Course detail

English for University Study I

FSI-GEN1 Acad. year: 2026/2027 Winter semester

The course systematically combines general English with the practical skills necessary for successful study and a future career. Through authentic topics related to university study and future careers, it aims to enhance communication skills and understanding of key grammatical concepts, as well as expanding vocabulary.

Supervisor

Mgr. Dita Gálová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Foreign Languages

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Prerequisites

The prerequisite knowledge is equivalent to the level achieved through standard secondary school curricula, i.e. a minimum B1 (Intermediate) level of English is required. However, as the course is designed to provide systematic speaking practice, it will also benefit higher-level learners who wish to actively develop their communication skills and vocabulary.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Language of instruction

English

Aims

The course aims to develop active speaking skills and the ability to communicate confidently in the contexts of university study, individual specialisation and future professional employment. At the same time, it focuses on the systematic review and deepening of key grammatical structures in more complex, authentic contexts. Through teaching methods such as discussions, pair work and group work, students develop the ability to formulate ideas independently and communicate with confidence. This prepares them for more demanding academic and professional communication situations.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The study programmes with the given course

Programme B-MET-P: Mechatronics, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-ENE-P: Energy, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-MAI-P: Mathematical Engineering, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-FIN-P: Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-STI-A: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-KSI-P: Mechanical Engineering Design, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-PDS-P: Industrial Design, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-PRP-P: Professional Pilot, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-VKP-P: Visual Communication in the Creative Industries, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-STR-P: Engineering, Bachelor's
branch AIŘ: Applied Computer Science and Control, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-STR-P: Engineering, Bachelor's
branch KSB: Quality, Reliability and Safety, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
branch MTI: Materials Engineering, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-STR-P: Engineering, Bachelor's
branch SSZ: Machine and Equipment Construction, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-STR-P: Engineering, Bachelor's
branch STG: Manufacturing Technology, 0 credits, compulsory

Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
branch STI: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, 0 credits, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Language exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Syllabus


  1. Introduction. U1: University study. Present and past tenses. 

  2. U1: Study skills. Question forms.

  3. U1: Interview advice. Collocations with get, take, do.

  4. U2: Watch to learn. Present perfect and past simple. Prepositions.

  5. U2: Facts or fiction. Narrative tenses. Time linkers.

  6. U2: Telling a story. Say, tell. Sequencers.

  7. U3: Planning and procrastination. Talking about future plans.

  8. U3: Future inventions. Making future predictions. Future time markers.

  9. U3: Dealing with misunderstandings. Idioms.

  10. U4: Jobs. Personal qualities. Expressing obligation with must, have to, should.

  11. U4: Dream job. Adjectives. Confusing words.

  12. U4: Founding a start-up. Reaching agreement and managing a discussion.

  13. Credit test.

Computer-assisted exercise

13 hours, optionally

Syllabus

Computer assisted language learning is an integral part of the course GEN1 and covers the topics and areas dealt with in the main part of the course. The use of authentic videos helps students to further practise and develop their language skills.