Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027

Module EAPG1017: Science Communication 2: NetZero and the Future of Energy

Department: Global Wuhan

EAPG1017: Science Communication 2: NetZero and the Future of Energy

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2026/2027 Module Cap None. Location Other
Tied to F652
Tied to F668
Tied to H217
Tied to H317
Tied to H517
Tied to H717

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Building on Science Communication 1, this module continues to support students’ development of English language proficiency and academic literacy skills necessary for study in the Durham context within their chosen scientific discipline.
  • The module is strategically designed around the themes of Net Zero and future energy to create meaningful integration with the broader programme curriculum, ensuring language development occurs within authentic academic contexts. This module focuses on developing listening and speaking skills essential for engaging with lectures, seminars, presentations, and academic discussions.
  • Aims:
  • To develop English language proficiency in listening and speaking appropriate for undergraduate study in the sciences
  • To develop the communication skills necessary for effective engagement with lectures, seminars, presentations, and group work
  • To introduce intercultural communication skills for academic and professional contexts

Content

  • Lecture listening skills including note-taking strategies
  • Presentation skills for academic contexts
  • Formal speaking skills including presentation delivery and seminar interaction
  • Informal speaking skills including introduction to intercultural communication

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding of the conventions and expectations for oral communication in scientific academic contexts
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Listening skills necessary to engage effectively with lectures and academic presentations
  • Spoken communication skills necessary to engage effectively with seminars, presentations, group work and interaction with academic staff
Key Skills:
  • Academic listening skills in English
  • Academic speaking and presentation skills in English
  • Intercultural communication awareness
  • Progression to English language proficiency broadly equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in listening and speaking skill areas

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • As language development requires in-class engagement and frequent, rapid feedback, the module will be delivered in small groups of 18 students to facilitate a communicative approach, effective student engagement and to maximise opportunities for language development.
  • Classes will be student-centred and highly interactive. Teaching staff will deploy a range of pedagogical approaches which may include genre-informed pedagogies, corpus-informed pedagogies and Systemic Functional Linguistics. The format of the classes will vary but will include pair work, group work, and peer feedback.
  • Some class time will be given over to one-to-one tutorials to allow detailed, individual feedback on formative tasks and to support preparation for summative tasks.
  • Students will engage with asynchronous learning in preparation for classes or to support their development with specific aspects of language or specific academic skills. This may include online resources, readings or other preparation tasks.
  • Note: Class sizes will be limited to 18 students. Attendance will be monitored.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours Attendance Monitored
Workshops 20 2 per week 2 hours 40 Yes ■
Self-Directed Study 15 Weekly 4 hours 60 Yes ■
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Presentation 10-15 minutes 50%
Aural Examination 1 hour 50%

Formative Assessment:

A range of formative assessments during the semester will support the summative work. These will be integrated into class activities and one-to-one tutorials, providing students with regular feedback on their progress.


■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.