Master in Architectural and Environmental Acoustics La Salle Campus Barcelona URL

Master in Architectural and Environmental Acoustics

Become an expert in acoustics applied to space design, building, noise control, vibration and environmental impact and noise pollution

Nid: 4315
Syllabus

FIRST SEMESTER

These subjects are part of the Postgraduate Degree in Architectural Acoustics Online (PAA). This postgraduate course covers everything related to the treatment and acoustic insulation of rooms: from design and regulations to measurements and control.

ROOM ACOUSTICS THEORY – 10 ECTS

This subject explains all the concepts necessary to understand and design an enclosure at an acoustic level. The main theories for the acoustic design of spaces are explained, and the most relevant concepts in this subject are the most relevant concepts in this subject are explained.

Goals:

The goal is to provide the student with a solid base of theoretical concepts and calculation, design and measurement procedures, in order to be able to plan and evaluate the acoustics of any type of space.

Content:

  • Introduction to acoustics
  • Acoustic materials: absorbers, reflectors and diffusers
  • Statistical theory: Reverberation theories and statistical analytical equations
  • Acoustic Parameters and Recommendations for Voice and Music Rooms
  • Geometric and wave theory: Shape control and the study of eigenfrequencies
  • Simulation with specific software: Process of acoustic simulation of spaces
  • Small Room Acoustics; Recording studios
  • Electroacoustic reinforcement: Theory and practical examples

PRACTICE IN ROOM ACOUSTICS – 5 ECTS

In this subject, students are taught the basics and practical skills that they must have, linked to the theory of room acoustics. These are based on the performance and analysis of acoustic measurements, as well as the resolution of a practical case study.

Goals:

The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with the more practical side of room acoustics. On the one hand, the aim is for them to acquire the necessary skills in the handling of different measuring equipment, as well as in the analysis of the data obtained. On the other hand, there is a practical case study, where the students have to put into practice all the knowledge acquired in the theoretical area, and carry out a project (group work) providing a design as realistic as possible.

Content:

  • Room acoustics work: Group project: Acoustic design of a room
  • Measurement of the eigenmodes of an enclosure
  • Measurement of room acoustic parameters
  • Measuring the absorption coefficient of a material in a reverberation chamber

ACOUSTIC ISOLATION THEORY AND NOISE CONTROL – 10 ECTS

In this subject, the theoretical and practical concepts are explained to calculate, measure, and evaluate the acoustic insulation between two or more enclosures. Constructive solutions are studied, as well as the influential parameters in acoustic insulation, and the building regulations for controlling airborne and impact noise insulation.

Goals:

The student will be able to acquire and deepen the concepts related to acoustic insulation and noise control in building construction.

Content:

  • Insulation theory: Equations and control parameters
  • Legislation: Technical Building Code
  • Measurement of insulation: Nomenclature, standards, and cases
  • Impact Noise
  • Noise control in building facilities
  • Introduction to vibrations (applied to facilities and noise in buildings)

ACOUSTIC INSULATION PRACTICE AND NOISE CONTROL – 5 ECTS

This subject teaches the foundations and practical skills that students should have, related to the theory of acoustic insulation and noise control. It is based on carrying out acoustic measurements and their subsequent analysis. Additionally, a group project is proposed to design the insulation (a project or soundproofing work) of a specific space.

Goals:

The goal of this subject is for students to become familiar with the practical aspect of acoustic insulation and noise control.

On one hand, the aim is for students to acquire the necessary skills to perform acoustic insulation measurements (airborne sound insulation, impact sound insulation), as well as the measurement of antivibration systems, and their subsequent analysis. The objective is for them to face cases as realistic as possible.

On the other hand, a practical case is proposed, where students have to put into practice all the knowledge acquired in the theoretical field, in order to present a realistic solution and implement it.

Content:

  • Acoustic insulation and noise control work
  • Measurement of airborne sound insulation according to UNE EN ISO 16283-1
  • Measurement of impact sound insulation according to UNE EN ISO 16283-2
  • Inertia base: Vibrational insulation of machines

SECOND SEMESTER

The subjects detailed below are part of the Online Postgraduate Program in Environmental Acoustics (PAM). This Postgraduate program provides the theoretical foundation for the concepts that are later developed through practical exercises on cases of noise pollution. These cases are presented based on field measurements, simulations, or acoustic prediction models.

PROPAGATION, MEASUREMENT, AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE – 10 ECTS

The student will learn the theoretical concepts of environmental acoustics, studying the source, the propagation path (and its laws), and the value and effects on the receiver.

Goals:

This subject provides knowledge to evaluate noise pollution and how to take action to minimize its impact. It also studies current regulations for environmental noise management, as well as the use of simulation software to make predictions on outdoor propagation.

Content:

  • Introduction to acoustics
  • Theory of noise propagation (outdoor)
  • Acoustic barriers
  • Evaluation of noise pollution: Legislation and noise management
  • Measurement of environmental noise: Parameters, instrumentation, analysis, and assessment
  • Noise sources and simulation models (specific software)

CONTROL OF NOISE IN INDUSTRY AND FACILITIES – 5 ECTS

The student works on the theoretical and practical foundations for the prediction and control of noise levels and its influence on workers' health. This includes the concept of acoustic power and how to measure it.

Goals:

This subject provides the necessary tools for students to address real problems where noise in industrial premises needs to be controlled, reduced, and maintained below legal limits. It studies how to classify and act on noise sources that have a detrimental impact on health.

Content:

  • Worker protection from noise (Royal Decree)
  • Measurement of source power (ISO measurement and application)
  • Modeling of industrial premises (with specific software)
  • Theory of silencers: Design and application of acoustic silencers

FUNDAMENTALS OF VIBRATIONS – 5 ECTS

The theoretical and practical foundations are addressed to evaluate mechanical vibrations in various scenarios.

Goals:

This subject provides the necessary tools for students to understand vibrating systems (simple ones), degrees of freedom of the systems, where mechanical vibrations have an undesirable influence on workers' health, installations, activities, or create acoustic impact beyond what is required by legislation.

Content:

  • Study of mechanical vibrations and their environmental impact
  • Occupational safety in mechanical vibrations
  • Vibrations in buildings, activities, and installations

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ACOUSTICS – 5 ECTS

The basics and practical skills necessary for conducting environmental measurements and analyzing the collected data are taught in this subject.

Goals:

The objective of this subject is to familiarize students with the instrumentation, measurement equipment, and procedures used to assess environmental pollution. Additionally, practical exercises will be conducted to prepare real reports that present the results and conclusions of these measurements.

Content:

  • Measurement and analysis of activity-related noise (according to standard ordinances)
  • Measurement of acoustic power of a sound source
  • Measurement of sound pressure levels in indoor environments (according to standard ordinances)
  • Measurement of machinery vibrations and railway infrastructure vibrations

WORK IN ENVIRONMENTAL ACOUSTICS – 5 ECTS

Se plantea un caso real de ruido de máquinas: Estudio evaluación y reducción de impacto acústico, donde los alumnos tienen que poner en práctica todos los conocimientos adquiridos en el ámbito teórico, y así exponer una solución lo más adecuada posible para la casuística a estudio y cumplimiento de un marco legal de base.

Objetivos:

Uno de los objetivos de la asignatura es que los alumnos se enfrenten a un problema de contaminación acústica real, donde puedan poner en práctica los conocimientos teóricos adquiridos para resolverlo con éxito.

Contenidos:

Estudio de impacto acústico: evaluación y control de un caso real.