ACOUSTICS AND COMPUTER AUDIO SYSTEMS B - 2017/8

Module code: TON1022

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

HUMMERSONE C Dr (Music & Med)

Number of Credits

ECTS Credits

7.5

Framework

FHEQ Level 4

JACs code

J930

Module cap (Maximum number of students)

N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Overall student workload

Independent Study Hours: 102

Lecture Hours: 40

Seminar Hours: 8

Assessment pattern

Assessment type	Unit of assessment	Weighting
Coursework	COURSEWORK 1: ACOUSTICS	10
Coursework	COURSEWORK 2: COMPUTER AUDIO SYSTEMS	20
Examination	EXAMINATION (2 HOURS)	70

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• HE4 Acoustics and Computer Audio Systems A

Module overview

This module is intended to advance your understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics and computer systems.

Module aims

To advance your understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of acoustics and psychoacoustics.

To advance your theoretical understanding and practical working knowledge of computer systems, and their use in the control and processing of audio and MIDI data.

Learning outcomes

	Attributes Developed
Explain the processes involved in human auditory perception, including pitch perception, loudness perception, directional perception, auditory masking and hearing impairment	KC
Discuss the measurement and specification of sound levels	KC
Calculate the recommended safe duration for exposure to sound of a given level	KC
Discuss the relationships between noise level regulations and hearing impairment	KC
Discuss the factors to be considered when designing an enclosed space for an acoustic purpose	KC
Discuss the theory and practice of musical pitch and tuning standards	KC
Discuss the practicalities of binaural recording and reproduction	KC
Discuss the relative merits of alternative computer storage devices and interfaces	KC
Discuss issues relating to computer-based audio systems	KC
Write computer code to perform advanced MIDI processing tasks	KC
Plan and codify a set of procedures to perform a specific task	T
Research a technical topic, with guidance	T
Present the findings of your research to an audience	PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Module content

The following is an indication of the likely topics to be covered:

Human auditory perception.
Acoustic measurement and specification.
Acoustic standards in music.
Computer-based audio systems.
Storage and interfacing in computer audio systems.
Software engineering and MaxMSP programming.

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: develop your skills and knowledge in acoustics and computer audio systems, allowing modules in later semesters to build on this knowledge.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Two two-hour lectures or seminars per week

• Practical classroom demonstrations

• Guided reading

• Coursework assignments and feedback

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop subject knowledge (exam, coursework 1) and programming skills (coursework 2).

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

•      Coursework 1 – class presentation on assigned research topic (addresses learning outcomes 5–7 & 12–13);

•      Coursework 2 – Advanced computer-based practical assignment (addresses learning outcomes 10–11); and

•      2hr exam – written paper under exam conditions (addresses learning outcomes 1–4 & 8–9).

Formative assessment

There are no formal formative assessment components for this module, but formative feedback will be given to you in tutorials as required, and in the form of regular revision questions in lectures.

Feedback

Written feedback will be given on your coursework.

Reading list

Reading list for ACOUSTICS AND COMPUTER AUDIO SYSTEMS B : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/ton1022

Programmes this module appears in

Programme	Semester	Classification	Qualifying conditions
Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) BSc (Hons)(CORE)	2	Core	Each unit of assessment must be passed at 40% to pass the module
Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) BMus (Hons)(CORE)	2	Core	Each unit of assessment must be passed at 40% to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2017/8 academic year.