Courses
Welcome to an overview of the optional short course and workshops offered by the ELCP.
Dates and times of all courses and workshops offered in Fall of the 2024/2025 academic year can be viewed here.
All courses are advertised approximately one week before starting on Campus Connect, where you can also sign up for the course of your choice.
Please note that if there is a course or workshop not advertised here, but which you would like us to provide for your student group or Research Center, please go here
On completion of this course, students will:-
1. be aware and appreciative of scientific research writing style.
2. be aware of the key structural components and linguistic features in the sections of a scientific research paper.
3. be able to prepare, develop and write scientific research papers more confidently and competently.
Running for 4 x weekly 1.5 hour sessions, the following course themes are covered:-
Session 1: Writing the Introduction
Session 2: Writing the Methods and Materials
Session 3: Writing the Results
Session 4: Writing the Discussion and the Abstract
On completion of this course, students will be able to: -
Articulate their thoughts more confidently and effectively.
Actively participate in high-level scientific discussion and debate.
Construct and put forward solid arguments in real-time.
Appropriately inform and/or persuade an audience more effectively.
Running for 2 x 1.5 hour sessions, this course covers a different scientific theme or concern in each session.
On completion of this short-course, students will be able to:
1. Recognize and produce individual vowel and consonant sounds in English, thus improving their overall pronunciation and communication skills.
2. Recognize and produce word and sentence stress patterns which are key aspects of English pronunciation that can greatly affect the meaning and clarity of spoken communication.
3. Recognize and produce intonation patterns of spoken English key to effectively communicating oral messages.
Running for 4 x weekly 1.5 hour sessions, the following course themes are covered:
Session 1: The anatomy of speech and the schwa sound
Session 2: Short and long vowel sounds, some difficult consonants
Session 3: Consonant clusters, word and sentence stress
Session 4: Intonation, shadow listening
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Use a variety of reading techniques to identify the information they need from a text more quickly
2. Read a text critically to eliminate biases and better understand the writer’s implicit meanings
3. Use note-taking strategies to digest and organize their reading more effectively
Running for 3 x weekly 1.5 hour sessions, the following course themes are covered:
Session 1: Introduction to a variety of reading techniques and critical reading.
Session 2: Scanning, skimming and intensive reading.
Session 3: Note-taking, extensive reading, introduction to speed reading.
Workshops
A research proposal should convince others (including your supervisor) that you have a worthwhile project and a realistic work plan to carry out and successfully complete the research. In this 1.5 hour workshop, guidance is given to help students plan, structure and become more aware of the appropriate language use and style to make a clear, compelling argument for their research.
Having developed your written Research Proposal, this two-part workshop (2 x 1.5 hours) will give guidance and practice on how to plan and present your proposal clearly, logically, and with maximum effect. The structure and design of your talk, the incorporation of data and graphics, use of language and delivery, as well as appropriately dealing with assessor and committee questions, will all be examined so that you can deliver your proposal both confidently and effectively. Session 1 includes trainer input and guidance. Session 2 includes in-class practice, when participants can practice the tips and techniques covered in Session 1.
This 1.5 hour workshop will teach you how to effectively plan, develop and communicate your ideas and scientific research to achieve a clear, engaging and successful presentation. Areas covered include slide content and design, principles of oral delivery, understanding your audience, and the use of body language and voice.
This workshop will guide you through the essential steps of crafting a clear and concise summary of academic articles. You will learn how to identify key points, paraphrase effectively, and maintain the integrity of the original text without injecting personal opinions. This workshop is perfect for students looking to improve their ability to summarize, synthesize and communicate complex information. Join us to refine your writing and ensure your summaries are accurate, coherent, and impactful.
This 90-minute workshop is designed to empower researchers and scientists with the skills to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging language for a general audience as part of scientific outreach. Participants will learn techniques for simplifying jargon, creating compelling narratives, and using visuals effectively to enhance a general audience’s understanding of scientific concepts. By the end of the workshop, scientists will be better equipped to bridge the gap between their specialized knowledge and the broader public, fostering greater appreciation and support for science.
With very few scientific posters actually read at conferences due to their poor design, the excellent research they represent is often completely hidden. This 1.5 hour workshop will give you the tools to develop the perfect scientific poster, teaching you how to create successful posters that people will stop to read, understand and engage with. You will learn how to create and present your poster and research in a way that makes people want to learn more.
Presenting your scientific research or thesis in a clear and concise manner is increasingly required and popular with varied academic or professional audiences. This informative and practical two-part (90 minutes each) workshop will give you the tips, techniques and feedback to make an immediate impact, enabling you to communicate the importance and main message of your research in an attractive and engaging manner. The first part of the workshop provides input, and the second gives participants a chance to practice their pitch and gain immediate instructor and peer feedback.
Unlock the power of critical thinking in this interactive workshop designed for students eager to enhance their analytical skills. Dive deep into the essential components of critical thinking, learning how to evaluate information, identify biases, and construct well-reasoned arguments. This session will guide you through some practical exercises, helping you apply critical thinking strategies directly to your academic work and beyond. Whether you're tackling complex research or everyday decision-making, this workshop will equip you with the tools to think critically and make informed judgments. Join us to sharpen your mind and elevate your academic success.