LS1452 Essential STEM communication in English 7.5 credits

The course is based on the premise that modern challenges in science and technology are often complex, as they involve different priorities, perspectives and constraints. This complexity requires effective communication using clear, concise and precise language.

The course focuses on clear, concise and precise English and aims to bridge the gap between upper secondary school English and the English language and communication skills required for advanced studies in STEM.

The course covers:

• Engineering English: style, text cohesion, sentence structure, grammar, vocabulary and terminology, formalities and referencing 
• ​Strategies and conventions for writing texts in English within one’s own subject area 
• ​Presentation techniques, pronunciation and intonation, and strategies for interacting effectively in conversations and question-and-answer sessions 
• ​Strategies for reading, understanding and using technical and scientific texts 
• ​Approaches to AI tools for academic writing and higher education.​

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

​​ 1. identify and describe communication strategies and conventions used in technical and scientific texts, particularly within the student’s specific field of study (e.g. academic style, text cohesion, vocabulary, formal requirements and referencing)

​ 2. apply these conventions and strategies to produce short technical and scientific texts in clear and effective English

​ 3. communicate their technical expertise orally through presentations and conversations in clear and effective English

​ 4. be familiar with strategies for reading and understanding technical and scientific texts in English, with a view to applying these strategies in their studies

​ 5. critically reflect on the role of AI tools in academic writing and higher education

​ ​with a view to

• ​communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English in various contexts, including digital channels, to present technical knowledge, propose solutions and reach agreement 
• successfully study engineering subjects at advanced level and work in an English-speaking environment.

General admission requirements.

No experience of to use English in higher studies is required.

• INL2 - Hand in assigment, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• SEM2 - Seminars, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Jane Bottomley

Susanna Zeitler Lyne

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

The examiner will decide on the procedure and assessment if a student who was enrolled on the course intakes from Autumn 2024 to Spring 2026 wishes to complete the course.