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Unit of study_

BADP2003: Light and Sound

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study develops a working understanding of light and sound from physical and sensory perspectives, and of the ways that buildings and building elements affect these. These are examined in terms of their sources, transmission, digital representation, and sensation. Theories that allow students to develop practical designs and predictions are introduced. Theoretical learning is reinforced by computational data processing and analysis. Standards, regulations and recommendations concerning light and sound in the built environment are introduced. Consideration is given to their roles in human communication, and how architectural environments can contribute to these.

Unit details and rules

Unit code BADP2003
Academic unit Architectural and Design Science
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
BADP1001
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Densil Cabrera, densil.cabrera@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Light and sound report
Report
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59
4 A4 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Light and sound measurements report
Report (group data collection, individual analysis and submission)
25% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment Short literature based report and presentation
Report and presentation
35% Week 09
Due date: 21 Apr 2024 at 23:59
750 words + short presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Light and sound measurement report: This assignment is based on work in weeks 1-4 in the tutorials. The tutorial reviews light and sound measurements, with a focus on the inverse-square relationship between distance and the amount of light and sound energy. Comparisons are made between light and sound measurements and calculations. Measurements are done in groups (in the tutotial), but the assessment is prepared and submitted individually.
  • Short literature based report: This assignment is a short review based on research literature concerned with a topic in light and/or sound. A set of topics will be provided.
  • Light and Sound report: This assignment is a report relating to light and/or sound in the built environment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical
analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis,
synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the
learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the
learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes
assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to light and sound Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial set 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Light, what it is and how it behaves Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Tutorial set 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 03 Sound, what it is and how it behaves Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Tutorial set 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 Light and perception Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Tutorial set 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Sound and perception Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Tutorial set 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Lighting technologies Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Tutorial set 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Lighting design Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Tutorial set 3 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Sound in rooms Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Tutorial set 3 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Sound in buildings Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Tutorial set 4 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Lighting standards Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Tutorial set 4 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Sound design Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO6
Assignment 3 discussion and consultation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Light and sound projects Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment 3 discussion and consultation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School, relevant parts of which are presented below.

Students are required to be in attendance at the correct time and place of any formal or informal assessments (this particularly applies to oral in-class presentations and activities). Non-attendance on any grounds that is insufficient to claim special consideration or disability adjustment will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment.


A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or relevant Unit Coordinator.

 

The Head of School and Dean, Associate Dean Education or relevant Unit Coordinator may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90%.

 

In the case of serious illness, injury or misadventure, a student may apply for special consideration subject to the student meeting all assessment requirements and providing satisfactory supporting documentation.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed electronically through the University of Sydney Library.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand concepts, terms and quantities used in light and sound analysis and design in the built environment
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding of, and experience in, the measurement of light and sound, and interpret the results of measurement
  • LO3. understand light and sound in terms of human factors such as perception, task appropriateness and comfort
  • LO4. analyse theoretical concepts to predict light and sound phenomena in the built environment
  • LO5. interpret and write about published research and standards in the area of light and sound
  • LO6. critically assess claims made regarding light and sound in buildings.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This year we are trying to build a connection with the studio unit that most students are enrolled in. In 2024 students in BAEN2001 are designing exhibition spaces, so we will include light and sound for exhibition spaces in teaching and learning.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.