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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 18/07/2022 11:28:48

Title of Module: Immersive Audio

Code: COMP09104 SCQF Level: 9
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:Colin  Grassie

Summary of Module

This module focuses on the acoustics and psychoacoustics theory of spatial audio and environment. Identifiable limiting factors of specific reproduction systems, including systems for 3D audio distribution and reproduction will be investigated.

Practical work will be based on standard stereo and multi-dimensional audio capture techniques where sound recordings will be post-processed for reproduction in an immersive audio format.

Evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of capture techniques, channel formatting and applied spatial audio reproduction will be made.

Within the module the main topics are:

1. Spatial Audio Theory

2. Multi-dimensional Audio Capture 

3. Immersive Sound Reproduction and Evaluation

 

  • Candidates will understand acoustics and psychoacoustics theory relating to spatial audio and will perform basic psychoacoustic experiments.

  • Candidates will understand the scope, main areas and boundaries of the applications and reproduction mediums for immersive audio.

  • Candidates will evaluate the use of a variety of microphone techniques for 2D and 3D audio capture.

  • Candidates will implement the use of a variety of software, hardware and reproduction systems for 3D audio.

  • Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the linkage between audio capture techniques and reproduction formatting for application.

  • Candidates will undertake academic writing using appropriate technical and academic discourse.

  • This module embeds the key “I am UWS” graduate attributes and in particular: Work Ready and Successful


Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:
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Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1

 

Term 2check markTerm 3

 

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Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of the principles, principal theories, concepts and terminology of immersive audio.

L2. Apply knowledge, skills and understanding using a few skills, techniques, practices and materials that are advanced to creative ambisonic and binaural post-production.

L3. Undertake critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas in subjective audio evaluation and experiment design for a range of attributes.

L4. Present and convey, formally and informally, information on standard topics in immersive audio and subjective audio evaluation to a range of audiences.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 9.

Develop a broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of the scope, main areas and boundaries of the applications and reproduction mediums for immersive audio.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of a selection of the principal theories, concepts and terminology of audio evaluation attributes and limiting factors of specific immersive multi-channel formats.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 9.

Apply a selection of skills, techniques and practices of multi-dimensional audio capture, post-processing, formatting and reproduction.

Practice routine methods of enquiry and/or research into professional level problems and issues related to current capture and reproduction technologies.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 9.

Undertake critical analysis and evaluation of the resultant audio of the physical capture and reproduction of immersive audio.

Draw on a range of sources in making judgements on quality and effectiveness of a range of immersive reproduction platforms.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 9.

Use a range of standard and specialist audio software and hardware applications to obtain and process audio data

Use a range of IT applications to support and enhance work.

Present information through the use of graphical and written means in a structured reporting essay format.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 9.

Exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities at a professional level.

Practice in ways which take into account own and others’ roles and responsibilities.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
COMP08007
Module Title:
Electroacoustics
Other:J0LG 35 Sound Production: Acoustics (SCQF level 8) or J01G 35 Sound Production: Spatial Recording and Reproduction (SCQF level 8) or Similar
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
Theoretical concepts will be presented through guided reading, module notes and contextualised through laboratory demonstrations and practical experiments.

Knowledge and understanding will be gained through Enquiry Based Learning(EBL)and reporting.

Experiential learning will be take place through lab group-work collaboration and employing Cognitive Load Theory(CLT).

Practical knowledge and understanding will be gained through Problem Based Learning(PBL) with a minimal amount of supervision.

A professional audio skillset will be developed through the creation of a portfolio.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity12
Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop36
Independent Study152
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Rumsey, F., 2012. Spatial audio. 1st ed. Routledge.


Paterson, J. and Lee, H., 2021. 3D Audio (Perspectives on Music Production). 1st ed. Routledge.

Roginska, A. and Geluso, P., 2017. Immersive Sound: The Art and Science of Binaural and Multi-Channel Audio. 1st ed. Routledge.


Everest, F. and Pohlmann, K., 2014. MASTER HANDBOOK OF ACOUSTICS. 6th ed. MCGRAW-HILL EDUCATION.


The following is a useful extension resource: https://www.oculus.com


The following is a useful extension resource: https://www.dearvr.com/

The following is a useful extension resource: https://en-uk.sennheiser.com/microphone-3d-audio-ambeo-vr-mic

The following is a useful extension resource: RECOMMENDATION ITU-R BS.2132-0 and Recommendation ITU-R BS.1284-2.

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:

Students must complete the assessment milestones laid out in the handbook in respect of the submissions of CW 1 and CW 2

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Supplemental Information

Programme BoardComputing
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelCreative Computing
ModeratorDr Derek Turner
External ExaminerJ Paterson
Accreditation DetailsThis module is accredited by JAMES as part of BSc (Hons) Music Technology.
Version Number

1.07

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Assessment Category 1 (40%): Written: Essay Format
Assessment Category 2 (60% Total): Practical Portfolio: Immersive Audio Artefact (40%) and Written Evaluation (20%)
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Essaycheck mark  check mark400

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Portfolio of practical work check markcheck markcheck mark6012
Combined Total For All Components100% 12 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

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Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
The University policies on equality and diversity will apply to this module.

In order for the student to complete this module the student will be required to:

Operate equipment to make physical audio recordings

Individually record and report formally upon practical work carried out in groups, and evaluate findings.

This module is designed to provide equal opportunities for all students irrespective of their age, additional support requirements, gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, or sexual orientation. Students may take differing viewpoints with respect to their cultural, religious or family backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments can be made if related issues arise.

UWS Equality and Diversity Policy

UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.