Acoustics for Beginners
Foundational knowledge in acoustics including project case studies
Description
This course is aimed at anyone who is curious about the fundamentals of sound and acoustic design. It is a foundational course in acoustics targeted at the beginner level. It provides an introduction to acoustic theory and applications of acoustic design in the built environment .
It is assumed that students have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, but it is not essential to progress through this course.
Topics covered include: what is sound, how we hear sound, measuring sound, sound outdoors, sound in rooms, acoustic properties of materials, sound insulation and impact noise. Demonstrations of concepts are provided with visualisations, videos and auralisations (audio files).
Twelve case study topics are presented based on real engineering projects. The case studies range from the design of a theatre, acoustics in offices and impact noise in a residential apartment .
By the end of this course students will have enough background knowledge in acoustics to understand how sound and acoustics influences engineering and architectural designs in the built environment.
Detailed course content:
Section 1. Basic acoustics
1 What is sound
2 How our ears work
3 Describing sound
4 Decibel arithmetic
5 Measuring sound
6 Sound levels
Section 2. How sound behaves outdoors
7 Sound propagation outdoors
8 Sound decay with distance
9 Source directivity and location
10 Screening by barriers
Section 3. Sound within spaces
11 Sound propagation in rooms
12 Acoustic properties of materials
13 More detail on sound absorption
14 Sound absorption vs sound insulation
Section 4. Sound transfer between spaces
15 Airborne and structureborne sound
16 Sound insulating constructions
17 Impact noise
18 Sound insulating floor systems
19 Impact noise reduction
Section 5. Acoustic Case Studies
20 Strategies for placement of room acoustic treatment
21 Acoustic treatment for music
22 Acoustic treatment for speech
23 Diffusive surface finishes
24 Room acoustic modelling
25 3D Room acoustic modelling software
26 Auralisation of room acoustics
27 Acoustics for open plan offices
28 Acoustic privacy in meeting rooms and offices
29 Impact noise in a residential apartment
30 Daylighting and acoustics
31 Swimming pool acoustic design
32 Theatre acoustic design
What You Will Learn!
- To gain an understanding of the fundamentals of acoustics and sound in the built environment.
- Entry level acoustic knowledge for students or curious people who are interested in sound and acoustics.
- Apply knowledge of acoustics to the design of spaces in the built environment.
- Experience project case studies where acoustic design is critical for the success of sustainable indoor spaces.
Who Should Attend!
- Curious people who have an interest in sound and acoustics.