DESC9138: Semester 1, 2021

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Units DESC9138 Semester 1 2021 [Normal day]

Unit of study_

DESC9138: Architectural and Audio Acoustics

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts and issues of audio and architectural acoustics, with an emphasis on theory. The unit introduces topics such as: basic acoustical concepts, quantities and units; principles of sound radiation and propagation; sound absorption and room acoustics; psychological acoustics; noise measurement and specification; speech intelligibility; and principles and specification of airborne sound insulation. Acoustics theory involves mathematics, and this unit aims to provide knowledge and skills so that such theory can be applied, with the help of spreadsheets and computer programs. Teaching is supported by demonstrations and tutorials. By completing this unit students will be able to understand acoustical terminology, and perform calculations and analysis applicable to sound in the environment, in buildings, and in audio contexts. They will have the ability to critically assess claims of acoustical performance. This unit provides the theoretical foundation for advanced units in audio and acoustics.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	DESC9138
Academic unit	Architectural and Design Science
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
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	Assignment 2 Report	70%	STUVAC Due date: 08 Jun 2021 at 23:00	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Written with non-written elements	30%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Apr 2021 at 17:00	n/a
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: A set of exercises based materials taught up to week 6. The assignment will draw material from lectures and tutorials. This assignment will be published in week 3, and a question and answer session about the assignment will be conducted in week 6.
Assignment 2: A set of exercises based on materials taught up to week 12. The assignment will draw material from lectures and tutorials. This assignment will be published in week 9, and a question and answer session about the assignment will be conducted in week 13.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high 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 demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

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.

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the unit, and to acoustics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Sound sources and acoustic radiation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Sound propagation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Sound analysis - levels, loudness, spectrum	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Room acoustics 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Room acoustics 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Room acoustics 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Speech and speech intelligibility	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Airborne sound insulation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Acoustics of spatial hearing	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Loudness	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Loudspeakers	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Research in Architectural Acoustics	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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 through the University of Sydney Library. Please refer to Canvas for recommended reading.

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 acoustical values of sound pressure, intensity, particle velocity, and power. Be able to calculate relationships between these. Demonstrate a basic working understanding of the radiation characteristics of sound sources
LO2. understand and be able to work with sound levels. Be able to correctly transform fundamental values into sound levels and vice versa
LO3. understand how spectral, temporal and spatial integration are used in acoustical measurements, and be able to interpret measurements using this understanding
LO4. explain the main sound propagation phenomena, including dispersion, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and dissipation; and identify situations where these phenomena are significant. Be able to perform relevant calculations to predict the behaviour of sound in space
LO5. understand the main principles of spectrum analysis. Be able to perform spectral analysis appropriately, and correctly manipulate and interpret spectral data
LO6. understand sound absorption values, the ways by which they are derived, and to able to apply them in room acoustics
LO7. understand basic theoretical room acoustics, including statistical, ray-based and wave- based paradigms. Be able to perform relevant room acoustical computational modelling
LO8. understand the theoretical basis of airborne sound insulation, rating methods and how they are applied
LO9. understand the principles of spatial hearing, and the principles of loudness perception and modelling, and to apply this to the analysis of acoustic signals
LO10. understand the basic principles of dynamic loudspeaker drivers and loudspeakers, and be able to predict the performance of a driver in a loudspeaker box.

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.

Unit of Study Surveys are used in this unit to help improve it each year.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

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