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Jack Sullivan
and
Alyssa Swanson
Welcome to English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a course created by the University of Pennsylvania, and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs.
To enroll in this course for free, click on “Enroll now” and then select "Full Course. No certificate." If you want to get a Coursera Verified Certificate for free, please fill out the Financial Aid form.
Read more
Welcome to English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a course created by the University of Pennsylvania, and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs.
To enroll in this course for free, click on “Enroll now” and then select "Full Course. No certificate." If you want to get a Coursera Verified Certificate for free, please fill out the Financial Aid form.
Read more
Welcome to English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a course created by the University of Pennsylvania, and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs.
To enroll in this course for free, click on “Enroll now” and then select "Full Course. No certificate." If you want to get a Coursera Verified Certificate for free, please fill out the Financial Aid form.
This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their English skills in the sciences. In this course, you will explore some of the most innovative areas of scientific study, while expanding your vocabulary and the language skills needed to share scientific information within your community. In unit 1, you will learn how to preview texts and practice some of the language used to make comparisons when talking about global warming and climate change. In unit 2, you will examine the chemistry of climate change and the language of cause and effect. In Unit 3, you will learn about some of the impacts of Climate Change and the language used to describe these effects. In Unit 4, you will learn reading strategies that can help you explore the science behind some new energy systems. In the final unit, you will investigate practical advances in Nanotechnology that help slow down climate change, while developing your own research skills in English.
Unless otherwise noted, all course materials are available for re-use, repurposing and free distribution under a Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution license.
Supplemental reading materials were provided by Newsela, which publishes daily news articles at a level that's just right for each English language learner.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/vs5y6y/english
What's inside
Syllabus
Unit 1: Is the Earth Getting Warmer?
Unit 2: The Greenhouse Effect
The Impacts of Climate Change on our World
Read more
Syllabus
Unit 1: Is the Earth Getting Warmer?
Unit 2: The Greenhouse Effect
The Impacts of Climate Change on our World
Read more
Discovering Cleaner Energy Sources to Power the World
What Might the Future Hold?
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the latest advancements in energy systems powered by nanotechnology, which are relevant to those working to slow down climate change
Examines the direct impacts climate change has on our planet's inhabitants, which is highly relevant to those working in policy, education, science, and development
Develops comprehension strategies for interpreting challenging science texts, which is a core skill in higher education and career
Instructs on how to preview science texts and practice language for making comparisons, which are fundamental skills for engaging with scientific content
Covers foundational information on climate change and the greenhouse gas effect, which is a building block for understanding the science behind this timely global issue
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Save English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Stem scicomms simplified
learners say this course is largely positively reviewed. With 408 five-star reviews out of 463 reviews, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learners find it interesting and educational. Available in English, it's suited for beginners seeking to enter the STEM sector, or intermediate learners who want to refine their knowledge of technical terms. According to the reviews, this course:
- Is well-structured and easy to follow.
- Provides clear explanations of complex topics, especially those related to climate change.
- Offers engaging activities like discussions, quizzes, and writing assignments that enhance learning.
- Is taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who create a supportive learning environment.
- Provides opportunities for peer feedback and collaboration, fostering a sense of community among learners. - Is flexible and can be adapted to individual learning styles and schedules.
- Is well-structured and easy to follow.
- Provides clear explanations of complex topics, especially those related to climate change.
- Offers engaging activities like discussions, quizzes, and writing assignments that enhance learning.
- Is taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who create a supportive learning environment.
- Provides opportunities for peer feedback and collaboration, fostering a sense of community among learners. - Is flexible and can be adapted to individual learning styles and schedules.
Suitable for beginners, this course provides a solid foundation in STEM concepts and English proficiency. Learners with little to no background in STEM find the course accessible and informative. One review praises the course structure, saying, “The course has certainly deepened my knowledge on climate change and has given me more valuable information on how scientists are working to mitigate its effects by using renewable energy and nanotechnology.”
"The course has certainly deepened my knowledge on climate change and has given me more valuable information on how scientists are working to mitigate its effects by using renewable energy and nanotechnology."
"This is a well lectured, interesting course about global warming resulting in climate change, including the English terminology."
The course introduces STEM-related terminology and vocabulary, helping learners expand their technical lexicon. The instructors provide clear explanations and examples, making it easier for students to understand and apply these terms. In one review, a learner says, “For those whose English is not their native language, especially those who involve with science and teaching, this course provides a wider range of contents about global warming and English strategies.”
"This course provides a wider range of contents about global warming and English strategies."
"The instructors were excellent! The current topics were interesting. I really recommended this course."
This course goes beyond teaching scientific concepts, it also focuses on developing communication skills. Learners appreciate how the course provides tips on presenting scientific findings and writing clear and concise reports. One review says, “This course improved my logical thinking, communication skills (written and oral), and my inter/intra personality skills.”
"The course improved and enhanced my logical thinking, communication skills (written and oral) and my inter/intra personality skills."
"This course encourages learners to deeply understand the importance of science which is focused on renewable resources that could help eliminate the harmful gases causing our planet's temperature high."
The course is led by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about science and teaching. Learners appreciate their clear explanations, engaging teaching style, and ability to make complex topics understandable. One review commends the instructors, saying, “The instructors are excellent! The current topics were interesting. I really recommended this course.”
"The instructors were excellent! The current topics were interesting. I really recommended this course."
"I found the course excellent, it was very well run, the instructors were very successful and conducted the lessons well, I am very grateful for that."
The course delves into climate change, emphasizing its causes and potential solutions. Learners who took this course appreciate the updated and reliable information provided on this critical topic. One review highlights, “This course was designed with special care. It was a perfect blend of videos, reading articles, quiz, and assignments. Thanks.”
"This course was designed with special care. It was a perfect blend of videos, reading articles, quiz, and assignments. Thanks."
"The difficulty level of this course is intermediate; it is particularly useful for those who write scientific papers or engineering reports."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with these
activities:
Review Basic Science Concepts
Show steps
Ensures you have a solid understanding of fundamental science concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Earth Science
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks from previous science courses
-
Participate in online forums or discussions to clarify understanding
-
Complete practice problems or quizzes on key science concepts
Explore Newsela Articles
Show steps
Provides exposure to real-world science news and improves reading comprehension skills.
Show steps
-
Read Newsela articles on climate change and related topics
-
Summarize the main points of the articles
-
Identify key vocabulary and scientific concepts
Collaborative Study Groups
Show steps
Encourages active learning and provides opportunities to clarify concepts through discussions.
Show steps
-
Form study groups with classmates
-
Review course materials together
-
Discuss and solve practice problems
-
Share perspectives and insights on scientific topics
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Local Environmental Initiatives
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience and deepens understanding of environmental issues.
Show steps
-
Research local environmental organizations
-
Volunteer for activities related to climate change or conservation
-
Participate in cleanup events, tree planting, or educational programs
Climate Change Symposiums
Show steps
Exposes students to cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives on climate change.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant climate change symposiums or conferences
-
Attend sessions and engage with experts in the field
-
Participate in discussions and networking opportunities
Science Communication Blog
Show steps
Develops writing and critical thinking skills while reinforcing scientific concepts.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific science topic related to the course
-
Research and gather information from credible sources
-
Write blog posts that explain the topic clearly and engagingly
-
Share the blog posts with peers or a wider audience
Contributing to Climate Change Projects
Show steps
Provides practical experience in applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems.
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects related to climate change
-
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
-
Collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project
Review Basic Science Concepts
Show steps
Ensures you have a solid understanding of fundamental science concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Earth Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks from previous science courses
- Participate in online forums or discussions to clarify understanding
- Complete practice problems or quizzes on key science concepts
Explore Newsela Articles
Show steps
Provides exposure to real-world science news and improves reading comprehension skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Newsela articles on climate change and related topics
- Summarize the main points of the articles
- Identify key vocabulary and scientific concepts
Collaborative Study Groups
Show steps
Encourages active learning and provides opportunities to clarify concepts through discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form study groups with classmates
- Review course materials together
- Discuss and solve practice problems
- Share perspectives and insights on scientific topics
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Local Environmental Initiatives
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience and deepens understanding of environmental issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local environmental organizations
- Volunteer for activities related to climate change or conservation
- Participate in cleanup events, tree planting, or educational programs
Climate Change Symposiums
Show steps
Exposes students to cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives on climate change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant climate change symposiums or conferences
- Attend sessions and engage with experts in the field
- Participate in discussions and networking opportunities
Science Communication Blog
Show steps
Develops writing and critical thinking skills while reinforcing scientific concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific science topic related to the course
- Research and gather information from credible sources
- Write blog posts that explain the topic clearly and engagingly
- Share the blog posts with peers or a wider audience
Contributing to Climate Change Projects
Show steps
Provides practical experience in applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects related to climate change
- Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
- Collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project
Career center
Learners who complete English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific concepts to the general public. They need to be able to translate complex scientific information into clear and concise language. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Science Writers improve their writing skills, which are essential for communicating complex information to a non-technical audience.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance our understanding of the world. They need to be able to design and conduct experiments, and analyze and interpret data. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Research Scientists improve their communication skills, which are essential for presenting their findings to other scientists and the public.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze large sets of data to uncover patterns and trends. They use their findings to make predictions and solve problems. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Data Scientists improve their communication skills, which are essential for presenting their findings to stakeholders.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create user manuals, technical specifications, and other documents that explain how to use and maintain products and services. They need to be able to write clear and concise instructions. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Technical Writers improve their writing skills, which are essential for communicating complex information to a non-technical audience.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help inventors protect their intellectual property. They need to have a strong understanding of the law and technology. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Patent Attorneys improve their legal writing skills, which are essential for drafting patents and other legal documents.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students in grades K-12. They need to be able to explain scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Science Teachers improve their teaching skills, which are essential for communicating complex information to students.
Technical Sales Representative
Technical Sales Representative
Technical Sales Representatives sell technical products and services. They need to be able to understand the needs of customers and translate them into technical specifications. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Technical Sales Representatives improve their communication skills, which are essential for working with customers and presenting their products and services.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They need to be able to understand and interpret complex data. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Policy Analysts improve their research skills, which are essential for gathering and analyzing data.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They need to be able to understand the needs of users and translate them into technical specifications. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Software Engineers improve their technical writing skills, which are essential for documenting their work and communicating with other engineers.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and build medical devices and other medical technologies. They need to have a strong understanding of biology and engineering. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Biomedical Engineers improve their communication skills, which are essential for working with doctors and patients.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment and public health. They design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and waste management. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Environmental Engineers improve their communication skills, which are essential for working with stakeholders and presenting their findings.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. They need to have a strong understanding of chemistry and mathematics. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Chemical Engineers improve their technical writing skills, which are essential for documenting their work and communicating with other engineers.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They need to have a strong understanding of structural engineering and materials science. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Civil Engineers improve their technical writing skills, which are essential for documenting their work and communicating with other engineers.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems and devices. They need to have a strong understanding of electricity and electronics. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Electrical Engineers improve their technical writing skills, which are essential for documenting their work and communicating with other engineers.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They need to have a strong understanding of physics and mathematics. The English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics course can help Mechanical Engineers improve their technical writing skills, which are essential for documenting their work and communicating with other engineers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vs5y6y/english
Reading list
We've selected 34 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Readable, comprehensive overview of climate change science and its impacts. It is appropriate to provide a basis for understanding the concepts that will be covered in the course.
Save
Explores the two systems of thinking that we use: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and deliberative. It fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in how we think.
Explores the causes and consequences of the current mass extinction event, which is the sixth major extinction event in Earth's history. It timely and important read for anyone who is interested in the future of our planet.
Explores the fundamental questions of physics, such as the origin of the universe and the nature of reality. It challenging but rewarding read for anyone who is interested in the big questions of life.
Save
Explores the origins of life and the evolution of complex organisms. It challenging but rewarding read for anyone who is interested in the big questions of life.
Save
Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the relationship between humans and trees. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the importance of trees and the threats they face from climate change.
Popular science book that explores the fundamental nature of reality. It beautifully written and thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in the big questions of life.
Popular science book that explores the search for a unified theory of physics. It fascinating and accessible read for anyone who is interested in the latest developments in physics.
Provides a collection of mental models that can be used to improve your thinking and decision-making. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to think more clearly and effectively.
Provides a step-by-step guide to problem-solving. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to solve problems more effectively.
Save
Tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, the scientist who helped develop the revolutionary gene-editing technology CRISPR. It fascinating and inspiring read for anyone who is interested in the latest advances in science.
Explores the factors that have led to the collapse of past civilizations. Many of the themes in this course may be usefully supplemented or contextualized by the case studies in this book.
Explores the latest advances in neuroscience and the future of the human mind. It fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in the latest developments in science.
Provides a detailed look at the potential consequences of climate change. It will be an especially useful reference for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of the urgency of the climate crisis.
Sweeping history of humankind, from our origins as hunter-gatherers to the development of modern civilization. It thought-provoking and insightful read that will challenge your assumptions about our species.
Save
Blend of science, memoir, and Indigenous wisdom. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the importance of plants and the role they play in our lives.
Look at the hidden life of trees. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the importance of trees and the role they play in our lives and the environment.
Save
Explores the possible futures of humankind, from space travel to artificial intelligence. It fascinating and thought-provoking read that will leave you wondering about the future of our species.
Save
Personal account of the scientific rivalry between Leonard Susskind and Stephen Hawking over the nature of black holes. It fascinating and illuminating read for anyone who is interested in the history of science.
Save
Popular science book that explores the discovery of the Higgs boson, which is sometimes called the God particle. It fascinating and accessible read for anyone who is interested in the latest developments in physics.
Save
Popular science book that explores the beauty and power of mathematics. It fascinating and accessible read for anyone who is interested in learning more about math.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the solutions that are available to address climate change. It will be especially useful to learners who are interested in learning about the practical steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Save
Explores the relationship between capitalism and climate change. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the systemic challenges of addressing the climate crisis.
Save
Comprehensive overview of environmental science, covering topics such as climate change, pollution, and sustainability. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the science behind the issues they are learning about in this course.
Save
Thought-provoking look at what would happen to the Earth if humans were to disappear. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the interconnectedness of life and the importance of protecting the environment.
Fascinating look at the world of fungi. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the importance of fungi and the role they play in our lives and the environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution, from our origins as primates to the development of modern humans. It great choice for those who want to learn more about the biological and cultural history of our species.
Save
Provides a hopeful and inspiring vision of a sustainable future. It valuable resource for learners who want to stay motivated and engaged in the fight against climate change.
Save
Explores the cultural and psychological barriers to addressing climate change. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the challenges of communicating about climate change.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of climate change. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to get a basic understanding of the science, impacts, and solutions to climate change.
Classic work on the environmental crisis. While it is now somewhat outdated, it remains a powerful and moving account of the challenges that we face.
Save
Provides a young adult-friendly overview of the science and politics of climate change. It is an excellent resource for learners who want to get a basic understanding of the climate crisis.
Landmark work that helped to raise awareness of the dangers of pesticides. It valuable historical document that can help learners to understand the roots of the environmental movement.
Beloved children's book that teaches important lessons about the environment. It can be a useful tool for introducing young learners to the concepts of climate change.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vs5y6y/english
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructors
Jack Sullivan
Alyssa Swanson
Language
English
Good to know
Explores the latest advancements in energy systems powered by nanotechnology, which are relevant to those working to slow down climate change
Examines the direct impacts climate change has on our planet's inhabitants, which is highly relevant to those working in policy, education, science, and development
Develops comprehension strategies for interpreting challenging science texts, which is a core skill in higher education and career
Instructs on how to preview science texts and practice language for making comparisons, which are fundamental skills for engaging with scientific content
Covers foundational information on climate change and the greenhouse gas effect, which is a building block for understanding the science behind this timely global issue
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