Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Soundscapes
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: IMD10112
Module leader: Iain McGregor
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

n/a
Description of module content:

Students will study the properties of sound, which are also known as acoustics. This includes vibration, waves and transmission. You will then progress to psychoacoustics, which relates to hearing, and includes: anatomy, mechanisms and processes. Listening is then addressed in terms of: objects, music and language. Soundscapes, or the unique listening experience of a place, identity and memory are explored. Finally, different approaches of capturing information about listening experiences are investigated.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of acoustical principles
LO2: Critically review research into the underlying processes of listening
LO3: Apply psychoacoustic principles using sound design techniques to a piece of linear or interactive media
LO4: Evaluate the effectiveness of the sound design with non-trained listeners
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 1, BLENDED, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: BLENDED
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Iain McGregor
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
The online lectures will address the first two learning outcomes by providing the theoretical background to acoustics, hearing, listening and soundscapes (LO1-2). The tutorials will address the last two learning outcomes by reviewing sound design techniques for linear and interactive media, as well as providing the students with a forum to discuss how to capture information about listening experiences (soundscapes) (LO3-4).

Formative Assessment:
Formative feedback will be provided to all students each week during tutorial sessions, in respect of the chosen focus for the sound design, the underlying principles and capturing audience experiences.
Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment - Item 1: The tutorial space will be used each week with the student cohort, as a whole. Each week a task will be given in advance to the cohort which directly corresponds to the development of the 2nd item of summative assessment. Students will bring the work that they have undertaken each week and discuss it during the tutorial session, where they will be tutor assessed according to their contribution, both in presenting and providing supportive critique for their fellow students. Criteria are available to ensure quality feedback is enabled. 10% of the module mark is applied to this item of assessment.

Summative assessment – item 2: will be a project, developed across the timespan of the module. Students have to produce a piece of original sound design that addresses acoustical principles, listening processes and capturing listening experiences. The coursework will include a form of self-assessment using the identical marking criteria and guidelines as the marking team, as well as a requirement to evaluate the work with non-trained listeners. All four learning outcomes will be addressed so that students can show that they can apply appropriate acoustical principles to sound design of linear or interactive media. This assessment extends what students will have covered in previous modules, and provides a firm basis to support more demanding modules such as the Honours project. 90% of the module mark is applied to this item of assessment.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Online Lecture 36
Face To Face Tutorial 24
Independent Learning Guided independent study 140
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Practical 90 1-4 13 HOURS= 140, WORDS= 0
Oral Presentation 10 1-4 12 HOURS= 24, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Soundscapes
 

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