, Posters and More. 2nd ed. Academic Press. Moore, Julie (2021) Oxford Academic Vocabulary Practice. Upper-Intermediate B2-C1. Oxford University Press, pp. 14-15, 22-33, 30-31
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Text functions in a scientific article.
Description
Annotation: The classes will include practical exercises that reflect the progression of the text, paragraphs, sentences, the author’s position, and provide doctoral students with a range of linguistic tools to improve the quality of the text. Topics covered during the class: 1. Constructions and categoricality of presumptions. 2. Emphasising text and sentence elements. 3. Connectives and sayings. Literature: Moore, Julie (2021) Oxford Academic Vocabulary Practice. Upper-Intermediate B2-C1. Oxford University Press, pp. 76-79, 82-83 Signalling Transition – [Available at: https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/signalling-transition/] Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 133-147
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Text functions in a scientific article.
Description
Annotation: The classes will include practical exercises that reflect the progression of the text, paragraphs, sentences, the author’s position, and provide doctoral students with a range of linguistic tools to improve the quality of the text. Topics covered during the class: 1. Constructions and categoricality of presumptions. 2. Emphasising text and sentence elements. 3. Connectives and sayings. Literature: Moore, Julie (2021) Oxford Academic Vocabulary Practice. Upper-Intermediate B2-C1. Oxford University Press, pp. 76-79, 82-83 Signalling Transition – [Available at: https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/signalling-transition/] Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 133-147
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

English vocabulary and terminology in the health care sciences.
Description
Annotation: The classes will cover the key lexical units in an English science text, vocabulary expansion opportunities and tasks. Topics covered during the class: 1. Nouns, nominalisation, verbs in scientific text. 2. Terms: word, concept, term in a scientific article; defining terms in English. 3. Word usage in scientific style: 3.1. numerals (English in statistics). 3.2. adverb to express time, place, sequence. Literature: Greene, E. Anne (2013) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press (Chapters 5, 6). MICUSP Simple Beta – [Available at: https://elicorpora.info/]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

English vocabulary and terminology in the health care sciences.
Description
Annotation: The classes will cover the key lexical units in an English science text, vocabulary expansion opportunities and tasks. Topics covered during the class: 1. Nouns, nominalisation, verbs in scientific text. 2. Terms: word, concept, term in a scientific article; defining terms in English. 3. Word usage in scientific style: 3.1. numerals (English in statistics). 3.2. adverb to express time, place, sequence. Literature: Greene, E. Anne (2013) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press (Chapters 5, 6). MICUSP Simple Beta – [Available at: https://elicorpora.info/]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Grammar of scientific texts.
Description
Annotation: The classes will cover the most important grammatical issues in scientific texts in terms of morphology (word formation, use of capital and small letters, modal verbs, articles, etc.), syntax (punctuation, word order). Topics covered during the class: 1. Syntax: sentence structure in a scientific text. 2. Grammar: 2.1. use of articles, 2.2. use of modal verbs, 2.3. use of capital and small letters, 2.4. punctuation, 2.5. abbreviations. Literature: Caplan, A. Nigel (2019) Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers. 2nd edition. University of Michigan Press ELT, pp. 1-26 Greene, E. Anne (2013) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press (Chapter 4). Swan, Michael (2016) Practical English Usage. 4th edition. OUP. [Online material]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Grammar of scientific texts.
Description
Annotation: The classes will cover the most important grammatical issues in scientific texts in terms of morphology (word formation, use of capital and small letters, modal verbs, articles, etc.), syntax (punctuation, word order). Topics covered during the class: 1. Syntax: sentence structure in a scientific text. 2. Grammar: 2.1. use of articles, 2.2. use of modal verbs, 2.3. use of capital and small letters, 2.4. punctuation, 2.5. abbreviations. Literature: Caplan, A. Nigel (2019) Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers. 2nd edition. University of Michigan Press ELT, pp. 1-26 Greene, E. Anne (2013) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press (Chapter 4). Swan, Michael (2016) Practical English Usage. 4th edition. OUP. [Online material]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Organisation of scientific texts.
Description
Annotation: The classes will explore the possibilities of organising scientific information in an English text, focusing on the logic and coherence of the text. Topics covered during the class: 1. The logic of language use in English: cohesion and coherence in a scientific text. 2. Theme and rheme. 3. Topic sentence of a paragraph, explanatory sentences. 4. Description of causes and effects. 5. Description of comparison and contrast. 6. Description of problem and solution. 7. Description of evidence, opinion, view. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Part 1, Chapter 2) Caplan, A. Nigel (2019) Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers. 2nd edition. University of Michigan Press ELT. pp. 176-185 Greene, E. Anne (2013) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press, (Chapters 7, 9) Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 53-87 [Online material]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Organisation of scientific texts.
Description
Annotation: The classes will explore the possibilities of organising scientific information in an English text, focusing on the logic and coherence of the text. Topics covered during the class: 1. The logic of language use in English: cohesion and coherence in a scientific text. 2. Theme and rheme. 3. Topic sentence of a paragraph, explanatory sentences. 4. Description of causes and effects. 5. Description of comparison and contrast. 6. Description of problem and solution. 7. Description of evidence, opinion, view. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Part 1, Chapter 2) Caplan, A. Nigel (2019) Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers. 2nd edition. University of Michigan Press ELT. pp. 176-185 Greene, E. Anne (2013) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press, (Chapters 7, 9) Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 53-87 [Online material]
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Scientific text style and editing.
Description
Annotation: The classes will cover linguistic techniques and tasks, how to emphasise primary and secondary information, and how to avoid redundancy when structuring a concise scientific text in English. Topics covered during the class: 1. Linear and digressive writing style. 2. Simplified and academic scientific written English. 3. Improving sentences, paragraphs, text. 4. Using online tools to improve text quality, eliminate errors. 5. Typical errors and how to avoid them in the first versions of English science texts. 6. Developing editorial skills. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Chapter 7) Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd edition. World Scientific. (Unit 8) Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 89-107 [Available at: http://tiramisutes.github.io/images/PDF/English+for+Writing+Research+Papers.pdf]
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
1

Topics

Scientific text style and editing.
Description
Annotation: The classes will cover linguistic techniques and tasks, how to emphasise primary and secondary information, and how to avoid redundancy when structuring a concise scientific text in English. Topics covered during the class: 1. Linear and digressive writing style. 2. Simplified and academic scientific written English. 3. Improving sentences, paragraphs, text. 4. Using online tools to improve text quality, eliminate errors. 5. Typical errors and how to avoid them in the first versions of English science texts. 6. Developing editorial skills. Literature: Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. (Chapter 7) Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd edition. World Scientific. (Unit 8) Wallwork, Adrian (2011) English for Writing Research Papers. Springer, pp. 89-107 [Available at: http://tiramisutes.github.io/images/PDF/English+for+Writing+Research+Papers.pdf]
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Buckingham, Thomas (2017) Effective Medical Writing: An Academic Writing Guide. 1st ed. Cambridge International Association.Suitable for English stream

2.

Caplan, A. Nigel (2019) Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers. 2nd ed. University of Michigan Press ELT.Suitable for English stream

3.

Carter, Matt (2020) Designing Science Presentations. A Visual Guide to Figures, Papers, Slides, Posters and More. 2nd ed. Academic Press.Suitable for English stream

4.

Glasman-Deal, Hilary (2020) Science Research Writing for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English. 2nd ed. World Scientific.Suitable for English stream

5.

Moore, Julie (2021) Oxford Academic Vocabulary Practice. Upper-Intermediate B2-C1. Oxford University Press.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Beins, M. Agatha; Beins, C. Bernard (2021) Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, Posters and Presentations. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell.Suitable for English stream

2.

Greene, E. Anne (2025) Writing Science in Plain English. The University of Chicago Press.Suitable for English stream

3.

Schimel, Joshua (2011) Writing Science. How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded. Oxford University Press.Suitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

Classifying and Listing. The University of Manchester.Suitable for English stream

2.

Designing PostersSuitable for English stream

3.

MICUSP Simple BetaSuitable for English stream

4.

Posters for Medical StudentsSuitable for English stream

5.

Research PosterSuitable for English stream

6.

Scientific PostersSuitable for English stream

7.

Signalling Transition. The University of Manchester.Suitable for English stream

8.

Swan, Michael (2020) Practical English Usage.Suitable for English stream

9.

Tips for Research PostersSuitable for English stream

10.

Docētāja moodle sagatavotie prezentācijas materiāli sadaļā Angļu valoda zinātnē (2021) /Presentation materials prepared by the lecturer in the section English in science (2021)Suitable for English stream