Environmental Acoustics – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Course ContentEnvironmental Noise Measurement - You will learn how to take reliable measurements of environmental noise, how to apply acoustic theory and knowledge of standard practice to work out what, where and how to measure. You will be given a practical test with a sound level meter as part of the assessment, and will (to be confirmed) be given the opportunity to obtain the Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement.

Noise controlThis module will equip students with the knowledge to be able to select appropriate noise control options for realistic environmental noise scenarios, and to justify their selections.

Mathematics and Vibrations

A high level of competency at mathematics forms a core requirement to understanding how audio systems work

Acoustics

This will provide a fundamental understanding of the physics behind the behaviour of sound. . What is sound? What is vibration? How is it generated? How does it propagate? How do we measure it in time and frequency?

Transducers and sound reinforcement

You will learn about how to design appropriate transducers to transform electronic signals to acoustic waves. You will discover how these waves behave in rooms and outdoors, and so learn about appropriate application of loudspeakers for music reproduction, sound reinforcement and public address.

Psychoacoustic

Human auditory perception is fundamental to all audio acoustics. You will learn about such effects as pitch perception, localisation and masking and how these are used in perceptual coding and spatial audio. You will learn how to measure human response to audio signals.

Digital signal processing

Digital systems form the core of modern audio. In this module you will learn what happens when signals are transformed from analogue to digital representations and vice versa. You will learn to manipulate digital signals by filtering, and concepts such as convolution, Fourier transformation and filter design will be explored .

Numerical techniques

Fundamental to most modern acoustic research is the use of numerical techniques to enable complex mathematical systems to be solved and understood. In this module techniques such as Boundary Element, Finite Element, Statistical Energy Analysis and geometric room acoustic models will be learnt.

Room Acoustics

Most audio systems ultimately radiate sound into enclosures. Whether you're designing an arena, listening room or shopping mall, correct acoustical design is vital to make the space comfortable to use and reproduced sound audible and intelligible. You will also learn about the design of spaces, such as concert halls and theatres, for non-electronic sound sources.

Project

A third of the Masters is based on an individual project. This gives you a chance to study an area of interest to yourself in more depth. Projects are carried out under the direction of a named supervisor who will agree a title and plan which is normally suggested by the student. If appropriate, the project may be based around a task of interest to your current employers.