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| Module Availability |
Semester 1 |
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| Assessment Pattern |
• Two equally weighted assignments on the signal processing content of the module - 30%
Exam: a 2-hour written paper under examination conditions - 70%
A mark of at least 40% in each Unit of Assessment is required to pass the module.
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| Module Overview |
| This module is intended to introduce you to acoustics, psychoacoustics and audio signal processing using a combination of theory and application. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| None |
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| Module Aims |
• To introduce you to theoretical and practical aspects of acoustics and psychoacoustics.
• To build on previous mathematical knowledge and understanding to provide the relevant mathematical and signal processing background for modules in Electronics, Acoustics, Electroacoustics and Audio Engineering.
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| Learning Outcomes |
On successful 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.
• Discuss the acoustical factors relating to the perception of timbre.
• Explain the mechanisms of sound production in a range of musical instruments and in the human voice.
• 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 modify the acoustics of a given enclosed space.
• Explain why the decimal, binary, hexadecimal and two’s compliment formats are commonly used in audio engineering, perform simple arithmetic operations in each format and convert numbers between the different formats.
• Perform simple arithmetic operations on complex numbers; plot complex numbers on an Argand diagram; recognise the Cartesian, polar and exponential forms and convert complex numbers between the different forms; represent simple harmonic signals as complex phasors.
• Perform simple operations on matrices and use matrices to manipulate multichannel audio signals.
• Differentiate and integrate functions of a single variable.
• Calculate the Fourier series of a periodic audio signal.
• Apply the Fourier transform to audio signals.
Transferable Skills:
• Transferrable subject knowledge
• Programming skills
• Problem solving
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| Module Content |
The following is an indication of the likely topics to be covered:
• Acoustic fundamentals and the decibel.
• Musical acoustics and the human voice.
• Room acoustics and acoustic treatment.
• Number systems (decimal, binary, hexadecimal and two’s compliment).
• Complex numbers.
• Matrices.
• Differentiation and integration.
• Fourier series and the Fourier transform.
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
• Two two-hour lectures per week.
• Guided reading.
• Coursework assignments and feedback.
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Compulsory Reading:
• None.
Recommended Reading:
• 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).
• James, G., 2001: Modern Engineering Mathematics (Prentice-Hall).
• Stroud, K.A., 2007: Engineering Mathematics (Palgrave-Macmillan).
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| Last Updated |
| 14/01/11 |
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