Single Module Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics, Level 7 (15 Credits)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Taught by experienced faculty, the program prepares graduates for careers in acoustics consulting, audio engineering, research, and education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Introduction:
The Single Module Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics program delves into the fascinating world of music and sound. This 15-credit module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of musical sound generation, analysis, and modeling techniques.
Objectives:
- Gain a thorough grasp of how the human auditory system perceives pitch and loudness.
- Develop a systematic understanding of sound processing in the brain, considering both bottom-up and top-down mechanisms.
- Acquire comprehensive knowledge of musical sound generation, analysis, and modeling techniques.
- Apply these techniques to synthesize, process, and analyze musical sounds.
- Critically evaluate current research in musical acoustics and human response to sound.
Description:
This module stands alone and is designed for individuals who seek specialized training in psychoacoustics and musical acoustics. It can serve as professional development for those currently working in relevant industries or those seeking a career change. The program draws upon content from the University of Salford's MSc/PgDip Acoustics program, offering a concentrated learning experience in a specific area.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Physiology of the ear: How the ear converts sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret.
- Loudness and pitch perception: How the brain processes these qualities of sound.
- Sound organization in the brain: How the brain integrates different aspects of sound to create a unified percept.
- Musical sound generation: How musical instruments produce sound and the physical principles involved.
- Musical sound analysis: Techniques for analyzing the characteristics of musical sounds.
- Musical sound modeling: Creating computer models of musical instruments and sounds.
Structure:
The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical assignments. Students are expected to engage in active learning and self-directed study.
Course Schedule:
The program is offered part-time and can be completed in one semester. Learning is primarily delivered through face-to-face sessions, with online options available for distance learners.
Modules:
The program consists of one module:
- Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics: This module covers all the content mentioned above.
Module Description:
The module provides a comprehensive understanding of how the human auditory system works and how sound is organized in the brain. It also covers the principles of musical sound generation, analysis, and modeling. Students will apply these techniques to synthesize, process, and analyze musical sounds and critically evaluate current research in the field.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Written assignments: Students complete one substantial written assignment to demonstrate their understanding of the learning outcomes and cover the syllabus. These assignments are based on open-ended design exercises and case studies based on realistic problems.
- Examinations: Examinations may be used to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the program. These criteria will be made available to students at the beginning of the program.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce students to the key concepts and theories covered in the program.
- Seminars: Seminars provide students with an opportunity to discuss the material covered in lectures and to ask questions.
- Practical assignments: Practical assignments allow students to apply the concepts and theories they have learned to real-world problems.
- Independent study: Students are expected to engage in independent study outside of class time.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members. The faculty members have a strong research background and are passionate about teaching.
Unique Approaches:
The program uses a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
- Flipped classroom: Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the material covered in the readings. This allows for more active learning and engagement in the classroom.
- Problem-based learning: Students are presented with real-world problems to solve, which helps them to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborative learning: Students are encouraged to work together on assignments and projects. This helps them to develop their communication and teamwork skills.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the field of acoustics, including:
- Acoustics consultant: Acoustics consultants provide advice and solutions to clients on a variety of noise and vibration issues.
- Audio engineer: Audio engineers design and build audio systems for a variety of applications, including music production, film, and television.
- Researcher: Researchers in the field of acoustics conduct research on a variety of topics, including the human auditory system, sound perception, and noise control.
- Teacher: Teachers can use their knowledge of acoustics to teach students about sound and music.
Career Opportunities:
The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in a variety of careers in the field of acoustics. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including:
- Acoustics consulting: Major acoustics consulting firms around the world.
- Audio engineering: Apple, Dolby, BBC, and other leading audio engineering companies.
- Research: Universities, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Education: Schools, colleges, and universities.
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for a successful career in the field of acoustics. They are in high demand due to the shortage of qualified acoustics professionals. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in a variety of careers, including acoustics consulting, audio engineering, research, and education.
Other:
Industry Collaboration and Research:
The program has strong industry links and is involved in a number of collaborative research projects. This ensures that the program is aligned with the latest research findings and developments in the field of acoustics.
Facilities:
Students have access to world-class facilities, including full and semi-anechoic chambers, a transmission suite, large and small reverberation chambers, an ITU standard listening room, audiometric test facilities, and a range of advanced instrumentation and equipment.
Location:
The program is offered at the University of Salford, which is located in Manchester, England. Manchester is a major city with a thriving cultural scene and a strong economy.
International Students:
The program welcomes international students.
Conclusion:
The Single Module Psychoacoustics and Musical Acoustics program at the University of Salford is a unique and valuable opportunity for students who are interested in learning about the science of sound and music. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the human auditory system, musical sound generation, and analysis and modeling techniques. The program is taught by experienced faculty members and uses a variety of teaching methods to ensure that students are engaged and challenged. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for a successful career in the field of acoustics.
| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Distance learning UK | 2024/25 | £832.50 per 15 credits | | Part-time UK | 2024/25 | £850 per 15 credits | | Distance Learning International | 2024/25 | £1,365 per 15 credits | | Part-time International | 2024/25 | £1,365 per 15 credits |
