Communications Acoustics

Name of module

Communication Acoustics

Credit Points (ECTS)

4

Module-ID

VIHIM035E

Person Responsible for Module (Name, Mail address)

Fülöp Augusztinovicz, fulop@hit.bme.hu

University

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)

Department

Department of Networked Systems and Services

1. Prerequisites for Participation

Bachelor level knowledge and skills in math and physics

2. Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who have successfully finished this module
  • have a basic understanding of physical mechanisms, tools and systems of exchange and transmission of information by means of sounds, speech and music;
  • are familiar with the design, operation and optimal application of basic electroacoustic elements such as various speakers, microphones and sound recorders;
  • have some practical experiences in sound and audio processing and recording.

3. Content

Basic notions and quantities of acoustics. Classification, generation, characteristics and propagation of sounds. Construction and operation of the human ear. Basic notions of psychoacoustics. Characteristics of human speech, generation of speech as a physical process. Characteristics of musical sounds and instruments, basics of musical acoustics. Sounds in closed spaces: diffuse sound field, sound reflection from and absorption on surfaces, sound transmission through solid structures. Acoustic sensors and actuators: microphones, speakers and speaker boxes. Principles and practical tools of digital signal processing of acoustic signals. Basic elements of sound studio systems.

4. Teaching and Learning Methods

3 weekly hours lecture, with regular demonstrations. Hands-on sessions in the last one or two weeks of the course.

5. Assessment and Grading Procedures

Two mid-term tests and solving an assignment in the course of semester, oral exam at the end. The final grading is composed of the assessment of the tests, assignment and exam.

6. Workload calculation (contact hours, homework, exam preparation,..)

3 weekly contact hours x 14 weeks = 42 h
2 weekly hours preparation and afterwork x 14 weeks = 28 h
Preparation for the mid-term test, 2×5=10 h
1 assignment, 15 h, preparation for the exam 25 h.

Total: 120 h

7. Frequency and dates

Offered every autumn semester.

8. Max. Number of Participants

16

9. Enrolment Procedures

See home page of the Faculty.

10. Recommended Reading, Course Material

  • Kuttruff, H.: Acoustics: An introduction. Taylor & Francis, 2007.
  • J. Blauert (Ed.): Communication Acoustics. Springer Verlag, Heidelberg - New York, 2004.
  • D. I. Havelock, S. Kuwano and M. Vorländer, Handbook of signal processing in acoustics. Springer, 2008.
  • N. H. Fletcher, Th. D. Rossing, The physics of musical instruments. Springer, 1998.
  • F. Rumsey and T. McCormick, Sound and Recording. 6th Edition, Focal Press, 2009