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MU3014: THE PHYSICS OF MUSIC (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

The lecture-based classes discuss the theory of acoustics and psychoacoustics related to sound production and propagation; the physiology of the human ears and how the brain and the nerve system interact to interpret and respond sound; the history of room and concert hall acoustics and design both in classical and popular musical production; the review of compositional and performance problems related to acoustic and psychoacoustic phenomena; and tools with which to measure sound properties and room acoustics. The course module also include a month-long psychoacoustic lab sessions for experimenting with key physical properties of sound and psychoacoustic phenomena

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Suk-jun Kim

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Different facets of sound, such as frequency, amplitude, wave transmission and interaction will be studied through the lens of specific musical focus questions, for example: "why do choirs often go flat?" or "how many oboes are as loud as one trumpet?"

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); portfolio of assignments (50%) Resit: Students resit any failed assignment(s) and/or the two-hour written examination.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

Written feedback will be provided for each of the assignments making up the folio.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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