Module overview
As an Acoustical Engineer you will need to be able to:
1. Understand the physics of sound and vibration
2. Understand the effects sound and vibration have on people
3. Design systems that control sound and/or vibration
4. Design systems that use sound and/or vibration to benefit people
This module is the first step in addressing the first two of these requirements for sound.
The first part of the Module introduces the way we hear and respond to sound, the way we use specialized equipment to quantify and measure sounds, and the relationship between those measures and human responses to the sounds they measure.
The second part of the module introduces the physics of sound with a combination of practical experimentation, numerical computation and mathematical analysis. Basic examples such as stretched string vibrations, open and closed tubes, and moving sources are studied to provide a solid foundation of acoustical understanding in preparation for subsequent modules.
In order to ensure that students from all eligible backgrounds can participate, all students will be tested on their understanding of basic physical concepts and, where necessary, additional support and learning material from the University’s Foundation Year will be provided.