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| Module Availability |
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Throughout the year
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment
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Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
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Coursework
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10%
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Examination
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90%
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Qualifying Condition(s)
Coursework: (10% of total assessment)
Class presentation.
Examination: (90% of total assessment)
A 2-hour written paper
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| Module Overview |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
None for BMus (Tonmeister) students |
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| Module Aims |
To provide an introduction to the theory of acoustics and psychoacoustics. |
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| Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of this module you should be able to:
- explain the transmission of sound though a medium and around obstacles
- perform calculations relating to sound pressure, power and intensity levels
- explain the processes involved in human auditory perception, including pitch, loudness and directional perception; auditory masking; and hearing impairment
- calculate the recommended safe duration for exposure to sound of a given level
- discuss the measurement and specification of sound levels and reverberation time
- explain the behaviour of sound in enclosed spaces, with reference to free, near and diffuse sound fields; standing waves; sound absorption, reflection and transmission; and reverberation
- recommend appropriate treatment to improve the acoustics of a given enclosed space
- discuss the acoustical factors relating to the perception of timbre
- discuss the evolution of musical pitch and tuning standards
- explain the mechanisms of sound production in a range of musical instruments and in the human voice
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| Module Content |
- acoustic fundamentals and the decibel
- human auditory perception
- acoustic measurement and specification
- room acoustics and acoustic treatment
- musical acoustics and the human voice
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
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20 two-hour sessions consisting of a mixture of lectures, demonstrations, tutorials and student presentations – each student will be required to research and deliver one short (10 min) presentation to the class.
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Angus, J & Howard, D, 1996: Acoustics & Psychoacoustics (Focal Press)
Rossing, T.D., 1990: The Science of Sound (Addison-Wesley)
Everest, F.A., 1994: The Master Handbook of Acoustics (TAB Books)
Moore, B.C.J., 1989: An Introduction to the Psychology of Hearing (Academic Press) |
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| Last Updated |
23.11.06 |
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