Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton

Knowledge and understanding
• Having successfully completed the module, you will understand the principles underlying the basic mathematics, physics, acoustics, optics and instrumentation covered

Cognitive (thinking) skills
• Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to apply the principles of mathematics, physics, acoustics, optics and instrumentation to neurosensory contexts

Practical, subject specific skills
• Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to relate principles of mathematics, physics, acoustics, optics and instrumentation to individual cases.

Key transferable skills
• Having successfully completed the module, you will have gained a better understanding of mathematics, physics, acoustics, optics and instrumentation in general

• To provide you with a basic understanding of physics and concentrating on physical and mathematical principles, and with particular relevance to neurosensory function • Concepts of waves and electromagnetic fields • To provide you with an understanding the principles of operation and calibration of instrumentation relevant to the huiman neurosensory system

• On successful completion of this module you should understand correct usage of relevant physical and acoustic terms and quantities, the principles of vibratory motion, measurement, quantification and analysis of the various parameters of simple and complex signals, time- and frequency-domain representation of signals, the principles used to analyse mechanical, acoustical, optical and electrical systems, and the operation and calibration of basic and complex instruments according to recognised standards. You should also be able to link the material in this module to that in others and thus enhance your understanding of the material in all such modules.

• Mathematical concepts • Fundamental and derived physical quantities and their units • Basic mechanics • Descriptions of mechanical, acoustical and electrical systems • Simple vibratory motion • Sound, light and electromagnetic waves and their components • Sound and the electromagnetic field • The sine wave • Power and intensity, the decibel • Concepts of impedance • Resonance • Time and frequency domains • Types of signals, spectral representations of complex signals • Linearity and nonlinearity, distortion • Transmission and propagation of light and sound • Reflection, refraction and absorption of waves. • Principles of signal measurement, conditioning and analysis • Analogue and digital signals and systems • Instrumentation of particular relevance to neurosensory testing

• Thirty 45-minute lectures in a formal classroom setting, supplemented by occasional practical demonstrations. Typical class size is 30 students. • Electronic (web-based) material, including quizzes, provided for you to work through in your own time. • You will need to spend additional time on independent learning to supplement learning gained through formal lectures. In addition to the information resources available to you, you will be able to meet with the module lecturers for assistance.

• Working in your own time and in timetabled independent learning sessions

Core text

Course notes and workbook for Introduction to Sound (3rd edn), C E Speaks, Singular

Introduction to Sound 3rd edn (1999), C E Speaks, Singular