Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton

Knowledge and understanding
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Explain principles of audio processing techniques based on a systematic understanding and knowledge of signal processing, acoustics and human hearing.
• Recommend audio processing methods to achieve desired effects, and implement some techniques, including some at the forefront of the field.
• Critically evaluate and discuss the performance of these techniques based on a sound understanding of underpinning theory and practical issues.
• Creatively propose alternative methods using sound conceptual understanding, and informed by research and state-of-the-art methodologies.

Cognitive (thinking) skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Analyze and synthesize engineering solutions based on knowledge of theory and practice, specifically for applications in audio processing.
• Critically discuss scientific literature (including recent research) related to audio signal processing methods, integrating knowledge from different disciplines.
• Demonstrate originality and autonomy in addressing technical challenges, and deal creatively with complex problems and sometimes conflicting evidence.

Practical, subject specific skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Select and implement (in Matlab) some audio processing methods, and evaluate performance with respect to relevant (and sometimes conflicting) criteria.
• Discuss audio signal processing problems, solutions and continuing challenges.

Key transferable skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate your ability to:

• Integrate knowledge and understanding from different disciplines.
• Solve problems in a complex environment.
• Independently develop your knowledge and understanding at the forefront of your field.
• Develop and communicate ideas and arguments in a systematic manner.

• To review some relevant signal processing theory, and to apply this to audio signals.
• To introduce the concepts and techniques involved in the digital processing of audio signals.
• To discuss examples of the application of audio signal processing.
• To develop engineering analysis, synthesis and critical and creative thinking skills based on cases from audio signal processing.

• To review some of the relevant signal processing theory.
• To become familiar with the concepts and techniques involved in the processing of audio signals in the digital domain.
• Develop the ability to suggest audio signal processing methods for a variety of problems, and critically evaluate performance, by considering theory and practice.

• Analogue and digital processing, including filters, spectral estimation and system identification.
• Hearing: normal and impaired.
• Sound quality and perception.
• Single and multi channel effects processing.
• Room and loudspeaker equalization.
• Hearing aids.
• Audio compression, synthesis and restoration.
• Speech production, enhancement and recognition.
• Virtual sound imaging.

Two lectures per week, containing a combination of:

• Presentation of the theory and practice of audio signal processing.
• Demonstrations and presentation of case-studies related to various methods.
• Discussion of examples.

One assignment completed outside of class consisting of the implementation, application and critical evaluation and discussion of different methods, which will also allow for creatively developing alternative approaches to solutions. Independent study, based on notes and recommended reading, as well as more advanced research in books and the current scientific literature.