Skip to main content
Unit outline_

DESC9133: Architectural Acoustics Practice

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will cover a range of theoretical, practical and professional issues in architectural acoustics, including codes and standards pertaining to architectural acoustics; method and integrity of measurement; room acoustical measurement, modelling, simulation and criteria; sound absorption theory, measurement and specification; sound insulation theory, measurement and specification; design of spaces using acoustical criteria; and field assessment of acoustical problems in and around buildings. By the completion of this unit, students will acquire knowledge and experience in areas commonly dealt with by the acoustical consulting profession. They will gain an appreciation of current issues in architectural acoustics, possibly inspiring future research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architectural and Design Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

DESC9138

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Densil Cabrera, densil.cabrera@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assignment 2
Written report with an in-class presentation in Week 13.
60% Mid-semester break
Due date: 12 Nov 2024 at 11:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Assignment 1
Write-up of tutorial activities in the classes
40% Week 09
Due date: 29 Sep 2024 at 11:59
1500 words (rough guide)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5

Assessment summary

  • Assignment 1: This assignment is based on the tutorial activities. Students submit a write-up of the tutorials based on guidelines given in each tutorial.
  • Assignment 2: This is an architectural acoustics design project based on the various topics covered in the classes. An in-class presentation is made in Week 13, prior to the report submission in Week 15.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Credit

65 - 74

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Pass

50 - 64

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Fail

0 - 49

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

School policy applies (-5% per calendar day)

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Architectural Acoustics Practice Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Introduction to modelling and simulation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1
Week 02 Modeling and simulation of room acoustics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Modeling and simulation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Designing and acoustic environment Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Designing and acoustic environment Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Sound insulation in buildings - fundamentals Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Sound insulation in buildings Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 An introduction to soundscape Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Soundscape Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Introduction to environmental acoustics and policy framework Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Environmental acoustics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Practical aspects of sound insulation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Sound insulation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Acoustics of HVAC and speech masking Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
HVAC and speech masking Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Vibration and structure-borne noise Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Vibration and structure-borne noise Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Auditoria for music Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Auditoria for music Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Classroom acoustics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Classroom acoustics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Architectural acoustics practice Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Architectural acoustics practice Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Assignment 2 final presentation Lecture (3 hr) LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the fundamental principles of architectural acoustics and how they are applied
  • LO2. find, interpret and apply high quality information within the field of architectural acoustics
  • LO3. understand the principles of measurement and simulation of acoustics in the architectural context
  • LO4. conduct high quality and meaningful measurements and simulations in the field of architectural acoustics
  • LO5. clearly present and correctly interpret data from acoustical measurements and simulatons
  • LO6. conduct primary scientific investigations in the field of architectural acoustics

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This instance of DESC9133 is mostly taught by architectural acoustics practitioners.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.