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2017　Global Communication on Computational Life Sciences B(ACLS)

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Academic unit or major
Life Science
Instructor(s)
Yamaguchi Yuki 
Class Format
Lecture     
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Intensive ()  
Group
-
Course number
ZBA.A406
Credits
2
Academic year
2017
Offered quarter
3-4Q
Syllabus updated
2017/3/17
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
English
Access Index

Course description and aims

Experienced instructors, native speakers of English, provide practical training of English communication using an original textbook developed for this course and scientific articles and speeches as topics. Each class focuses on a specific skill, and basic expressions essential for English communication in academic settings are presented. In the final few classes, expressions useful for presentation and exchange of ideas are presented through mock presentation by each student. Since students at a similar English language level take the course in a small class, learning effectiveness is high.

The aim of this course is to improve comprehensive English communication skills on science and technology-related topics.

This course is closely related to Global Debate on Computational Life Sciences, Global Presentation on Computational Life Sciences A/B, and Global Writing on Computational Life Sciences. Particularly, Global Debate on Computational Life Sciences is considered as a continuation of this course.

Student learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. go through English conversation smoothly on science and technology-related topics
2. communicate smoothly in English with people having different cultural or educational backgrounds.
3. increase their English proficiency by 1 or more levels.

Keywords

English, intercultural communication, discussion

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Level-check interview is conducted in the first class. Based on the results, class organization is determined. Subsequently, each class focuses on a specific theme described in each chapter of the textbook. Toward the end of the course, students are asked to give poster or slide presentations on their own research topics. Homework assignments are due in almost all the classes.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Level-check interview is performed on a one-on-one basis to evaluate students' English language proficiency levels. Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 2.
Class 2 Introducing Yourself: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the article “Where Would Watson Lead Us?" Students must be able to make use of the skill ”unquestionably complete speech.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 3.
Class 3 Confirming What You Heard: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the speech "I Listen to Color" Students must be able to make use of the skill "asking for a repetition.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 4.
Class 4 Agreeing and Disagreeing: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the article "Does Risk Outweigh Benefits?" Students must be able to make use of the skills "showing agreement" and ”giving counter opinions.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 5.
Class 5 Talking Around Vocabulary: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the speech "Animate Your Hypothesis" Students must be able to make use of the skills "naming nouns" and ”gesturing verbs.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 6.
Class 6 Avoiding Silences: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the article "My Brain is Stored Elsewhere" Students must be able to make use of the skills "thinking out loud” and "signposting.”
Class 7 Getting Around Reception Parties: Practical exercises of greetings and small talks at reception parties. Students must be able to make use of the skills "starting off small talk" and ”leaving the situation.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 8.
Class 8 Giving Examples: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the speech "The Story of Large Scale at Twitter" Students must be able to make use of the skill "giving examples.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 9.
Class 9 Leading a Discussion: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the article "Sugar Subject to Taxation?" Students must be able to make use of the skills "starting off discussion" and “wrapping up discussion.” Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 10.
Class 10 Making a Presentation: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the speech "Talk Nerdy to Me" Students must be able to express difficult technical terms and concepts using simple words. Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 11.
Class 11 Handling Q&A: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the presentation slides made by students. Handling Q&A: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the presentation slides made by students.
Class 12 Giving a Presentation 1: Students give a poster or slide presentation on their own research topics and conducts Q&A. Giving a Presentation 1: Students give a poster or slide presentation on their own research topics and conducts Q&A.
Class 13 Giving a Presentation 2: Students give a poster or slide presentation on their own research topics and conducts Q&A. Students must be able to give an intelligible presentation and perform Q&A effectively using the skills given in the course.
Class 14 Giving a Presentation 3: Students give a poster or slide presentation on their own research topics and conducts Q&A. Students must be able to give an intelligible presentation and perform Q&A effectively using the skills given in the course. Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 15.
Class 15 Final Discussion: Conversation and discussion are conducted on the article “Halt to Mutant Flu Research?" Students must be able to talk and discuss on the article by making full use of the skills given in the course and perform Q&A effectively.

Textbook(s)

A free textbook is distributed.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

None required.

Assessment criteria and methods

Students' course scores are based on (i) pre-class assignments, (ii) active participation in discussion and conversation with voluntary use of the speaking skills introduced in the course, and (iii) the final examination.

Related courses

  • ZBA.A502 ： Global Debate on Computational Life Sciences(ACLS)
  • ZBA.A403 ： Global Presentation on Computational Life Sciences A（ACLS)
  • ZBA.A404 ： Global Presentation on Computational Life Sciences B(ACLS)
  • ZBA.A501 ： Global Writing on Computational Life Sciences(ACLS)

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

Preregistration is necessary to enroll this course. Global Communication on Computational Life Sciences A and B are offered in different quarters but are identical in content; therefore, students cannot enroll both courses. In addition, as a general rule, students are allowed to enroll only one course from Science and Technology Communication Subjects at a time.

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