Core Module Information
Module title: Sound Design

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: IMD09148
Module leader: Iain McGregor
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Background in Sound Engineering or Music Production AND Pre-requisite: [Module IMD08122] Sound Production 1

Description of module content:

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of sound design, equipping you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across various media. As a student, you’ll learn how to design sound for a wide range of industries, like film, video games, theatre, animation, and emerging mixed reality applications. Throughout the module, you’ll develop skills in using specialised techniques and tools to create immersive, emotionally engaging auditory environments. Dive into the full sound design process from start to finish, covering preproduction, production, postproduction, and evaluation. You’ll understand how each stage plays a unique role in crafting a cohesive auditory experience, as well as the methods for planning, recording, editing, and assessing soundtracks. Explore sound design techniques tailored to various industries, including audio books, podcasts, video games, film, interactive applications, theatre, television, and more. Gain insights into how each industry uniquely utilises sound to enhance storytelling, interactivity, and immersion. Develop practical skills in creating sounds for different elements and scenarios, from objects and environments to emotional tones and transitions. You’ll learn to use sound to enhance presence, build realistic auditory environments, as well as connect audiences with both characters and settings. Hands-on practice with sound editing software, digital mixers, and spatial audio tools will give you confidence in crafting professional-grade sound assets. Apply your knowledge through projects designed to mirror real-world sound design tasks, such as creating audio for interactive media, designing soundscapes for virtual reality, or enhancing dialogue and effects for film. Gain experience in evaluating your own sound work and making adjustments based on feedback, preparing you for industry expectations of quality and iteration. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to understand, analyse, and create sound for a variety of media. Whether your focus is on creating immersive environments in gaming, supporting narratives in film, or enhancing user experience in apps, you will be ready to enter the world of sound design with a strong foundation and versatile set of skills.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Make effective use of the underlying principles of sound design.

LO2: Construct effective methods of planning sound design.

LO3: Analyse appropriate methods of implementing sound designs.

LO4: Critically appraise appropriate methods of evaluating sound designs.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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