Outline

Overview

This unit will cover a range of theoretical, practical and professional issues in architectural acoustics, including codes and standards pertaining to architectural acoustics; method and integrity of measurement; room acoustical measurement, modelling, simulation and criteria; sound absorption theory, measurement and specification; sound insulation theory, measurement and specification; design of spaces using acoustical criteria; and field assessment of acoustical problems in and around buildings. By the completion of this unit, students will acquire knowledge and experience in areas commonly dealt with by the acoustical consulting profession. They will gain an appreciation of current issues in architectural acoustics, possibly inspiring future research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	DESC9138
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Densil Cabrera, densil.cabrera@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Practical skill	Assignment 2 Written report with an in-class presentation in Week 13 - part 2, report	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 18 Nov 2026 at 23:59	1500 words guide	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 1 Write-up of tutorial activities in the classes	40%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 23:59	1500 words guide	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 2 Written report with an in-class presentation in Week 13 - part 1, presentation	20%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2026 at 18:00	10 minutes (guide)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: This assignment is based on the tutorial activities. Students submit a write-up of the tutorials based on guidelines given in each tutorial.
Assignment 2: This is an architectural acoustics design project based on the various topics covered in the classes. An in-class presentation is made in Week 13, prior to the report submission in Week 15.
Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

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).

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Fail	0 - 49	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

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.

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:

School policy applies (-5% per calendar day)

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	Introduction / Basics of Architectural Acoustics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Using Rhino for Architectural Acoustics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Case studies in Architectural Acoustics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Modeling and simulation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Room acoustics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Room acoustics simulation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Environmental Acoustics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Environmental acoustics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Sound insulation in buildings	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Sound insulation in buildings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Auditoria for muisc	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Auditoria for music	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Mechanical Services Noise / The World of Acoustic Consultants	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Mechanical Services Noise / The World of Acoustic Consultants	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Instrumental Measurements in Architectural Acoustics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Instrumental Measurements in Architectural Acoustics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Sound Absorption	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Sound absorption	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Sound scattering and diffusion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Sound scattering and diffusion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Airborne and impact sound insulation 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Impact sound insulation measurement	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Office acoustics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Office acoustics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Assignment 2 final presentation	Assessment (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled classes in accordance with the School Resolutions. Attendance supports engagement with learning, feedback, critique and collaborative activities. Attendance records will be maintained throughout the semester. Where attendance falls below the expected level, the Unit Coordinator may exercise the discretion available under the School Resolution, including determining whether attendance has affected a student’s ability to demonstrate the unit learning outcomes or requiring additional assessment where appropriate.

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: https://policyregister.sydney.edu.au/doctract/documentportal/08DE2219FEF9F9588045F2E46B9ACB35

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.

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. understand the fundamental principles of architectural acoustics and how they are applied
LO2. find, interpret and apply high quality information within the field of architectural acoustics
LO3. understand the principles of measurement and simulation of acoustics in the architectural context
LO4. conduct high quality and meaningful measurements and simulations in the field of architectural acoustics
LO5. clearly present and correctly interpret data from acoustical measurements and simulatons
LO6. conduct primary scientific investigations in the field of architectural acoustics

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.

In 2026 we have reorganised the teaching in this unit to provide a more consolidated approach, which we hope will support learning.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESC9133: Architectural Acoustics Practice

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal evening] - 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links