Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Introduction to Audio Programming
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: IMD11124
Module leader: Rod Selfridge
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:

This module offers you an in-depth examination of audio effects and processing techniques, essential for advanced studies in sound design and audio production. Through a structured curriculum, you will engage with critical concepts, integrating both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, equipping you with the skills necessary to innovate within the field of audio engineering and sound design. Assessments are designed to encourage analytical and creative abilities, requiring you to conceptualise and develop original VST plugins, including user interfaces, thereby demonstrating their technical expertise and design proficiency.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Differentiate between various audio effects (e.g., reverb, delay, distortion) by breaking down their components and understanding their unique characteristics and applications.

LO2: Apply programming principles to modify an existing audio effect, enhancing its functionality or adapting it to a specific use case.

LO3: Design and implement a custom audio effect using JUCE, incorporating knowledge of audio processing techniques and programming principles.

LO4: Critically evaluate the effectiveness of different audio effects in enhancing audio quality and achieving desired sound outcomes.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Rod Selfridge
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 20 Online practical where topics covered in the weekly lecture will be put into practice using the module software, JUCE. You will be introduced to how the building blocks of some of the most commonly used audio effects, enabling you to implement these in code, with a view to being able to create your own novel audio effect.
Independent Learning Lecture 20 Online lecture where industry standard software (JUCE) and basic programming skills introduced and developed through examination of digital audio effects. You will develop understanding of audio effects such as delays, filtering and dynamic processing.
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided independent study: You will be provided with materials and resources to support ongoing independent study following up on topics explored during the taught periods. This is also opportunity for your own exploratory research on the topics to supplement the provided materials.
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 40 1~2~4 Week 8 HOURS= 1500 report Students have to choose one of the audio effects developed as part of the lectures and practical sessions. The audio effect should be adapted to repurpose it, either with a new interface, additional parameters or novel implementation. Students will have to use the JUCE software framework. The subject matter of this coursework is entirely open to interpretation as long as it meets the technical requirements. Provide a report, maximum of 1500 words, discussing the implementation and critically evaluating the audio effect. Code should be included in an appendix (not included in word count) as well as links to processed and unprocessed audio, which will form part of the report discussion.
Project - Practical 60 1~2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 2500 report Students are required to create a unique audio effect including a user interface. This effect should be an original creation, distinct from those covered in lectures and practical sessions but can be based on similar concepts, for example, a new distortion technique. The new audio effect must be developed using the JUCE software framework. The coursework topic is open to interpretation, provided it meets the technical criteria.Students must submit a report, up to 2500 words, explaining why the audio effect is novel, its purpose, and the choices made during its development. The report should include code in an appendix (not counted towards the word limit) and links to both processed and unprocessed audio examples, which should be discussed in the report.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Rod Selfridge
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 class where topics covered in the weekly lecture will be put into practice using the module software, JUCE. You will be introduced to how the building blocks of some of the most commonly used audio effects, enabling you to implement these in code, with a view to being able to create your own novel audio effect.
Face To Face Lecture 20 In person lecture where industry standard software and basic programming skills introduced and developed through examination of digital audio effects. You will develop understanding of audio effects such as delays, filtering and dynamic processing.
Online Guided independent study 160 Guided Independent Study: You will be provided with materials and resources to support ongoing independent study following up on topics explored during the taught periods. This is also opportunity for your own exploratory research on the topics to supplement the provided materials.
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 40 1~2~4 Week 8 HOURS= 1500 report Students have to choose one of the audio effects developed as part of the lectures and practical sessions. The audio effect should be adapted to repurpose it, either with a new interface, additional parameters or novel implementation. Students will have to use the JUCE software framework. The subject matter of this coursework is entirely open to interpretation as long as it meets the technical requirements. Provide a report, maximum of 1500 words, discussing the implementation and critically evaluating the audio effect. Code should be included in an appendix (not included in word count) as well as links to processed and unprocessed audio, which will form part of the report discussion.
Project - Practical 60 1~2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 2500 report Students are required to create a unique audio effect including a user interface. This effect should be an original creation, distinct from those covered in lectures and practical sessions but can be based on similar concepts, for example, a new distortion technique. The new audio effect must be developed using the JUCE software framework. The coursework topic is open to interpretation, provided it meets the technical criteria.Students must submit a report, up to 2500 words, explaining why the audio effect is novel, its purpose, and the choices made during its development. The report should include code in an appendix (not counted towards the word limit) and links to both processed and unprocessed audio examples, which should be discussed in the report.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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