Science English 2 builds on the foundations established in Science English 1 and further develops students’ English communication skills within the specific context of Materials Science. While the first-semester course focused on technical and industrial themes drawn from a range of engineering disciplines, this course introduces content more directly aligned with students’ departmental specialisation.

Through discipline-specific topics in Materials Science, students will expand their technical vocabulary and strengthen their ability to engage with subject-related content in English. The course also introduces key skills required for research comprehension and communication, including reading scientific papers, summarising research findings, and explaining materials-related concepts clearly and accurately.

Emphasis is placed on both receptive and productive skills. Students will develop strategies for understanding research texts while also improving their ability to communicate scientific information through group work, presentations, and other collaborative activities. By integrating English learning with Materials Science content, the course supports students in preparing for future academic research and professional communication in their discipline, including potential postgraduate study.

The objectives of this course are to help students:

• Expand their range of technical vocabulary related to Materials Science;

• Develop the ability to comprehend scientific texts and content in English;

• Strengthen skills in communicating materials-related concepts clearly and accurately;

• Build strategies for engaging with research content in preparation for future academic and professional work;

• Increase confidence in using English within discipline-specific academic contexts.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an expanded range of technical vocabulary related to Materials Science;

• Comprehend and interpret scientific texts and subject-related content in English with greater confidence;

• Communicate materials-related concepts clearly and accurately in spoken and written form;

• Apply effective strategies to engage with research content in academic contexts;

• Use English with increased confidence in discipline-specific academic settings.

This course will be taught on-site in the classroom. Learners should utilise and build upon the English skills developed in their first and second years of study. This course would suit students with a TOEIC score of 600 or higher, although this is not a requirement. All communication in this course will be in English, and students are expected to speak with each other and with the teacher in English as much as possible. It is recommended that students have completed Science English 1, although this is not a requirement.

More information about course expectations, including attendance policies, will be shared in the first class of the semester.

Assessment will be allocated as follows:

• Class Participation: Up to 30 points (2 points per class)

• Lesson Review Assignments: Up to 18 points (3 points per assignment)

• Communicative Assessments: Up to 12 points (mid-term assessment) and up to 22 points (end-of-term assessment)

• Language and Skills Test: Up to 12 points

• Overall Course Contribution: Up to 6 points

Reference books, such as English for Materials Science and Engineering: Exercises, Grammar, Case Studies, will also be used on this course. Students are not required to purchase this book. 

This course plan is subject to change and adaptation:

Lesson 1: Course Orientation and Introduction
Lesson 2: Materials Science – Theme 1
Lesson 3: Materials Science – Theme 2
Lesson 4: Materials Science – Theme 3
Lesson 5: Materials Science – Theme 4
Lesson 6: Materials Science – Theme 5
Lesson 7: Materials Science – Theme 6
Lesson 8: Communicative Assessment 1
Lesson 9: English for Academic Production – Skill 1
Lesson 10: English for Academic Production – Skill 2
Lesson 11: English for Academic Production – Skill 3
Lesson 12: English for Academic Production – Skill 4
Lesson 13: English for Academic Production – Skill 5
Lesson 14: Communicative Assessment 2
Lesson 15: Language and Skills Test and Course Review

Each lesson will introduce and practise various language functions, scientific communication genres, terminology, and communicative activities related to the class themes. As this course is negotiated between teachers and students, Materials Science themes will be derived from students’ input and interests, as well as their relevance to the field. Topics such as biomaterials, semiconductors, and composite materials are likely to be included.

The communicative assessments are guided by creative and collaborative approaches to review and production. Modes of assessment may include the planning and delivery of poster presentations or the development of student-produced lessons.