Foundation • Business

English for Academic Purposes

Unit 01 — Core — Term 1
UnitUnit 01
CategoryCore
Credits20
Guided Learning Hours120
Course Description

Develops the academic reading, writing and listening skills required for university-level study — deconstructing academic texts, writing at paragraph level in a formal register, and taking structured notes from spoken lectures.

Course Objectives

To prepare students to read, write and listen to academic English confidently and accurately, ready for undergraduate-level coursework.

Key Topics
  1. Structure of an academic article (abstract, introduction, body, conclusion)
  2. Skimming and scanning for key information
  3. Topic sentences and supporting paragraphs
  4. Formal academic register
  5. Structured note-taking from spoken lectures
  6. Summarising in own words
Course Outline (selected weeks, Term 1)
WeekTopic & Activity
1Academic Reading Skills
AC1.1 Identify the structure of an academic article. AC1.2 Apply skimming/scanning to extract key information.
Workshop: Deconstructing a Business Journal Article.
4Academic Writing Conventions
AC2.1 Construct a topic sentence and supporting paragraph. AC2.2 Use formal register and avoid colloquial language.
Writing Lab: The PEEL Paragraph Method.
7Listening & Note-Taking
AC3.1 Take structured notes from a recorded lecture. AC3.2 Summarise key points accurately in own words.
Lab: Note-taking from a Recorded Business Lecture.
8Formative Assessment Week
Review of draft assignments for Units 01, 02, 03.
1-to-1 feedback sessions with tutors.
12Final Assessment Submission
Final submission of Units 01, 02 and 03.
Portfolio finalisation and term review.
Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the conventions and structure of academic texts.
  2. Produce academic writing at paragraph level using a formal register.
  3. Comprehend spoken academic English and take structured notes.
Assessment

Assessed by coursework (no written examination) — an assignment, report or presentation set at the start of Term 1. A formative draft is reviewed with tutor feedback in Week 8, and the final version is submitted by the end of Week 12. Graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, with plagiarism-checked submissions (Turnitin) and a signed Learner Declaration Form.

Learning Resources
  • Brussels College Digital Library — academic English & business foundation texts
  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Turnitin
  • Microsoft Office 365, including Excel-based accounting templates
  • Guest lectures from local business owners
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