Outline

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

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
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 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Practical skill	Assignment 2 exercise-based assignment	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Jun 2026	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly tutorial exercises Analysis/revision/write-up related to tutorial activities	20%	Multiple weeks	short write-up	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 1 exercise-based assignment	30%	Week 06 Due date: 03 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Apr 2026	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessments include regular tutorial-based exercises and two assignments. Assessments focus on acoustics concepts, and MATLAB is used as a tool for this (along with Excel).

There will be 10 tutorial-based exercises, worth 2% each.

The two assignments in this unit of study are exercise-based.

Marks are assigned to each question, and the marks are summed to yield the total.

Some questions are mainly calculation-based. However it is important to demonstrate an understanding of the calculation (e.g., what it means, what it implies, how it compares to expectations, etc). Just getting the right number does not show that you understand the concepts.

Some questions are mainly analysis-based. Again, it is important to demonstrate an understanding of the analysis. A description is not an analysis. Charts from MATLAB/Excel don't mean much unless you explain them.

Some questions are based on a review of scientific literature. Intelligent use of high quality sources, development and interpretation of concepts, application to the specific issues in the question, etc, are among the important features of a good answer.

Assignment 1 is weighted 30%, and assesses concepts up to and including ‘Room Acoustics’ (learning outcomes 1-7).

Assignment 2 is weighted 50%, and assesses concepts over most of the semester (learning outcomes 1-10).

The total weight of the weekly quizes is 20%.

Note on attendance requirement:

The > School of Architecture, Design and Planning's resolutions, clause 8.3, states that "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". If you fail to comply with the School resolutions, you will FAIL this unit.

Attendance and participation will be recorded during tutorials by your tutor.

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 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:

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

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and participation will be recorded during tutorials by your tutor.

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. A 2025 comment suggested more support with MATLAB, which we will provide this year.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Some tutorial activities may take place in the acoustics lab - for which flat-soled shoes are required to be worn (no high heels).

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESC9138: Architectural and Audio Acoustics

Semester 1, 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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links