Module Details

Module Code: ELTR9001
Title: Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
Long Title: Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The understanding of how sound is produced (acoustics) and how the listener perceives sound (psychoacoustics) are important to the application of technology in music. This module is intended to introduce the student to the principles of acoustics and psychoacoustics.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the nature of sound, how sound is produced, how it propagates through a medium, and distinguish between various attributes of sound
LO2 Describe the human auditory system and the functions of each part of the auditory pathway
LO3 Describe and clarify issues related to critical bands, masking, localization and spatialisation
LO4 Discuss the psychology of sound perception and auditory scene analysis
LO5 Identify and contrast between various methods of sound production in musical instruments, speech and singing
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Nature of sound
Pitch and frequency, loudness and intensity, timbre, overtone structure, formants. Simple harmonic vibration, radiation of sound.
Human Auditory System
The structure of the ear, the peripheral nervous system, auditory pathways, and the auditory cortex.
Auditory Scene Analysis
Psychology of sound perception, Gestalt principles, stream segregation and context effects. Pitch perception theories
Masking, localization and spatialisation
Critical band and masking. Localization and spatialisation; localization of sound. The doppler effect.
Sound production
Sound generated by musical instruments including brass, woodwind, strings and percussion. Sound generated by the speaking and singing voice. Duration, energy, spectra and formants. Tuning systems.
Room Acoustics
Sound in rooms, echo and reverberation, room acoustics, measurements and treatments.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework35.00%
End of Module Formal Examination65.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Properties of sound. Auditory system.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 65
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • David Martin Howard, Jamie Angus. (2009), Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 4th Edition. Focal Press, p.385, [ISBN: 978-024052175].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Hugo Fastl, Eberhard Zwicker. (2006), Psychoacoustics: Facts and Models, 3rd. Springer, [ISBN: 978-354023159].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GMUTE_9 Master of Arts in Music and Technology 1 Mandatory
CR_GMUST_9 Master of Science in Music and Technology 1 Mandatory