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:
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
