THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2019/2020

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : Edinburgh College of Art : Music

Undergraduate Course: Architectural Acoustics and Spatial Sound (MUSI08079)

Course Outline
SchoolEdinburgh College of Art CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course provides a broad foundation in architectural acoustics and the human perception of sound ("psychological acoustics", or "psychoacoustics"), that may be grasped by students from a range of backgrounds. The course brings these subjects together through both theoretical study and a range of practical applications. For example, you will explore how the principles of architectural and psychological acoustics have recently come together to drive a revolution in the world of augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems.
Course description Technical and practical knowledge of architectural acoustics is an increasingly important skillset in the design of the built environment, in computer game development, and in emerging immersive media platforms. Given that the audible aspects of all such platforms are experienced by human listeners, knowledge of the ways that humans capture, process and perceive sound ("psychological acoustics") provides a natural companion subject. This course provides a broad foundation in both architectural and psychological acoustics that combines aspects of acoustics, architecture, engineering, informatics, and music. Whether you are a student of one of these subjects or not, the only formal requirement is that you should have achieved a good pass in mathematics at Higher/A-Level.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesStudents must have passed an appropriate mathematics course in their final year at school.
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Describe the physical basis of sound propagation in architectural spaces
  2. Discuss the role of acoustic design in the construction of architectural spaces
  3. Employ acoustic measurement techniques to characterise the acoustics of architectural spaces
  4. Describe the key attributes of human hearing pertaining to the perception of speech, music, and spatial directivity of sound
  5. Present a short talk on a topic in architectural acoustics to a small group of peers
Reading List
Marshall Long: Architectural Acoustics (Academic Press, 2nd Edition, 2014)
Murray Campbell and Clive Greated: The Musician's Guide to Acoustics (OUP Oxford, 2001)
Gareth Loy: Musimathics, Volume 1 - The Mathematical Foundations of Music (MIT Press, 2011)
Gareth Loy: Musimathics, Volume 2 - The Mathematical Foundations of Music (MIT Press, 2011)
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills 1) Undertake critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas, concepts, information and issues relevant in the field of architectural acoustics.
2) Understand the key terms and methodologies involved in acoustical measurement and design.
3) Carry out a major piece of project work, including management of the project's aims and methodologies, acquisition of measurements, and critical analysis of results, and engagement with the wider literature.
4) Use a range of approaches to formulate and critically evaluate evidence-based solutions/responses to defined and/or routine problems and issues encountered in architectural acoustics.
5) Exercise autonomy and initiative in activities relevant in professional acoustic consultancy.
6) Practise in ways that show awareness of own and other's roles, responsibilities and contributions when carrying out and evaluating a major project.
7) Work, under guidance, with others to acquire an understanding of current professional practice in the fields of architectural acoustics, acoustic consultancy, and audio-VR.
8) Develop skills in the application of applied mathematical techniques.
Keywordsacoustics,architecture,virtual reality,augmented reality,psychology,psychoacoustics,spatial,sound
Contacts
Course organiserDr Michael Newton
Tel:
Email: Michael.Newton@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Carrie Parker
Tel: (0131 6)50 2422
Email: Carrie.Parker@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information