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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: TON1001 Module Title: ACOUSTICS
Module Provider: Music and Sound Recording Short Name: MU1.ACOUSTIC
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: BROOKES TS Dr (Music Record)
Number of credits: 10 Number of ECTS credits: 5
 
Module Availability

Throughout the year

Assessment Pattern

Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
Coursework
10%
Examination
90%
Qualifying Condition(s) 
Coursework: (10% of total assessment)
Class presentation.
Examination: (90% of total assessment)
A 2-hour written paper

Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites

None for BMus (Tonmeister) students

Module Aims
To provide an introduction to the theory of acoustics and psychoacoustics.
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
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
Methods of Teaching/Learning

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.

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)
Last Updated

23.11.06