Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to

  • recognize the organizational and rhetorical patterns as well as language features specific to the major divisions of a master's thesis in engineering disciplines,
  • employ metatextual strategies (e.g., signposting, chapter/section previews)  to produce clear reader-friendly text,
  • apply advanced features of cohesion, grammar (e.g. tense, parallel structures), and punctuation common to academic writing in a master's thesis,
  • assess common weaknesses in academic texts and revise to improve readability.

Credits: 3

Schedule: 05.09.2022 - 31.05.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Laura Mendoza, Matthew Billington, Susan Gamache

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period): C1

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course provides five self-study modules on the introduction, literature/theory review, results-discussion, conclusion, and the abstract. Each module focuses on the structure, function and language features specific to that part of the master’s thesis. The modules consist of videos and interactive exercises. In addition, the course offers individualized feedback on two chapters from their master's thesis.

    Working Life Skills: Knowledge of research in own field, Skills in foreign languages, Information retrieval skills, Written communication, Self-awareness, Critical thinking skills, Analytical skills, Life-long learning skills, and Self-confidence.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Completion of the modules and participation in two personal feedback sessions.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    68-78 hours of independent work

    3 hours of one-on-one feedback with the teacher

    0-10 hours of small group support (optional)

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This course has continuous enrolment and master's students can start it at any time during the academic year.

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn I - Summer
    2023-2024 Autumn I - Summer