Outline

Overview

This unit of study is intended to be a broad introduction to the theory and practice of audio production and sound design for moving pictures in both analogue and digital forms. Through viewing and discussing critical excerpts, the unit will offer a grounding in the history, theory and criticism of sound design and its applicability to current film and television production practice. The unit will look at the tools and techniques available to the sound designer, as well as examine the various underlying strategies, processes, and sound design philosophies. You will develop an understanding of critical film sound theory and an apprehension of key concepts including: synchronous and asynchronous sound, synchresis; on-screen, off-screen, and non-diegetic sound; the sound stage, point of view, causal semantic and reduced listening, internal and external logic, audiovisual rhythm and counterpoint. Applications of those principles will be explored in creative practice from sound capture and creation to construction using field/location and studio recording and post-production techniques. The sound designer's role in the process of creation of meaning will be examined in cultural as well as technical contexts of compositional practices. The unit will aim at developing a conceptual design language and individual aesthetic as well as encourage the invention of original sounds. At the completion of this unit you will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the audiovisual language and demonstrate technical and conceptual skills by producing a short sound for a film project.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Robyn Backen, robyn.backen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Final Project: Each student will create a 3-minute Sound Design piece for film	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 12 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2026	3-minutes (1,800 word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Project 1: Recorded Sound Project Record a 1-minute piece of audio using field recording equipment	20%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Mar 2026	1-minute (900word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Project 2: In class presentation Group presentation of Film Scene Sound Analysis	20%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59	7-minutes (900word equivalent)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Project 3: Micro Assessments Each group will develop a 1-minute Foley Soundtrack	20%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 May 2026	1-minute (900 word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Details can be found in CANVAS

Assessment criteria

SCA Assessment Criteria

1. Competence

The development and application of practical and intellectual competency and skills appropriate to the unit of studies.

2. Development

Students are expected to develop the ability to initiate and realise their own objectives for studio practice and theory work within the requirements of the unit of study and their developing knowledge of its historical and theoretical context. Students are expected to improve their abilities, competency and understanding throughout a semester, and in successive semesters.

3. Critical Awareness

Students are expected to develop a critical awareness and knowledge of the unit of study and develop the ability to objectively evaluate their own work, select appropriate methods and materials and to formulate and evaluate ideas/methods.

4. Commitment

Commitment and self-motivation are important to a student's successful study in the unit of study. The level of commitment to study in the academic program is reflected in: the development of self-motivation applied to individual, group or assignment based work; the degree of participation in the group work, project submission, essays or discussion; the development of a consistent work pattern, and the regularity and punctuality of attendance and submissions.

5. Innovation

Innovative and imaginative thinking, appropriate to the unit of study, is a measure of the quality of ideas underlying a student's work and of development in their studies.

Grade Descriptors (abbreviated)

HD High Distinction 85-100

The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to an exceptionally high degree.

D Distinction 75-84

The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to a high level.

CR Credit 65-74

The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to a satisfactory level, some to an exceptional or most to a high level.

P Pass 50-64

The grade appropriate to coursework that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to a satisfactory level.

Assessment Grading in accordance with the University of Sydney’s Guide to Grades found at https://sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.html

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	An Introduction to Analog Audio + Location Sound Recording + How to use the Zoom h4n, & analog signal flow	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Location & Field Recording & Microphones, Creating a Narrative with Sound & Screening + Microphone Workshop, we will learn how to use and setup microphones for practice recordings	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Digital Audio, In-Class Critique for Project 1 & Theory of Digital Audio & Intro to Pro Tools I, Interface, connections, plug-ins, basic editing	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	How Sound Shapes Film, Dialogue & Narrative + Sound & Listening + Visiting the Sound Studio	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Presentations of Project 2 in Class & Intro to Pro Tools I, Atmospheres & Ambiences	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Foley Design I & Foley Design Workshop	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Foley Design II + Intro to Pro Tools II	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Sound FX, Sound Libraries & Audio Processing & Sound FX, IZotope & Sound Libraries	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Sound Track & Music	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	The Mix I, Editing & Mixing	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	The Mix II, Bringing the pieces together + Working Session, Students are to bring their projects to class for individual consultations with the tutor.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Working Session Open Forum + Working Session, Students are to bring their projects to class for individual consultations with the tutor	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	In Class Critique of Final Projects	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Additional requirements by the Sydney College of the Arts

· Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the unit coordinator or relevant delegate.

· All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted. You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass.

- Failure to attend an assessment without approved special consideration will result in forfeiture of the marks for that assessment.

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

Selected chapters from the following books will be assigned throughout the semester. In most cases chapters will be provided for you.

Ament, V. T. (2014). The Foley Grail: The Art of Performing Sound for Film, Games, and Animation. CRC Press.

Chion, Michel (1994). Audio-vision: Sound on screen. (Ed. and Trans. Claudia Gorbman). New York: Columbia University Press

Kassabian, A. (2002). Hearing Film: Tracking Identifications in Contemporary Hollywood Film Music. Routledge.

Owsinski, Booby (2014). The recording engineer’s handbook (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning PTR.

Sonnenchein, David (2001). Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions

Viers, Rick (2008). The Sound Effects Bible: How to Create and Record Hollywood Style Sound Effects. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions

Viers, Rick (2012). The location sound bible: How to record professional dialog for film and TV. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. The ability to conceive, plan and realize a 3min Sound Design piece that demonstrates conceptual sonic delivery and competency in the use of Pro Tools.
LO2. To be able to critically analyse and problem solve through the production process of a short Sound Design piece.
LO3. To become proficient in Audio Post Production and Pro Tools.
LO4. To communicate their sound design ideas creatively and effectively
LO5. Critically evaluate aesthetics, information & narratives in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

The marking percentages have been realigned to provide a more balanced distribution, and the rubrics have been updated accordingly.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL5029: Sound Design for Film and Digital Media

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links