LECTURING AND ASSESSMENT IN HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

(EDINGBURG, SCOTLAND)

All of the courses given in the University at undergraduate level rely on lectures given in fifty-minutes periods throughout the three terms in the early years of the courses. Each subject will normally have at least two lecture hours per week with an additional tutorial hour. The latter can consist of small groups with one tutor, or larger groups with several tutors, for example, in mathematics tutorials.

Additionally for many of the science and engineering subjects one or more afternoons per week may be devoted to laboratory work, at which experiments are conducted to back up lectures.

The knowledge of most subjects is assessed at the end of each term in the first year of a course although the end of session examinations contributes most to final achievement. Final examinations are normally conducted in May of the final year.

It should be noted that each student has a mentor or tutor who keeps an eye on his progress throughout his university career and is available to advise the student who experiences difficulties with his academic studies.

1) How many terms does the academic year at Heriot-Watt consist of?

2) How long does a lecture last?

3) What other classes do University students have besides lectures?

4) How and when are many of the subjects assessed?

5) When are final examinations normally conducted?

6) What are the duties of a tutor?

7) What is the difference between the systems of lecturing and assessment at Heriot-Watt University and at yours?

VI. Подберите в правой колонке слова для определений в левой колонке.

VII. Прочитайте и переведите текст.

HIGHER SCHOOL AND WAYS TO SCIENCE

Institutes and Universities draw students into research work from the very beginning of their studies. Student participation in research is one of the most effective methods for training highly-qualified professionals. Carrying out research students improve their knowledge and put into practical use the things they learn at lectures, seminars and laboratories. It helps them realize the practical value of their knowledge, master the basic experimental techniques, learn how to handle the modern equipment and analyse the results of the experiment.

Such students graduate as highly-qualified specialists. And this is one of the most important tasks facing higher schools.

Great attention is paid to the work of Student Scientific Societies. Contests, competitions and exhibitions based on students’ research have become a tradition. Every year student contests are conducted for the best research project. The winners get medals and diplomas.

As a rule, students write their term papers and graduation projects on the problems of their research work. They handle experimental equipment, conduct theoretical investigations and read scientific literature.

Term papers, research works, graduation projects of practical importanсe to industry are the stages of making students highly-qualified thinking specialists ready for independent work even before they get their diplomas.

VIII. Объясните заглавие текста. Придумайте заглавие, которое более точно отражает основное содержание текста.

IX. Выпишите из текста слова и словосочетания для сообщения на тему "Scientific Work of Students".

X. Ответьте на вопросы, используя информацию текста.

1) Why do higher schools draw students into research work?

2) What are the stages of making students highly-qualified professionals?

UNIT 3

Great Britain

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles consist of two large islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and about five thousand small islands. Their total area is over 240,000 square kilometers. The United Kingdom is made up of four constituent units: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In everyday speech «Great Britain» is used to mean the United Kingdom. The capital of the United Kingdom is London.

The British Isles are separated from the European continent by the North Sea, the Irish Sea and the English Channel.

The surface of the British Isles varies much. There are mountains on the north and west. The center and south-east is a vast plain. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest mountain (1343m). There are a lot of rivers in Great Britain, but they are not very long. The Severn is the largest river while the Thames is the deepest and most important one.

The mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of Gulf Stream influence the climate. It is mild the whole year round.

The United Kingdom is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of technology, machinery, textile and electronics. One of the chief industries is engineering.

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. In law, the Head of State is the Queen. In practice, the country is ruled by the elected Government, with the Prime Minister at the head. The British Parliament, the main legislative body, consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. There are two main political parties in Great Britain: the Labour and Conservative. The Labour party is ruling nowadays. The Prime Minister is Gordon Brown.

The United Kingdom is one of the most powerful countries in the world.

I. Проверьте по словарю и прочитайте следующие географические названия.

The United Kingdom, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the British Isles, Wales, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Europe, the European continent, the North sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream, Ben Nevis, the Severn, the Thames.

II. Ответьте на следующие вопросы по тексту.

1) Where is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland situated?

2) What parts is the United Kingdom made up of?

3) What is the capital of Great Britain?

4) What is the highest mountain of Great Britain?

5) What influences the climate of the British Isles?

6) What is the chief industry of Great Britain?

7) What is the political structure of the United Kingdom?

8) What party is ruling nowadays?

9) Who is the Prime Minister?

III. Прочитайте следующие предложения, вставив вместо точек глаголы, дан­ные под чертой, в соответствующей форме. При необходимости добавьте предлоги.

1) The United Kingdom.... the British Isles.

2) The United Kingdom.... four countries.

3) The British Isles.... the European continent by the North Sea and the English Channel.

4) The climate on the British Isles.... the warm waters of Gulf Stream.

5) The country.... the British Parliament.

6) Machinery, textile, electronics.... Great Britain.

to influence, to make up, to rule, to produce, to situate on, to separate from

IV.Соедините предложения, используя Причастие I или II. Переведите их на русский язык.

Модель: The government is usually formed by the political party. It is supported by the majority in the House of Commons. – The government is usually formed by the political party, supported by the majority in the House of Commons.

1. Great Britain is situated on the British Isles. It consists of two large islands and about five thousand small islands. 2. The Prime Minister is the majority party leader. He is appointed by the Queen. 3. Great Britain is a highly developed industrial country. It is known as one of the largest producers and exporters of machinery, electronics, textile, aircraft and navigation equipment. 4. The United Kingdom is situated on the British Isles. It is made up of four countries. 5. The British Isles consist of two large islands and about five thousand small islands. They have their total area over 244,000 square kilometres. 6. The North of Scotland is mountainous. It is called the Highlands. 7. The British Isles are separated from the European continent by the English Channel. They are washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea and the North Sea. 8. We made a tour round the town. We visited Westminster Abbey.

V. Прочитайте и переведите текст.

Climate

Due to the moderating influence of the sea and the Gulf Stream, Great Britain has an insular climate. It is rather humid, cool, temperate and mild, without striking differences between seasons. This humid and mild climate is good for plants. The trees and flowers begin to blossom early in spring. The southwest winds carry the warmth and moisture into Britain.

The British climate has 3 main features: it is mild, humid and changeable. It is never too hot or too cold. The weather is so changeable that the English often say that they have no climate but only weather.

Rainfall is more or less even throughout the year. The driest period is from March to June and the wettest months are from October to January. The average range of temperature (from winter to summer) is from 15-23 degrees above zero. Winter temperatures below 10 degrees are rare. Winters are extremely mild. There may be snow but it melts quickly. January and February are usually the coldest months, July and August the warmest. Still the wind may bring winter cold in spring or summer days. Sometimes it brings the whirlwinds or hurricanes. Droughts are rare.

UNIT 4

LONDON

London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial centre. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million. Today the metropolis of Greater London covers some 1,580 sq. km and the suburbs of London continue even beyond this area.

Traditionally the historical centre of London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other and seem to belong to different epochs.

The heart of London is the City, its financial and business center with the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange, numerous banks, offices and firms. About 6 000 people live here, but about half a million people come to the City to work. There are some famous sights in the City including: the Monument commemorating the Great Fire of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest of English churches, designed by Christopher Wren in the 17^th century; the Mansion House, an official residence of the Lord Mayor and, of course, the Tower of London. Its history is closely connected with the Tower of London which was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 to protect and control the city. In the past it was a fortress, a palace and a state prison. Now it is a popular museum.

Westminster is the part of London that has long been connected with royalty and government. Buckingham Palace is the British monarch’s main residence in London. It has been the royal residence since 1762.

The Houses of Parliament is the seat of the British Parliament. This architectural complex contains the universal symbol of London, Big Ben.

Close to the Houses of Parliament stands Westminster Abbey. In Westminster Abbey most British monarchs have been crowned and here you may see the ancient Coronation Chair. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling and others.

The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The largest department stores, cinemas and hotels are situated here. There are about 40 theatres, several concert halls, many museums and the best galleries. It is in the West End where the University of London is centred with Bloomsbury as London’s student quarter.

Trafalgar Square is the geographical center of London. It was named in memory of Admiral Nelson’s victory in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the national Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum – the biggest museum in London which contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures and is famous for its library.

London can be proud of its many green parks and open spaces, where the English countryside comes to the centre of the city. Some of the famous parks are in the West End such as Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park and the Zoo.

The East End grew with the spread of industries to the east of the city and the expansion of the Port of London. The East End of London is very important to the country’s commerce. It is also known as the centre of the clothing industry, the East End markets are famous throughout the world.

I. Ответьте на следующие вопросы по текст.

1) What new facts about London have you learned?

2) What parts is London divided into?

3) Where is Big Ben situated?

4) Where is the City?

5) What is the symbol of wealth and luxury?

6) What is the governmental part of London?

7) What is Bloomsbury?

8) What memory was the Trafalgar Square named in?

9) What is the British Museum famous for?

10) What is there in the East End?

II. Повторите степени сравнения прилагательных и поставьте следующие слова в срав­нительную и превосходную степени.

large, interesting, good, big, ancient, rich, beautiful, poor, much, great.

III. Выберите утверждение, соответствующее содержанию текста.

1) The capital of Great Britain is

a) London; b) New York; c) Edinburgh.

2) Traditionally London is divided into

a) two parts; b) six parts; c) four parts.

3) The heart of London is

a) Westminster; b) the City; c) St. Paul's Cathedral.

4) The Houses of Parliament is situated in

a) the West End; b) Scotland; c) Westminster.

5) The official residence of the Queen is

a) the Buckingham Palace; b) Westminster Abbey; c) the Westminster Palace.

6) The Trafalgar Square was named in memory of the victory

a) over Germany in World War II; b) of Admiral Trafalgar; c) of Admiral Nelson.

7) The West End is

a) the place where working people live; b) the heart of London; c) the symbol of wealth and luxury.

8) The London’s student corner is

a) the Mansion House; b) Bloomsbury; c) Westminster Abbey.

IV. Переведите следующие предложения на английский язык.

1) Лондон – столица Великобритании, её экономический, политический и торговый центр.

2) Лондон – один из старейших и интереснейших городов мира.

3) Традиционно он делится на четыре части.

4) В Сити расположены многочисленные банки, офисы и фирмы, включая Банк Англии и Фондовую биржу.

5) Лондонский Тауэр – одно из древнейших зданий Великобритании. Оно было основано Юлием Цезарем.

6) Трафальгарская площадь – географический центр Лондона.

7) Британский музей – крупнейший музей Лондона.

8) В нём находится бесценная коллекция древних рукописей.

9) В Ист-Энд – много фабрик, доков и мастерских.

10) Рынки района Ист-Энд известны по всему миру.

V. Переведите предложения на русский язык, обращая внимание на неличные формы глагола:

1) London is considered to be the largest city in Europe, its population being over 8 million.

2) Being the heart of London the City has numerous banks, offices and firms.

3) Having been founded by Julius Caesar the Tower of London was used as a fortress.

4) Big Ben known as the big hour bell is situated on the Houses of Parliament.

5) The British Museum is the biggest museum containing the priceless collection of ancient manuscripts.

6) The East End being the place of docks and factories is a working class family’s district.

7) St. Paul's Cathedral being the famous ancient building is the greatest of English churches.

8) While staying in London he visited the British Museum.

VI. Задайте все возможные вопросы к следующему предложению.

The Trafalgar Square was named in memory of Admiral Nelson's Victory in 1805.

VII. Прочитайте и переведите текст без словаря.

Stratford-on-Avon

Stratford is known to be situated right in the centre of England. W. Shakespeare’s being born here made the small town very famous. His birthplace is a small house with small rooms in the centre of Stratford. To see it, lots of people visit the town and write their names on the walls. On becoming famous Shakespeare bought the largest house in Stratford and there he died in 1616. But nothing is left of the house today.

There is a garden behind the house. All the flowers, trees and plants mentioned in Shake­speare's plays are growing here.

UNIT 5

The Town of Tver

The town of Tver stands on the great Russian river Volga. Tver is one of the oldest Russian towns. It is 12 years older than Moscow. Tver was founded in 1135. It played a great role in the early history of our country. In 1755 Tver became the principle town of the Tver province.

In the XVIIIth century Catherine the Great sent a group of architects headed by P.R. Nikitin to restore the town after two great fires. The best architects of Russia А.V. Kvasov and М.F. Kasakov worked up the town development plan. The town planning was considered to be a height of three-rayed architectural composition. It has been preserved to our days. Many beautiful buildings designed by them are examples of Russian architecture. These buildings are: the Travel Palace, a number of buildings in Octagonal Square and on the bank of the Volga River.

Many famous Russian poets and writers came to Tver many times.. Some of them lived or stayed here for a long time: A.S. Pushkin, I.A. Krylov, M.Y. Saltykov-Shchedrin, L.N. Tolstoy, I.I. Lazhechnikov. Monuments to all these people were erected in our town. On the left bank of the Volga River we can also see the monument to the Tver merchant Afanasy Nikitin who was the first to visit India.

In the second part of the 19th century Tver became a large industrial town. Here appeared large textile mills, a steam mill, a timber mill and a railway carriage building plant. Now Tver is a big industrial centre. Its population is about 500 000. There are many large enterprises of engineering, metal working, textile, chemical, polygraphical and other industries: a printing combine which publishes text-books and magazines, a larger combine of children books, an excavator works, an artificial fibre combine and an artificial leather combine.

Many new modern houses were built in the former «outskirts».

Now it is also a big cultural centre of our country. Its Drama Theatre, Philarmonic Society, Children's Theatre were built after the war. Tver has many cinemas, clubs, palaces of culture, a television centre and many libraries. The Gorky Regional Library founded one hundred years ago is housed in a new building now. It has over 600,000 books.

There are many educational establishments in our town. Among them are State University, Technical University, State Medical Academy and Agricultural Academy.

The country around Tver is very picturesque. The town of Tver grows and becomes more beautiful from year to year. Its old history, advantageous geographical location between the two Russian capitals, rich nature, developed industry, intellectual, scientific and cultural potential are sure to attract tourists to the Tver Region.

I. Ответьте на следующие вопросы:

1) Where does the town of Tver stand?

2) When was Tver founded?

3) Is Tver older than Moscow?

4) When did Tver become the principle town of the Tver Province?

5) By whom was the centre of the city designed?

6) What buildings were built by these architects?

7) What famous people lived and worked in Tver?

8) In what way were they immortalized?

9) Is Tver a large industrial centre now?

10) What large Tver enterprises do you know?

11) What is the largest library in Tver?

12) How many higher schools are there in Tver?

13) Why is our town so attractive for tourists?

II. Образуйте от следующих глаголов существительные с суффиксом -er, переведите:

to design, to found, to play, to build, to reconstruct, to visit, to research, to print.

III. Прочитайте следующие слова, обращая внимание на ударение:

Tver Province, architect, architecture, Octagonal Square, Embankment, monument, large textile mills, railway carriage building plant, enterprise, printing and publishing combine, artificial fibre and leather combine, Drama Theatre, Philharmonic Society, many stadiums, picturesque, to surround, tourist.

IV. Переведите на английский язык следующие предложения:

1) Тверь - один из старейших русских городов.

2) Он расположен на Волге.

3) Город Тверь на 12 лет старше Москвы.

4) В Твери много современных предприятий.

5) В городе живет около 500 тысяч человек.

6) Тверь растет и становится краше с каждым годом.

7) Полиграфический комбинат выпускает сотни учебников и журналов.

8) Памятник Афанасию Никитину находится на берегу Волги.

9) Библиотека имени Горького – одна из старейших в городе.

V. Прочитайте следующие предложения, вставив вместо точек глаголы, дан­ные под чертой, в соответствующей форме.

1) Tver... in the 12th century.

2) The centre of the town... by Kasakov and Nikitin.

3) This centre... to our days.

4) A monument to Krylov... in our town.

5) Many new buildings... in the former «outskirts».

6) The Gorky Library... in a big building.

7) The town... by forests.

to design, to surround, to found, to preserve, to house, to build, to erect.

UNIT 6

Our university

Tver Technical University is one of the biggest higher schools in our country. Tver Technical University was established in 1922 as Moscow Peat Institute. In 1958 it was transferred to Kalinin. In 1965 Peat Institute was reorganized into polytechnic. In 1994 it was renamed into Tver State Technical University.

Every year highly-qualified specialists for national economy graduate from the University. They are chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, economists, ecologists, managers, systems engineers and many others.

Education at the University is organized in two forms: full-time and extra-mural. There are also some part-time courses. The University has six departments for full-time students. They are ma­chine-building, civil-engineering, automated systems, nature management and engineering ecology, of Humanities and additional professional education. The course is divided into several stages. The first and second year students study general engineering subjects (mathematics, physics, descriptive geometry) and some humanities (history, philosophy, foreign languages). That gives a solid basis of general education to future specialists. Special subjects are taught in senior courses. Much attention is paid to practical instruction. During the final term undergraduates carry out their graduation projects. They defend them to an examination board and become graduates. At the end of the university course they receive graduation diplomas and go to work to different branches of engineering.

About 5000 students study at Tver Technical University. The University consists of six studying buildings and several dormitories. The class-rooms and lecture-halls, laboratories and workshops are equipped with up-to-date instruments, computers, machine-tools, audio-visuals and other training appliances. There is a rich library, four reading-rooms, dining halls and a sports complex at the disposal of students. So the University has all the facilities necessary for successful studies and rest.

Besides regular studies many students carry out scientific research work under the guidance of their experienced teachers and professors. At the university there is a post-graduate course and a preparatory department for foreign students.

I study at the................... department. My future speciality is.................... I hope I shall become a highly-qualified specialist and find a proper job after graduation.

I. Прочтите следующие слова, проверив их произношение по словарю.

high, higher, highly-qualified, special, specialist, specialized, education, educational, extra-mural, course, environment, environmental, humanitarian, university, institute, student, study, subject, variety, foreign, experience, experienced, graduate, guidance, science, scientist, scientific.

II. Ответьте на следующие вопросы.

1) When was Tver Technical University established?

2) How is education organized at the University?

3) How many faculties are there at the University?

4) What are they?

5) What specialists graduate from the University?

6) What subjects do the students study?

7) What buildings does the University consist of?

8) When did you enter Tver Technical University?

9) What faculty do you study at?

10) What is your future speciality?

III. Поставьте вместо точек предлоги at, into, for, from, of, out, to, under.

1) I study... Tver Technical University.

2) In 1958 the Moscow Peat Institute was transferred... Kalinin.

3) In 1965 the Peat Institute was reorganized... polytechnic.

4) Every year a lot of specialists graduate... the University.

5) There are five faculties... full-time students.

6) The curriculum... study consists... a variety... subjects.

7) The University consists... six studying buildings.

8) Many students carry... scientific research work... the guidance... teacher and professors.

IV. Переведите следующие предложения на английский язык и расскажите о себе.

1) Меня зовут....

2) Я учусь в Тверском техническом университете.

3) Я – студент второго курса... факультета.

4) Моя будущая специальность....

5) Наш университет был основан в 1922 году как Московский торфяной институт.

6) В 1958 году он был переведён в Калинин, а в 1994 году реорганизован в Тверской государственный технический университет.

7) Образование в университете организованно в очной и заочной формах.

8) Студенты дневного отделения могут учиться на пяти факультетах.

9) Я изучаю множество обязательных и факультативных предметов.

10) В университете есть большая научная библиотека, компьютерные классы, специальные лаборатории.

11) После окончания университета можно поступить в аспирантуру.

12) Я буду проводить свою исследовательскую работу под руководством профес­сора.

V. Выполните письменный перевод текста.

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