Various definitions of scientific and technical translation have been put forward by many specialists in translation analysis. These were based on a number of criteria such as content, writing or target group. The purpose of the authors is to highlight some key features of these analyses while suggesting that both technical and general translation do in fact have some common denominators. With a view to establishing teaching objectives, the authors then examine the various stages of the translating process and identify the various skills to be developed. In a final instance, the authors' pedagogical programme is submitted to critical analysis.