Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Soundscapes
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: IMD11123
Module leader: Iain McGregor
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

You will engage in an advanced exploration of the fundamental properties of sound, beginning with acoustics, examining vibration, waveforms, and transmission, before progressing to psychoacoustics, which critically analyses hearing mechanisms, auditory processing, and cognitive influences on sound perception. The module interrogates listening processes, evaluating how individuals interpret language, spatial perception, and auditory scenes, alongside the role of soundscapes in shaping place, identity, and memory. You will critically examine environmental sound, spatialisation, and aural architecture, as well as the implications of hearing disorders and impairments, including noise-induced hearing loss and presbycusis, on sound design and audience perception. A key focus is on sound mapping and classification methodologies, developing the ability to evaluate and document listening experiences using repertory grid techniques, listener evaluations, and qualitative analysis. Throughout, you will apply these principles to a sound design project within your chosen form of media, integrating psychoacoustic research and listener feedback to inform creative and technical decision-making. This module synthesises theoretical frameworks, research-led inquiry, and advanced practical application, ensuring a rigorous and reflective approach to contemporary sound design.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of acoustical principles, applying advanced theoretical concepts to the generation, propagation, and interaction of sound and their implications for linear and interactive media.

LO2: Critically evaluate and synthesise research on the cognitive and perceptual processes of listening, assessing their implications for sound design and auditory experiences.

LO3: Apply advanced psychoacoustic principles to sound design, integrating perceptual models and auditory processing techniques to enhance engagement in linear and interactive media.

LO4: Critically assess the effectiveness of sound design through listener evaluation, using rigorous approaches to interpret audience perception and refine creative and technical decisions.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Iain McGregor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 20 The in-person tutorial sessions provide a research-led, discussion-based environment that supports critical engagement with psychoacoustics and its application to sound design. Linked to the coursework, they focus on analysing theoretical concepts, refining arguments, and developing a structured approach to assessments. Emphasising formative feedback, these sessions offer structured critique and peer collaboration to refine analytical and creative thinking.
Face To Face Lecture 20 The in-person lectures provide a structured exploration of sound, covering acoustics, psychoacoustics, and auditory perception. Key topics include waveforms, spatialisation, soundscapes, and the impact of hearing impairments on sound design. Students will examine sound mapping, classification methods, and listener evaluations, applying these concepts to research and creative practice. These sessions establish a strong theoretical foundation for independent study and practical application.
Online Guided independent study 100 Guided independent study will involve engaging with suitable texts and fora to explore acoustics, psychoacoustics, and auditory perception. You will examine soundscapes, spatialisation, and hearing disorders, applying classification methods and listener evaluations. These principles will inform a sound design project, integrating research and feedback to refine creative and technical decisions while developing a reflective and research-informed approach to sound design.
Independent Learning Lecture 60 The online guest lectures explore acoustics, psychoacoustics, and auditory perception, covering spatialisation, soundscapes, and the effects of hearing disorders on audience experience. Topics include sound mapping, classification, and evaluation techniques, focusing on research-led methods for analysing listening experiences. Psychoacoustic research and listener feedback inform sound design across various media, ensuring a critical, reflective approach to creative and technical decision-making.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 90 1~2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 100 hours The coursework requires students to create an innovative sound design for linear or interactive media, applying psychoacoustic research to inform creative and technical decisions. Submissions should include a five-minute video showcasing the resultant sound design, a complete set of audio assets, detailed production notes, a requirements gathering report, a listeners’ evaluation, and a self-assessment.The video must clearly demonstrate the application of chosen psychoacoustic principles. Students will submit an organised collection of audio assets and production notes detailing recording, synthesis, processing, and spatialisation techniques, with explicit references to relevant psychoacoustic research.The requirements gathering report will analyse audience expectations and perceptual responses, based on qualitative research with non-trained listeners. The listeners’ evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the design through two rounds of structured feedback, comparing responses with psychoacoustic theories and industry standards.A structured self-assessment will critically reflect on strengths, areas for improvement, workflow efficiency, and audience reception. Assessment criteria include originality, aesthetic quality, contextual relevance, audience engagement, technical execution, research depth, evaluation accuracy, production documentation, and self-reflection.
Oral Presentation 10 1~2~3~4 Week 12 HOURS= 20 hours Active participation in tutorials is essential for developing a critical and reflective approach to sound design. Students are expected to engage in discussions, provide constructive feedback to peers, and demonstrate a willingness to refine their work based on formative input. Contributions should reflect an understanding of psychoacoustic principles, perceptual evaluation, and audience-centred design, integrating relevant research into discussions.Engagement will be assessed based on the quality of participation, depth of insight, and ability to articulate creative and technical decisions. Students should use tutorials as an opportunity to refine their approach, critically evaluate feedback, and enhance their understanding of how listening perception informs sound design. Marks will reflect consistent participation, preparedness, engagement with peer feedback, and the application of tutorial discussions to project development.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100
2025/6, Trimester 1, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Iain McGregor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 20 The online lectures provide a structured exploration of sound, covering acoustics, psychoacoustics, and auditory perception. Key topics include waveforms, spatialisation, soundscapes, and the impact of hearing impairments on sound design. Students will examine sound mapping, classification methods, and listener evaluations, applying these concepts to research and creative practice. These sessions establish a strong theoretical foundation for independent study and practical application.
Independent Learning Lecture 60 The online guest lectures explore acoustics, psychoacoustics, and auditory perception, covering spatialisation, soundscapes, and the effects of hearing disorders on audience experience. Topics include sound mapping, classification, and evaluation techniques, focusing on research-led methods for analysing listening experiences. Psychoacoustic research and listener feedback inform sound design across various media, ensuring a critical, reflective approach to creative and technical decision-making.
Independent Learning Tutorial 20 The online tutorial sessions provide a research-led, discussion-based environment that supports critical engagement with psychoacoustics and its application to sound design. Linked to the coursework, they focus on analysing theoretical concepts, refining arguments, and developing a structured approach to assessments. Emphasising formative feedback, these sessions offer structured critique and peer collaboration to refine analytical and creative thinking.
Online Guided independent study 100 Guided independent study will involve engaging with suitable texts and fora to explore acoustics, psychoacoustics, and auditory perception. You will examine soundscapes, spatialisation, and hearing disorders, applying classification methods and listener evaluations. These principles will inform a sound design project, integrating research and feedback to refine creative and technical decisions while developing a reflective and research-informed approach to sound design.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 90 1~2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 100 hours The coursework requires students to create an innovative sound design for linear or interactive media, applying psychoacoustic research to inform creative and technical decisions. Submissions should include a five-minute video showcasing the resultant sound design, a complete set of audio assets, detailed production notes, a requirements gathering report, a listeners’ evaluation, and a self-assessment.The video must clearly demonstrate the application of chosen psychoacoustic principles. Students will submit an organised collection of audio assets and production notes detailing recording, synthesis, processing, and spatialisation techniques, with explicit references to relevant psychoacoustic research.The requirements gathering report will analyse audience expectations and perceptual responses, based on qualitative research with non-trained listeners. The listeners’ evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the design through two rounds of structured feedback, comparing responses with psychoacoustic theories and industry standards.A structured self-assessment will critically reflect on strengths, areas for improvement, workflow efficiency, and audience reception. Assessment criteria include originality, aesthetic quality, contextual relevance, audience engagement, technical execution, research depth, evaluation accuracy, production documentation, and self-reflection.
Oral Presentation 10 1~2~3~4 Week 12 HOURS= 20 hours Active participation in tutorials is essential for developing a critical and reflective approach to sound design. Students are expected to engage in discussions, provide constructive feedback to peers, and demonstrate a willingness to refine their work based on formative input. Contributions should reflect an understanding of psychoacoustic principles, perceptual evaluation, and audience-centred design, integrating relevant research into discussions.Engagement will be assessed based on the quality of participation, depth of insight, and ability to articulate creative and technical decisions. Students should use tutorials as an opportunity to refine their approach, critically evaluate feedback, and enhance their understanding of how listening perception informs sound design. Marks will reflect consistent participation, preparedness, engagement with peer feedback, and the application of tutorial discussions to project development.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Soundscapes
 

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