SPA 3030 Introduction to Hearing Science - Online
Course Syllabus
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
Speech-Language Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
1
SPA 3030
INTRODUCTION TO HEARING SCIENCE ONLINE (3 credits)
Summer, 2015
INSTRUCTOR:
Susan Fulton, Ph.D., CCC-A
Email: sefulton@sar.usf.edu
Office: SMC B214
*Rather than use my email address, please send confidential, course-related email via Canvas. How to do this:
http://guides.instructure.com/s/2204/m/4212/l/48306-how-do-i-send-a-private-message-to-my-instructor
I will respond to e-mail promptly. Be sure to check your USF email regularly for class announcements and
communications.
IMPORTANT: If you have questions about the course or its content, please post them on the Q&A Discussion Board so
everyone can benefit from the answers. How to do this:
http://guides.instructure.com/s/2204/m/4212/l/50010-how-do-i-reply-to-a-discussion
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with basic knowledge in three areas of hearing science: the physics of
sound (acoustics) and the perception of sound (psychoacoustics). This knowledge will provide a foundation for further
study in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
OBJECTIVES AND DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. The student will understand the basic principles of acoustics. This will include knowledge of simple harmonic
motion, the parameters used to describe sine waves, principles of acoustic impedance, and the decibel. (KASA
Standard IIIA, IV-B13)
2. The student will understand the basic concepts related to the perception of sound, including absolute and
differential sensitivity, loudness, and pitch. (KASA Standard IIIB, IV-B9)
ASHA Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) Standards to be achieved:
This course is designed to provide a “knowledge and skills acquisition (KASA)” experience for students who are preparing
to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech Language Pathology from the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (ASHA).
For Speech-Language Pathology:
KASA Standard
IIIA. Principles of physical sciences.
IIIB. Acoustic and psychological bases
of human communication.
For Audiology:
KASA Standard
IV-B9. Principles, methods, and
applications of psychoacoustics.
Mechanisms for
Learning
Readings
PowerPoint Lectures
Lab Exercise
Readings
PowerPoint Lectures
Lab Exercise
Mechanisms for
Learning
Readings
PowerPoint
Lectures
Lab Exercise
Assessment
Formative: Worksheets 1-4
Summative: Quizzes 1-5, Exam 1, 2
Formative: Worksheets 5-7, Lab 3
Summative: Quizzes 5-7, Exam 3
Assessment
Formative: Worksheets 5-7
Summative: Quizzes 5-7, Exam 3
SPA 3030 Introduction to Hearing Science - Online
IV-B13. Physical characteristics and
Readings
measurement of acoustic stimuli.
PowerPoint
Lectures
Lab Exercise
2
Formative: Worksheets 1-4
Summative: Quizzes 1-4, Exam 1, 2
University-wide requirements satisfied by this course: None.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Reading Assignments. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the assigned readings prior to each lecture.
Because the lectures closely follow the textbook, completion of the assigned readings will facilitate students’
understanding of material presented in power point lectures.
Required Text: The Hearing Sciences 2nd Ed. Terri A. Hamill and Lloyd L. Price. Plural Publishing ISBN: 978-159756-540-0
Website: https://my.usf.edu
2. Calculator. Students should have a calculator that can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
exponents, and standard (base-10) logarithms.
3. Desk or Lap Top computer. Computer needs to be running Windows 7 or newer (or equivalent). The computer must
have up to date Java applications.
4. Assignments:
a. Discussion Board. The “Introductions” thread is an opportunity to share information about you and for class
participants to meet each other via the Canvas online classroom. It will also allow you to practice using
Canvas for creation and submission of discussion board comments.5 points. Due 5/14 by noon EST
b. Quizzes (Summative Assessment). There will be 7 online quizzes, which will be posted in Canvas under the
Quizzes tab. Quizzes will be taken primarily from materials covered in power point lectures and interactive
modules; however, a few questions on each quiz may cover material from the textbook that was not
addressed specifically in the power point lecture or interactive module. Quizzes will always appear on Friday
at 1:00 am EST and must be completed at some point before Monday at midnight EST (see course
schedule). Each quiz will count 30 pts. You may use your textbook or notes to answer the questions. The
quizzes will be used to make sure you understand how to submit tests in Canvas, to identify internet
problems, and to identify areas that need further study on your part. Be sure to submit each quiz on the “Due
Day” (always Mondays) indicated! No late quizzes will be accepted!
c. Weekly Assignment (Formative Assessment). Weekly assignments/lectures will be uploaded in Canvas
under the Modules tab on Mondays at 1:00 am EST as indicated on the course schedule. Weekly
assignments are designed to enhance students’ understanding of the material presented in the lectures and
readings. Students should complete the assignment and turn it in on the following Monday by midnight EST.
Each assignment is worth 5 pts of your grade. Be sure to submit each assignment on or before the “Due Day”
(always Mondays) indicated! No late assignments will be accepted!
5. Exams (Summative Assessment). There will be 3 online exams on a “Due Day” (Mondays) as indicated on the
course schedule. Similar to the quizzes, material on the exams will be taken primarily from power point lectures.
However, some questions may relate to material covered in the textbook that was not specifically covered in the
power point lecture. Each student is required to complete these exams independently. Students are not allowed to
work together on exams. Specific instructions on how to complete exams will be posted on Canvas. You will not be
able to take or submit your exam past the indicated due date! Each exam will count 100 pts. Exams will post
Thursdays at 1:00 am EST and close the following Monday at midnight EST. The final exam will be due Friday, 7/17.
6. Deadline to Drop
June 27 (“W”, no refund, no academic penalty)
7. Extra Credit: No extra credit will be offered at the end of the semester. Extra credit questions will be available on
exams, but not quizzes.
8. Safe Assign: For some assignments, you may be asked to submit through Safe Assign, an automated plagiarism
detection service. Instructions for Safe Assign will be provided with the assignments, as needed. For more information
about SafeAssign, visit: http://media.c21te.usf.edu/pdf/student/bbstud_subsafeassgn.pdf
9. Instructor Copyright: Students may not sell notes or other course materials.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
 Internet connection: high speed connection (DSL/cable) is highly recommended.
 Check to make sure all plug-ins on your computer are up to date.
 Active USF NetID –To activate, follow the directions in How to Get Started on USF website. If you have difficulties
connecting to Blackboard, contact the Help Desk ASAP.
.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
SPA 3030 Introduction to Hearing Science - Online
 Canvas Support is available through USFSM E-Learning staff from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
Information Commons Academic Resource Desk
2nd Floor Main Rotunda
941-359-4225
www.usfsm.edu/infocommons
 Canvas Tutorial: http://guides.instructure.com/m/4212
3
The USF Tampa IT Helpdesk provides 24 hour support for CANVAS. Please call 813-974-1222 or email: help@usf.edu if
you need assistance outside of USFSM’s E-Learning hours
COURSE DELIVERY:
The course is organized into 3 units:
1. Physics of Sound
2. Decibels and Sound Measurement
3. Introduction to Psychoacoustics
The course will be delivered fully online. Students will be required to read material from the textbook and selected
readings. Quizzes and exams will be delivered online through Canvas. Power point slides, recorded lectures, and
interactive modules will be available for the topic presented each week. Weekly assignments will be provided and
submitted via Canvas. Students will be required to interact on the discussion board for some assignments.
GRADING
S/U grading is not offered. The +/- system will be used in this course as indicated below. Missed quizzes and exams
receive 0 points. The following letter grade percentage cut-offs will be used:
Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
C-
Points
537-550
509-536
493-508
482-492
454-481
438-453
427-437
399-426
383-398
Percentage
98-100%
93-97%
90-92%
88-89%
83-87%
80-82%
78-79%
73-77%
70-72%
Incomplete Grades
An “I” grade may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor only when the student is otherwise earning a passing
grade. Students are advised to initiate a written contract for incomplete grades. The contract should include a description
of the work to be completed, the date by which the work is to be submitted and should be approved and signed by the
course instructor.
USF Sarasota-Manatee Policies and Procedures
A. Academic Dishonesty: The University considers any form of plagiarism or cheating on exams, projects, or papers to be
unacceptable behavior. Please be sure to review the university’s policy in the USFSM Catalog, the USF System
Academic Integrity of Students, and the USF System Student Code of Conduct.
B. Academic Disruption: The University does not tolerate behavior that disrupts the learning process. The policy for
addressing academic disruption is included with Academic Dishonesty in the USFSM Catalog, USF System Academic
Integrity of Students, and the USF System Student Code of Conduct.
C. Contingency Plans: In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USFSM to suspend normal operations.
During this time, USFSM may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to:
Canvas, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to
monitor Canvas site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USFSM and College websites,
emails, and MoBull messages for important general information. The USF hotline at 1 (800) 992-4231 is updated with prerecorded information during an emergency. See the Campus Police Website for further information.
SPA 3030 Introduction to Hearing Science - Online
4
D. Disabilities Accommodation: Students are responsible for registering with the Office of Students with
Disabilities Services (SDS) in order to receive academic accommodations. Reasonable notice must be given to the SDS
office (typically 5 working days) for accommodations to be arranged. It is the responsibility of the student to provide each
instructor with a copy of the official Memo of
Accommodation. Contact Information: Disability Coordinator, 941-359-4714, disabilityservices@sar.usf.edu,
http://usfsm.edu/disability-services/
E. Fire Alarm Instructions: At the beginning of each semester please note the emergency exit maps posted in each
classroom. These signs are marked with the primary evacuation route (red) and secondary evacuation route (orange) in
case the building needs to be evacuated. See Emergency Evacuation Procedures.
F. Religious Observances: USFSM recognizes the right of students and faculty to observe major religious holidays.
Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class for a major religious observance must provide notice of
the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second week of classes. Instructors canceling class for a religious
observance should have this stated in the syllabus with an appropriate alternative assignment.
G. Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Reporting: USFSM is committed to providing an environment free from sex
discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence (USF System Policy 0-004). The Counseling and
Wellness Center is a confidential resource where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based
crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help you
without having to report your situation to either the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSSR) or the Office of
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity (DIEO), unless you request that they make a report.
Please be aware that in compliance with Title IX and under the USF System Policy, educators must report incidents of
sexual harassment and gender-based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If you
disclose any of these situations in class, in papers, or to me personally, I am required to report it to OSSR or DIEO for
investigation. The Deputy Coordinator for USFSM is Mary Beth Wallace, AVP for Student Enrollment, Engagement and
Success, 941-359-4330 or marybeth@sar.usf.edu.
Campus Resources:
Counseling Center and Wellness Center 941-487-4254
Victim Advocate (24/7) 941-504-8599
List of off-campus resources:
Hope of Manatee: 941-755-6805
Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) – Sarasota: 941-365-1976
First Call for Help- Manatee: 941-708-6488
Sarasota & North Port 941-366-5025
Manatee Glens: 941-782-4800
H. Web Portal Information: Every newly enrolled USF student receives an official USF e-mail account. Students receive
official USF correspondence and Canvas course information via that address.
SPA 3030 Introduction to Hearing Science - Online
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
Dates
Week
Unit
of…
5
Lectures
Assigned
readings
Virtual Orientation
Physical Properties of Sound
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Appendix A
The Sinusoidal Function,
Parameters of Sound Waves
Chapter 4
5/25
Impedance, Energy Transfer, and
Resonance
Chapter 5
6/1
Pre-Recorded Exam Review available
on Bb
5/11
5/18
6/8
Physics of
Sound
Decibels
Decibels and Sound Measurement
Chapter 2
Appendix A
6/15
Pre-Recorded Exam Review available
on Bb
6/22
Intro to Psychoacoustics and Classic
Measurements
Chapters 26, 27
and 28
Threshold of Hearing, Loudness, Pitch
Chapters 29, 30,
and 31
7/6
Masking, Psychoacoustic Tuning
Curves, Binaural Hearing
Chapters 32, 34,
35, 36, 37
7/13
Pre-Recorded Exam Review available
on Bb
6/29
Psychoacoustics
Assignments to submit
Discussion Board (DUE
5/14 by noon)
Assignment 1
Quiz 1
DUE 5/18
Assignment 2
Quiz 2
DUE 5/26
(one day extension due to
Memorial day)
Assignment 3
Quiz 3
DUE 6/1
Exam 1
Due 6/8
Assignment 4
Quiz 4
DUE 6/15
Exam 2
Due 6/22
Assignment 5
Quiz 5
DUE 6/29
Assignment 6
Quiz 6
DUE 7/6
Assignment 7
Quiz 7
DUE 7/13
Exam 3
DUE 7/17