Environmental and Architectural Acoustics MSc

Modules

Descriptions of module content

• Acoustics laboratory
  This module aims to convey the nature of sound and vibration with a considerable depth of knowledge through practical means, giving you an understanding of how to accurately measure sound, how sound behaves, and practical aspects of noise control. It introduces you to the basic principles of acoustics, familiarises you with modern sound level meters, measurement parameters and measurement techniques for noise surveys, room acoustics, sound absorption and sound insulation. You should be able to produce an accurate report to consultancy level which is critical of the laboratory, experiment, technique or instrumentation by comparison to the appropriate international standard.
• Architectural acoustics
  The module provides specific acoustics knowledge as relevant to buildings and in particular rooms. The aims of the module are to gain understanding of room acoustics, measurement of room acoustic parameters and the various means of modelling the sound field in rooms across the frequency range.
• Measurement and control of sound
  This module is designed to teach, at an advanced level, the physical mechanisms by which noise may be created, as well as to provide the analytic and practical skills required to control noise and vibration from a variety of sources. The module instils the knowledge of how to undertake noise and vibration measurements to meet specific acoustical standards and guidance.
• Subjective and environmental acoustics
  Teaches, at an advanced level, the physical mechanisms by which the ear/brain interact to hear. The aims of the module are to: appreciate how human hearing deteriorates dependent on a number of variables; how legislation has developed to protect workers and how hearing protection can help under certain conditions; to appreciate the difference between subjective loudness and objective measurements; to learn how acoustic comfort criteria and legislation have been developed and applied to protect people in different environments.
• Environmental management
  The module develops understanding of the way that human social and economic activities impact on the environment. The emphasis is on how managers can assess and influence the environmental impact of their particular organisation, with reference to key technologies and the political and legal constraints within which organisations must operate.
• Research methods
  This module focuses on the essential communication and analytic skills required in research, including techniques for successful dissertation writing.
• Energy engineering project

Assessment Methods of assessment by module Module title Assessment Acoustics laboratory 100% Coursework Architectural Acoustics 100% Coursework Subjective and Environmental Acoustics 50% Examination 50% Coursework Measurement and Control of Sound 50% Examination 50% Coursework Research Methods 100% Coursework Environmental Management 100% Coursework