DRAM7018 - Sound Design

Module Details

Module Code: DRAM7018
Title: Sound Design
Long Title: Sound Design
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2122 - Drama
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: A hands-on course providing a practical working knowledge of audio technology in the theatre
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Rig and connect an array of fixed microphones and set up a small series of radio microphones
LO2 Plan and rig speaker systems for different theatrical purposes
LO3 Operate a digital sound desk and trigger cues from a variety of audio sources
LO4 Use audio software to edit and set up sound cues
LO5 Demonstrate an understanding of the important electrical and electronic aspects of audio equipment
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).
Should have successfully taken module ' Introduction to Sound & Lighting' or equivalent
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.
Successful completion of module DRAM6018 Theatre Technology 1 or SAFEPASS or equivalent with appropriate training in electrical safety.
 
Indicative Content
Microphones
Microphone handling, applications and characteristics
Sound Systems
Integrated sound reinforcement and reproduction systems, rigging procedures and practical operation
Digital Sound Desk
Set-up and operation, including levels, panning, equalization, effects & compression and automation
Audio Software
Use of audio software to prepare, edit and cue sound design elements
Digital Audio Reproduction
Standard theatrical sound sources, surround sound
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework60.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Short software-based sound design project
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Continuous assessment of practical work
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 2,3,5
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 Book-based theoretical class Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact AudioLab software session Every Second Week 0.50 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Practical theatre session Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study, research and project work Every Week 3.50 3.5
Total Hours 7.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • George A Duckett. (2016), Sound Design: Questions and Answers, Create Space, [ISBN: 1523230517].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Leonard, J. (2001), Theatre Sound, A&C Black, p.203, [ISBN: 0713648034].
  • White, P. (2000), Basic Live Sound, Sanctuary, p.208, [ISBN: 1860742712].
  • Tony Gibbs. (2007), The Fundamentals of Sonic Art & Sound Design, AVA Publishing, [ISBN: 2940373493].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GMUTH_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Musical Theatre 3 Elective
CR_GPOPM_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Popular Music 4 Elective
CR_GTHDR_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theatre and Drama Studies 4 Elective
CR_GTHDR_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theatre and Drama Studies 3 Elective