Basic Technical Communication

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 08.10.2025.

Module identifier

11B0043

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

In order to be successful in professional life, technical expertise as well as good communication skills are essential. In our globilised world the skill of acquiring knowledge in the English language and to communicate effectively in that language is fundamental.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  1. Basic principles of technical communication
  2. The structure of technical English
  3. Description of technical systems
  4. Technical terminology/vocabulary
  5. Study and discussion of current technical texts/topics
  6. Presentation techniques
  7. Technical writing

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
60LecturePresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
40Preparation/follow-up for course work-
30Presentation preparation-
20Exam preparation-
Graded examination
  • Portfolio exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The total examination consists of 2 parts and 40 points altogether can be reached:

Oral Examination (max. 20 points) and Presentation (max. 20 points)

Exam duration and scope

Oral Examination: according to general examination regulations

Presentation: about 8-10 minutes; handout: 2-3 pages

Recommended prior knowledge

Good English knowledge skills

Knowledge Broadening

Upon passing this module the students should

- have good English language skills, comparable to Level B2 CEF

Knowledge deepening

Upon passing this module the students

- know about presentation techniques

- can give convincing presentations about technical topics, in English

- can apply basic techniques to understand and summarize technical texts.

Communication and Cooperation

Upon passing this module the students

- are able to communicate with international business partners about technical issues.

Literature

Aktuelle Artikel* aus der englischsprachigen Fachpresse (*je nach Studiengebiet) Bigwood, Sally; Spore, Melissa: Presenting Numbers, Tables, and Charts, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 0198607229 Billingham, Jo: Giving Presentations, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 0198606818 Huckin, Thomas N.; Olsen, Leslie A.: English for Science and Technology. A Handbook for Nonnative Speakers, MacGraw-Hill, ISBN: 0070308217 Powell, Mark: Dynamic Presentations, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9780521150040

Applicability in study programs

  • Electrical Engineering in Practical Networks (dual)
    • Electrical Engineering in Practical Networks (dual) B.Sc. (01.03.2026)

  • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development
    • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development in Practise Network
    • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development in Practise Network B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks
    • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks B.Sc. (01.03.2026)

  • Mechatronics
    • Mechatronics B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Dental Technology
    • Dental Technology B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Computer Science and Media Applications
    • Computer Science and Media Applications B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Power, Environmental and Process Engineering
    • Power, Environmental and Process Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)
    • Automotive Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Computer Science and Computer Engineering
    • Computer Science and Computer Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Electrical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Fritz, Martina
    Teachers
    • Fritz, Martina