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Unit of study_
DESC9138: Architectural and Audio Acoustics
2025 unit information
This unit introduces the fundamental concepts and issues of audio and architectural acoustics, with an emphasis on theory. The unit introduces topics such as: basic acoustical concepts, quantities and units; principles of sound radiation and propagation; sound absorption and room acoustics; psychological acoustics; noise measurement and specification; speech intelligibility; and principles and specification of airborne sound insulation. Acoustics theory involves mathematics, and this unit aims to provide knowledge and skills so that such theory can be applied, with the help of spreadsheets and computer programs. Teaching is supported by demonstrations and tutorials. By completing this unit students will be able to understand acoustical terminology, and perform calculations and analysis applicable to sound in the environment, in buildings, and in audio contexts. They will have the ability to critically assess claims of acoustical performance. This unit provides the theoretical foundation for advanced units in audio and acoustics.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Architectural and Design Science |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand acoustical values of sound pressure, intensity, particle velocity, and power. Be able to calculate relationships between these. Demonstrate a basic working understanding of the radiation characteristics of sound sources
- LO2. understand and be able to work with sound levels. Be able to correctly transform fundamental values into sound levels and vice versa
- LO3. understand how spectral, temporal and spatial integration are used in acoustical measurements, and be able to interpret measurements using this understanding
- LO4. explain the main sound propagation phenomena, including dispersion, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and dissipation; and identify situations where these phenomena are significant. Be able to perform relevant calculations to predict the behaviour of sound in space
- LO5. understand the main principles of spectrum analysis. Be able to perform spectral analysis appropriately, and correctly manipulate and interpret spectral data
- LO6. understand sound absorption values, the ways by which they are derived, and to able to apply them in room acoustics
- LO7. understand basic theoretical room acoustics, including statistical, ray-based and wave- based paradigms. Be able to perform relevant room acoustical computational modelling
- LO8. understand the theoretical basis of airborne sound insulation, rating methods and how they are applied
- LO9. understand the principles of spatial hearing, and the principles of loudness perception and modelling, and to apply this to the analysis of acoustic signals
- LO10. understand the basic principles of dynamic loudspeaker drivers and loudspeakers, and be able to predict the performance of a driver in a loudspeaker box.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal evening | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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