of Laplace transforms. The other covers a range
of applied mathematical topics including double
integration, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of square
matrices, and Fourier series. The second strand
also introduces the student to some basic statistical
techniques for the handling of experimental data.
• Volunteering in a Technical Role: This module is
designed to provide students an opportunity to gain
experience as a volunteer in a technical capacity. In
preparing for the opportunity students will explore
the role of the volunteer in their intended organisation
and plan their experience to maximise the personal
development opportunities. During the placement
students will record their technical achievements,
challenges and any solutions that they develop. At the
end of the placement students will have an opportunity
to provide a full reflection on their activities.
Year 4
• Honours Project / Honours Research and Project
Methods: The aim of the module is to allow the
student to develop skills in planning, decision making,
data collection and analysis in a selected area of
interest. After completing an exhaustive literature
review the student then has to progress their ideas
to a satisfactory conclusion and to present these
conclusions both orally and in a written document.
• Audio Software and Equipment Interface Design: The
aim of this module is to provide an understanding
of the Man Machine Interface (MMI) with particular
emphasis on music and audio applications. The
module will enable students to formally evaluate and
suggest improvements to existing music and audio
software and equipment interfaces, this will lead to the
ability to design effective user interfaces for music and
audio software and equipment.
• Advanced Audio Processing: This module is designed
to build upon and extend the students’ knowledge
of audio programming gained in earlier modules.
Students will be introduced to the concepts involved
in developing audio software, and will learn how to
implement a range of audio processing algorithms
using a low level industry standard programming
language.
• Web Development: The aim of this module is to enable
the student to develop dynamic, interactive web sites.
On completion, students will be able to design dynamic
web pages for multi-platform use and apply client-side
scripting techniques in the development of interactive
web sites.
• Video Production: This module develops the student’s
practical knowledge of digital video production, from
development of initial concept to final distribution for a
variety of digital platforms. Students will be introduced
to technical issues concerning current digital media
techniques, and apply aesthetic judgement and
reasoning to the use of media for entertainment.
• Digital Signal Processing: This module examines
the nature of digital signals and the relationship
between the S-plane and the Z-plane; the design
and implementation of digital filters; the analysis of
processor architectures for the efficient implementation
of digital signal processing algorithms; concepts and
techniques used in the transmission and coding of
digital information.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Cowcaddens Road
Glasow, G4 0BA
Scotland, United Kingdom
T:+44 (0) 141 331 3277
F: +44 (0) 141 331 3690
E:secenquiries@gcu.ac.uk
www.gcu.ac.uk/sec
•
Acoustics and Spatial Sound: This module examines
the principles of acoustics in relation to the specialist
areas of room acoustics and spatial sound. The
module examines the theories of sound fields within an
enclosed space and the effectiveness of measurement
techniques. The current practice of spatial sound
recording is evaluated and the systems used to
produce and deliver spatial sound to the consumer are
explored.
Entry Requirements
Audio Technology with Electronics
UCAS code: J931
• For 1st Year Entry: Higher Grades at BBB (ABC,
BBCC) or above or A Levels at BC or equivalent
• Essential Subjects: Mathematics
• Recommended Subjects: Physic/Tech Studies,
Computing/IT
• For Second year entry: Applicants who have completed
a good Higher National Certificate or Higher Certificate
in an engineering/audio technology subject will be
considered for direct entry to the second year of the
Programme
• For Third year entry: Higher National Diploma or
equivalent in appropriate discipline.
Audio Technology with Multimedia
UCAS code: J932
• For Third year entry: Applicants who have completed
a Higher National Diploma in an engineering/audio
technology subject will be considered for direct entry
to the third year of the Programme with evidence of
appropriate experience of/qualifications in; Audio
Technology, Mathematics, Electronics, Computer
Programming.
Other Qualifications
Applicants with other qualifications will be considered
for entry and judged in terms of qualifications offered,
maturity and experiential learning.
International Students
International students whose first language is not English
shall normally be required to demonstrate evidence of
satisfactory competence by holding one of the following
qualifications: IELTS test with a score of at least 6.0 (no
element less than 5.5) TOEFL with a minimum score of
550 (213 for computer based test)
Career Opportunities
Graduates from these programmes and their forerunners
can now be found in many parts of the audio and
multimedia industries including posts such as broadcast
engineer, sound engineer, audio technician, journalist,
lecturer and games sound designer. In addition,
many have used their broad range of skills to secure
employment in related industries such as computing,
networking and software engineering and electronics.
BSc/BSc (Hons)
Audio Technology
with Electronics/
with Multimedia
Audio is an everyday part of our lives,
be it through listening to music on a
portable player, catching up on the
latest news on digital radio or
experiencing the live show of our
favourite artists. The audio industry
provides us with the means to use sound
to educate, work and entertain.
These programmes offered within the School
of Engineering & Environment cover the latest
technologies used within the audio industry.
Some exciting changes have been made to the BSc
(Hons) Audio Technology programmes for session
2011/12. The changes were made after consultation with
graduates, current students and representatives from a
range of audio industries. The breadth of subjects offered
by the Audio Technology programmes has always been
regarded as one of the main strengths and this has been
highlighted by the inclusion of a number of new areas
including:
• Audio and Interactivity
• Games Sound Design
• Entrepreneurship
The existing themes of audio programming, web
development and video production have been
strengthened by the introduction of new software
including Max/MSP and Processing.
For students in the 3rd year of the BSc(Hons) Audio
Technology with Electronics programme there is now
an opportunity to gain valuable employability skills in an
innovative module in Volunteering in a Technical Role.
Both the BSc (Hons) Audio Technology with Electronics
and BSc (Hons) Audio Technology with Multimedia
programmes now also include the opportunity to study
abroad for a semester under the ERASMUS scheme, in
countries such as Germany, Denmark and Finland.
Audio Technology with Electronics (UCAS J931)
The programme has been designed to give you a firm
grounding in audio technology and techniques. Drawing
on the established engineering and audio expertise
within the university the programme will cover the
audio signal path from the recording process, through
mixing and mastering, to distribution and transmission
which increasingly takes place using the Internet. As
the focus of the programme is audio you will be given
the opportunity to acquire appropriate audio production
skills in the university’s specialist studio facilities. Using a
range of industry standard equipment and software you
will build up experience in audio recording in a variety
of situations. In addition to acoustics of both audio
production and of musical instruments, the programme
also covers in detail the engineering principles behind
a range of audio techniques both electrical and electro
mechanical.
Contact details
School Admissions Office
T: +44 (0)141 331 3277
F: +44 (0)141 331 3690
E: secenquiries@gcu.ac.uk
Analogue Electronics: The aim of this module is
to provide students with a strong foundation and
understanding of the basic concepts and principles of
analogue electronics, encouraged by an exploration
of key circuit building blocks and their relevance
to solve simple engineering design problems. It
provides the student with the basic knowledge of
discrete semiconductor devices, their application,
the operational amplifier (op-amp) and the common
op-amp circuit configurations found in realisable signal
interface and conditioning solutions.
• Digital Media Techniques: This module introduces
students to the concepts and practice of digital
manipulation for time based media. Students will
be introduced to pre-production, editing and post
production techniques for digital video and audio using
appropriate software.
• Mathematics 1: This module aims to study the
following mathematical topics which are fundamental
to the applications of mathematics to engineering
problems.
• Integrated Project 1: This project module is concerned
with the development of audio skills and knowledge
gained in the first trimester. Working in groups,
students have to plan, carry out and evaluate an audio
related project under direct supervision from a module
tutor. Examples of project include studio recordings,
live sound events and internet broadcasting.
•
Audio Technology with Multimedia (UCAS: J932)
The programme produces graduates who can access a
broad range of careers within the audio and new media
industries. DVD, WWW, video games – these are all
applications of technology that heavily rely on audio. This
innovative programme looks at the integration of high
quality audio into multimedia applications. Audio plays
a vital part in successful multimedia production, whether
they are on DVD, on the web, in a video game or as part
of a multimedia installation.
Programme Structure
BSc Audio Technology with Electronics only
• Year 1: Sound Production 1
Introduction to Audio Technology
Digital Electronics
Analogue Electronics
Digital Media Techniques
Mathematics 1
Integrated Project 1
• Year 2: Sound Production 2
Musical Acoustics
Audio and Interactivity
Electrical Principles and Circuit Theory
Signals and Electronic Systems
Integrated Project 2
Both programmes
• Year 3: Audio Processing and Effects
New Venture Creation
•
With Multimedia:
Audio and Interactivity
Games Sound Design
Audio Analysis and Assessment
Project
•
With Electronics:
Advanced Audio Processing
Signals and Electronic Systems Design
Mathematics 2
Project OR Volunteering in a Technical Role
• Year 4: Honours Project / Honours Research and Project Methods
Audio Software and Equipment Interface
Design
•
With Multimedia:
Advanced Audio Processing
Web Development
Video Production
•
With Electronic
Digital Signal Processing
Acoustics and Spatial Sound
Option
Modules
Year 1
• Sound Production 1: This module is designed
to introduce students to the professional audio
recording environment, and to provide them with
both an understanding of technical issues relating
to professional sound production, and practical
experience in use of digital recording equipment.
• Introduction to Audio Technology: This module
will provide students with a thorough grounding
in the science and theory underlying the basics of
sound transmission in air and in audio systems.
The role and operation of key elements of audio
systems are covered, with practical applications. In
addition, practical laboratory sessions will provide the
opportunity to use test and measurement equipment.
• Digital Electronics: The aim of this module is to
develop in the student an understanding of the basic
concepts and principles of digital electronics and apply
these principles to solve engineering problems required
for initial design activities. It includes examples of
combinational and sequential logic circuits, with
an emphasis on their application to digital circuit
realisation in different technologies. The necessary
discrete mathematics is taught from first principles.
It provides the student with the basic knowledge of
digital circuits and basic logic analysis and synthesis.
Year 2
• Sound Production 2: This module is designed
to introduce students to the professional audio
recording environment, and to provide them with
both an understanding of technical issues relating
to professional sound production, and practical
experience in use of digital recording equipment.
• Musical Acoustics: This module will introduce the
basic underlying science and principles of audio
acoustics. In addition to presenting theory concerned
with human perception of sound the module looks at
the application of acoustics in musical instruments and
in enclosed spaces.
• Audio & Interactivity: This module is designed to
provide students with an understanding of how
sound can be controlled in mainstream and artistic
environments. Students respond to a design brief
and develop an appropriate system solution using a
range of software and hardware. In doing so students
will develop an understanding of the concepts and
challenges in responding to interaction and audio
scenarios. Finally students will analyse both existing
works in the area and the project work created during
the module.
• Electrical Principles & Circuit Theory: This module
provides students with a strong foundation and
understanding of the basic concepts and principles
of electrical engineering and circuit theory and apply
these principles to solve engineering problems required
for initial design activities. It provides the basic
knowledge of electric and magnetic field theory, ac and
dc circuit analysis, and the key and relevant aspects of
professionalism and considerations of electrical safety.
• Signals & Electronic Systems: Provide students with a
strong foundation and understanding of the concepts
and principles of electronic circuits and systems and
electronic circuit design techniques. An understanding
of the limitations of practical electronic systems and
the means of evaluating the performance of electronic
systems is provided. Emphasis is also made on testing
and evaluating designed electronic systems in relation
to design specifications in order to provide ethical “fit
for purpose” qualifications.
• Integrated Project 2: This project module is concerned
with the development of audio skills and knowledge
gained in the first three trimesters. Working in groups,
students have to plan, carry out and evaluate an audio
related project under direct supervision from a module
tutor. Examples of project include studio recordings,
live sound events and internet broadcasting.
Year 3
• Audio Processing and Effects: This module is
designed to provide students with knowledge of digital
audio processing, synthesis, and effects algorithms
widely used in the audio industry.
It comprises of two main parts: The first part introduces
students to the principles of sound synthesis. The
architecture and operation of several algorithms are
covered in detail. The second part focuses on the
theory underpinning common audio processing and
effects algorithms. Students will apply knowledge
gained in both parts by developing their own synthesis
and effects programs using modular audio software.
• New Venture Creation: This module examines the
entrepreneurial processes required to plan, launch
and sustain a new venture. It explores the behavioural
characteristics of entrepreneurship using case
studies of existing and practising entrepreneurs so
that students gain an appreciation of the individual’s
practice and behaviour when undertaking this
demanding and non-linear process.
• Audio and Interactivity: This module is designed
to provide students with an understanding of how
sound can be controlled in mainstream and artistic
environments. Students respond to a design brief
and develop an appropriate system solution using a
range of software and hardware. In doing so students
will develop an understanding of the concepts and
challenges in responding to interaction and audio
scenarios. Finally students will analyse both existing
works in the area and the project work created during
the module.
• Games Sound Design: The Games Sound Design
module is designed to introduce students to the theory
and practices of sound design in computer games.
This includes the function of narrative and contextual
sound effects and music. Practical experience will be
gained in sourcing, recording, synthesising and editing
sound for a game environment.
• Audio Analysis and Assessment: This module is
designed to provide students with knowledge and
experience of audio signal analysis and subjective
audio quality assessment. Students will be introduced
to audio signal analysis, with particular emphasis
on the measurement of audio signal quality. MP3
compression techniques are examined in the context
of signal quality issues and how this links to human
perception of sound.
• Advanced Audio Processing: This module aims to
build upon and extend the students’ knowledge of
programming gained in previous modules of the Audio
Technology programmes. Students will be introduced
to the concepts involved in developing audio software
at a lower level and will learn how to implement a range
of advanced audio processing algorithms using an
industry standard programming language (i.e. C++).
Students will gain experience in audio programming
by developing their own ‘plugins’ to be used in
conjunction with existing audio software. In addition,
students will design and implement their own graphical
user interfaces in order to give their applications a
novel design.
• Signals & Electronic Systems Design: This module
provides students with a foundational knowledge of
general signal properties, the design of electronic
circuits and systems to perform electronic operations
on signals, and the influence and mitigation of signal
noise interference. An understanding of the limitations
of practical electronic systems and the means of
evaluating the performance of electronic systems
is emphasised. Building on previous modules, this
module also focuses on testing and evaluating
designed electronic systems in relation to signal input
and output design specifications in order to provide
ethical “fit for purpose” qualifications.
• Mathematics 2: The module is broadly divided into
two strands. One deals with the solution of ordinary
differential equations through a variety of analytical and
numerical techniques, one of which is the method