Audio Engineering

Course Content (including module information)

Level 1 of the programmes consists of six compulsory modules which introduce students to core technical skills and engineering fundamentals including electronics, embedded systems, computer programming and mathematics. Students also gain thorough grounding in sound recording principles and practical experience of audio mixing.

Level 2 also contains six compulsory modules. These modules further develop students’ understanding of electronics, embedded systems and computer programming with the latter topic focussing more specifically on the development of audio software applications. Audio engineering practice is facilitated through collaborative music recordings with student ensembles and the design of new musical instruments and musical interfaces.

At Level 3 all students are introduced to the principles of auditory perception and the architecture of digital audio effects. Students can also opt to take modules in spatial audio mixing, further sound recording practice, musical interaction design or work placement. The programme concludes with the completion of a double weighted technical project focussing on the design of new hardware and/or software tools for audio applications.

For more advice regarding course content, please contact:

Name: Mr Chris Corrigan

School: School of Arts, English and Languages

T: 028 90974830

E: c.corrigan@qub.ac.uk

W: www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael

Assessment: The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Outline Document which is provided to all students at the beginning of each teaching semester.

Feedback: Students receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module convenors, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when students make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards students should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed their feedback, they will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.

The Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) is the primary resource for teaching on the course. In addition to 10 studios and 2 computer suites dedicated to audio production work, it comprises the world's first Sonic Laboratory - a concert space containing a 48-channel loudspeaker system for experimental, three-dimensional sound projection. The SARC facility supports the School’s curriculum in performance, sound recording, composition and sound design.

Students on the programme are provided with a range of learning experiences which enable them to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies that enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the learning opportunities provided on the course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Practicals: provide opportunities for the development of technical skills and the application of theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; on-line assessment; opportunities to use software applications associated with design in practicals and project-based work etc.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, performance practice, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback and assignment research and preparation is carried out.
• Work placements: Students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in Level 3. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.
• Supervised projects: In final year, all students take a ‘Professional Practice’ module which provides the opportunity to develop a body of artistic work in a professional context. Each individual or group will be assigned a member of staff to act as a mentor. Mentors and students will meet fortnightly to review work in progress and to discuss practical concerns.
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them regularly during the year to support their academic development.