Accoustics

Subject Description

As one of the five senses hearing is fundamental in the survival and progression of the human and animal world, with speech being one of the most distinctive human traits. With Greek origins, the word acoustic was derived from two terms meaning 'for hearing' or 'ready to hear' and 'heard, audible'.  The study of this area is an interdisciplinary exercise in the science of sound, ultrasound and infrasound across a multitude of societal elements including technology, art, medicine, architecture, music and warfare.

At times the cause of deafness and stress but also the provision of communication and entertainment, sound is an immensely important component in the way societies work.  From dolphins using sonar for tracking and communication to sound reproduction on an mp3 player, the study of acoustics is crucial for understanding, improving and pushing the boundaries of how sound itself and audio technology is used. Acoustics affects a huge number of everyday instruments and situations from motion sickness to the sound of a car engine to how you experience a live music event.

Throughout a course in acoustics you will find yourself drawing on a broad range of disciplines such as mechanics, signal processing, electronics and manufacturing.  As such, teaching methods are varied and assessment can be based on a number of elements including assessed coursework, individual projects, group work, examination and assess presentations.

Example Areas of Study

Acoustics covers a vast number of subjects and areas covered differ from institution to institution.  You will need to check with your preferred institution directly to find out the exact subjects you will be studying.  Common subjects covered include:

• Acoustics of performance
• Spaces
• Musical acoustics and digital signalling
• Computers and computer modelling
• Electronics
• Musical acoustics
• Psychoacoustics
• Sound perception
• Physical acoustics
• Dynamics
• System electronics and transducers
• Mathematics
• Analysis through composition
• Ear training
• Keyboard skills
• Digital audio technology
• Human effects and regulations
• Room acoustics and music
• Electro-acoustics
• Digital system processing
• Music history and criticism
• Composition
• Studio technique
• Ensemble performance
• Sound radiation and propagation
• Spectroscopy and photonics
• Environmental acoustics
• Optoelectronics and devices
• Electromagnetic transmission and thermal properties of solids

Some Career Possibilities

On graduation you will have excellent transferable skills including a high level of numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills which will allow you to apply to a huge variety of employment fields.  Typical career directions however include areas such as acoustics consulting, mechanical engineering, audio design, research engineering, within telecommunications or more broadly as a research scientist within a university or government agency.  Alongside this are a large number of options for further study at the postgraduate or further education levels including subject areas such as speech or music therapy and various areas of physics and audiology.

What do I need to get on a Course?

Entry requirements vary from course to course so you will need to check with your preferred institution to get up-to-date information on the requirements they have for entry.  To give you a general idea of what is expected please see below :

• UCAS Tariff: 200-320 points
• A-Levels: BB-ABB
• SQA Higher: CCCCC-ABBBB
• Irish Leaving Certificates: DDDDD-BBCCC
• European Baccalaureate: 75%
• International Baccalaureate: 24-27
• ILETS: 6.5
• Mature Entry: considered on an individual basis
• Interview: Suitable candidates may be invited for an interview at some institutions
• International Students: Foundation year available at some institutions for international students
• Achievements in Maths and/or Physics are highly desirable at all levels

For Your Application or Interview, the Following May be Useful:

• Further information can be found at the Institute of Acoustics, Audio Engineering Society and a guide to the physics of sound

To find out more about the typical subjects you will study, potential career paths and further information useful for your application log-on to Course Discover at www.coursediscoveronline.co.uk*

*NB: Your school or college will need a subscription to Course Discover in order for you to gain access, for further information go to: www.coursediscover.co.uk