Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Sound Theory
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: IMD08125
Module leader: Balandino Di Donato
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 develop an in-depth understanding of sound theory suitable for interactive applications and digital entertainment. You will learn the relevant principles of Physics, Psychophysics, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics as well as detailed information on Microphones, Consoles, Control Surfaces, Recorders. Signal processing representations of audio will be introduced followed by effective methods for capturing both analogue and digital sound. Techniques to edit the audio seamlessly, as well as mixing and mastering to a professional standard, including Formats, Delivery Methods, Reproduction Systems.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Recognise the underlying principles of sound and acoustics.

LO2: Apply effective methods of capturing analogue and digital sound.

LO3: Undertake advanced methods of editing, mixing and mastering audio.

LO4: Identify appropriate methods of delivering audio for linear and interactive media.
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: Balandino Di Donato
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Practical sessions where students build on the theory of the lectures and develop a 5-minute individual audio production.
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided Independent Study including reading material, summative and formative assessment work.
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures covering basic physics of sound and acoustics, transducers and key technical processes.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 10 1~4 Week 5 , WORDS= 1000 Students will choose a the final part of a drama script, edit this into the correct BBC Script Style, annotate with all sound effect, music and ambience cues. Recording Schedule to be submitted, detailing how the remainder of the project will be completed.
Project - Practical 70 1~2~3~4 Week 12 HOURS= 5 mins audio Produce a 5-minute radio drama using the final part of a previously published radio script. Any genre can be chosen as long as none of the material is likely to offend a mixed audience. The programme is to be presented as if it were the final episode in a serial drama, and should include a title, synopsis and credits. You will be required to edit and mix the audio using Pro Tools.
Project - Practical 20 2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 1300 Complete production notes as well as a Library of sound effects has to have been created, correctly labelled with at least 20 original sounds.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100
2025/6, Trimester 2, 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: Balandino Di Donato
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures covering basic physics of sound and acoustics, transducers and key technical processes.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Practical sessions where students build on the theory of the lectures and develop a 5-minute individual audio production.
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided Independent Study including reading material, summative and formative assessment work.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 10 1~4 Week 5 , WORDS= 1000 Students will choose a the final part of a drama script, edit this into the correct BBC Script Style, annotate with all sound effect, music and ambience cues. Recording Schedule to be submitted, detailing how the remainder of the project will be completed.
Project - Practical 70 1~2~3~4 Week 12 HOURS= 5 mins audio Produce a 5-minute radio drama using the final part of a previously published radio script. Any genre can be chosen as long as none of the material is likely to offend a mixed audience. The programme is to be presented as if it were the final episode in a serial drama, and should include a title, synopsis and credits. You will be required to edit and mix the audio using Pro Tools.
Project - Practical 20 2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 1300 Complete production notes as well as a Library of sound effects has to have been created, correctly labelled with at least 20 original sounds.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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