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 an understanding and knowledge of signal processing, acoustics and human hearing.
• Recommend audio processing methods to achieve desired effects, and implement some techniques.
• Critically evaluate and discuss the performance of these techniques based on a sound understanding of underpinning theory and practical issues.

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

• Analyse and synthesize engineering solutions based on knowledge of theory and practice, specifically for application in audio processing.
• Discuss scientific literature related to audio signal processing methods, integrating knowledge from different disciplines, and critically evaluating arguments and assumptions.

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.
• Discuss audio signal processing problems and solutions, demonstrating an awareness of uncertainties and limits of knowledge.

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

• Integrate knowledge and understanding from different disciplines
• Independently develop your knowledge and understanding 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 develop engineering analysis, synthesis and critical 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 select audio signal processing methods for a variety of problems, and 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 equalisation;
• 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.
• Demonstration 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. Independent study based on notes and recommended reading and independent searches for more advanced works.