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Module Descriptors

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Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 21/07/2022 11:14:07

Title of Module: Live Sound Production

Code: COMP08065 SCQF Level: 8
(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:Derek  Turner

Summary of Module

This module aims to provide students with practical experience in the safe use of a modern digital sound reinforcement system.

The operational principles and details of sound reinforcement will be presented with a practical emphasis including the following aspects: stagecraft, microphones, format conversion, signal routing, audio networks, digital effects, amplification, monitoring, system optimisation and Front of House Mixing.

Students will also gain a general awareness of related performance technologies they may encounter within the professional practice of sound reinforcements, such as power, lighting, and audio streaming.

Students will develop competence and fluency in the use of a digital mixing desk and the construction and operation of a small PA system, working with pre-recorded sound sources and performing a virtual sound check. 

The health and safety aspects of sound exposure and the associated risk assessment will be discussed, and students will be required to implement these in their practice.

Students will also be encouraged to take up opportunities outside the module to participate in live events and they will be supported to take up opportunities for training and experience with contemporary systems which arise through industry links.

  • This module aims to develop students to a point where they can seek work experience in live sound

  • • This module embeds the key “I am UWS” graduate attributes and in particular: Universal(culturally aware in respect of sound requirements for different genres), Work Ready(potential leader in respect of preparation for front of house mixing) and Successful (autonomous in respect of mixing aesthetics)


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 1check markTerm 2

 

Term 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 discerning understanding of a defined range of core theories, concepts, principles and terminology of the signal flow and interconnection within sound reinforcement systems.

L2. Apply knowledge, skills and understanding in using a few techniques and practices that are specialised and advanced to the optimisation of sound reinforcement systems.

L3. Use a range of approaches to formulate and critically evaluate evidence-based solutions to routine problems and issues found in the propagation of sound and sound system optimisation.

L4. Exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities at a professional level in sound reinforcement system operation and live sound (music) reproduction.

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 8.

• A broad knowledge of the scope, defining features, and main areas of live sound reinforcement

• Detailed knowledge of the features of a digital mixing desk

• An awareness of current technologies used in sound reinforcement systems

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 8.

• Connect the elements of a PA system and perform a sound check.

• Reproduce live sound safely to acceptable standards

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 8.

Critically evaluate health and safety issues.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 8.

• Use networked audio with an appreciation of the key principles of operation.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 8.

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

• Manage resources within defined areas of work

• Take continuing account of own and others’ roles, responsibilities, and contributions in carrying out and evaluating tasks

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
COMP07052
Module Title:
Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement
Other:
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

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Learning and Teaching
This module focusses on hands-on practice using sound reinforcement technology working in small groups.

Supporting materials will presented by a combination of video recordings, synchronous presentations, and guided reading.

Students will be encouraged to read in-depth manufacturers’ instructions and documentation.
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:

Access to a modern audio mixing console and PA system is required.

Consultation of the following extension references will also be useful:

Gibson, B (2020) The Ultimate Live Sound Operator's Handbook, 3rd edn. Rowman & Littlefield

References to equipment manufacturers documentation via Aula

(**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:
Participation in small group work prior leading to individual demonstration of basic competence in safe use of equipment.

Students should attend 75% of scheduled sessions (online or face to face as appropriate).

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Supplemental Information

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

2.12

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Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
CW1
Demonstration of live sound system connection, optimisation and operation accomplishing completion of a mix within a virtual sound check or performance (80%)
CW2
Group presentation of a specified topic related to practical aspects of Live sound Production (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
Clinical/ Fieldwork/ Practical skills assessment/ Debate/ Interview/ Viva voce/ Oralcheck markcheck mark check mark803.5

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Presentation  check mark 200.5
Combined Total For All Components100% 4 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
Students must have the facility to discern the audio quality of the P.A output (with an aid if required) and make appropriate adjustments in a timely manner.

This module is designed to provide equal opportunities for all students irrespective of their age, disability, 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.

Further guidance available from Student Services, School Disability Co-ordinators or the University’s Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator. 
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.

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