Course Overview

Our sound acoustics course covers the principles and practices of sound, its propagation, reflection, absorption, and diffraction, and how it interacts with different surfaces and spaces. Our course includes both theoretical and practical components to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sound acoustics and begins with an introduction to the properties of sound waves, including frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase, and how they relate to human perception of sound. Students will also learn about wave motion, speed of sound, and the different types of sound waves (longitudinal and transverse), principles of reflection, absorption, and diffraction, and how these impact the sound in a space. 

 

Introduction to Sound: 

    • Students will learn about the properties of sound, including frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase, and how they relate to human perception of sound.

 

Sound Propagation: 

    • Students will learn about the physics of sound propagation, including wave motion, speed of sound, and the different types of sound waves (longitudinal and transverse).

 

Reflection, Absorption, and Diffraction: 

    • Students will learn about how sound interacts with different surfaces and materials, including the principles of reflection, absorption, and diffraction, and how these impact the sound in a space.

 

Room Acoustics: 

    • Students will learn about the principles of room acoustics, including the design and treatment of rooms for optimal sound quality, and how room acoustics affect recording, mixing, and live sound.

 

Architectural Acoustics: 

    • Students will learn about the acoustic design of buildings, including concert halls, theaters, and other performance spaces, and how the design of these spaces can affect the quality of sound.

 

Audio Measurement: 

    • Students will learn about the tools and techniques used to measure and analyze sound, including frequency response, impulse response, and other metrics used in audio engineering.

 

Sound Reinforcement: 

    • Students will learn about sound reinforcement systems and how to design and configure sound systems for live events and performances.

 

Students who learn sound acoustics can pursue a variety of career options in the audio industry, as well as in related fields such as architecture, engineering, and science. Students may pursue careers in Acoustic Consulting (working with architectural engineers, sound designers, and builders to design and optimize the acoustics of buildings, spaces, and environments – students may also consult with musicians, recording studios, and performance venues to improve sound quality).