Bachelor in Engineering in Technology Management

Bachelor in Engineering in Technology Management

What if you led technology to redefine the future of business?

Fundamentals of Acoustics and Audio

Back to Syllabus

Description: 

The course equips students with the physical principles of acoustic waves, electroacoustics, and the analytical and technical modeling of analog and digital audio signal processing:

  • First Semester (Acoustic Fundamentals and Electroacoustics): Establishes the physical foundations of sound, decibel (dB) levels, and sound source summation; physiological acoustics and psychoacoustics (equal-loudness contours, critical bands, and masking); and the theory and modeling of acoustic transducers (microphones and loudspeakers).
  • Second Semester (Audio Systems and Signal Processing): Focuses on audio engineering. Covers the transmission chain and A/D-D/A conversion; frequency processing (filters and equalizers); non-linear dynamics processors (compressors and noise gates); temporal and spatial processing (delays, reverberation, and room acoustics); and signal routing in mixing consoles.

Type Subject
Optativa
Semester
Annual
Credits
6.00

Titular Professors

Jesus Vaquerizo Serrano
Professor
Previous Knowledge: 

Knowledge of calculus and algebra is required: trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, complex numbers, and matrix formulation.

Taking the course concurrently with Physics, Statistics and Mathematical Analysis, and Signals and Transmission Systems is highly recommended.

Objectives: 

  • Understand, formulate, and quantify acoustic quantities and psychoacoustic mechanisms of human hearing.
  • Model and characterize electroacoustic transducers (microphones and loudspeakers).
  • Analyze the audio transmission chain, signal balancing, and A/D-D/A digitalization processes.
  • Design and parameterize audio filtering and equalization systems.
  • Formulate analytical transfer functions and time parameters of dynamic range processors.
  • Model temporal effects (delays, reverberation), room acoustics, and routing architectures in mixing consoles.

Contents: 

SEMESTER 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS AND ELECTROACOUSTICS

  • Introduction: basic concepts of sound and the acoustic signal
  • Physiological acoustics and psychoacoustics
  • Acoustic transducers: microphones and loudspeakers

SEMESTER 2: AUDIO SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING

  • Audio signal chain, interconnection, and A/D-D/A conversion
  • Frequency processing: filters and equalizers
  • Dynamics processing: compressors, limiters, and noise gates
  • Temporal processing, room acoustics, and signal routing

Methodology: 

  • Lecture and Theory Sessions: Systematic presentation of theoretical concepts and mathematical formulations.
  • Problem-Solving Sessions: Guided and individual resolution of numerical exercises regarding acoustic levels, digital conversion, temporal processing, and dynamic functions.
  • Laboratory Practicals: Experimental sessions in small groups using measurement instruments, analog/digital processors, and mixing consoles, requiring the submission of technical reports.
  • Autonomous Work and Self-Study: Individual study, problem-solving, and preparation for assessments.

Evaluation: 

Evaluation is carried out continuously throughout the course alongside regular exams at the end of each semester:

  • Continuous Assessment (40% per semester):

    • In-class exercises and evaluated activities: 10%

    • Laboratory practical reports: 15%
    • Midterm exam: 15%
  • End-of-Semester Exam (60% per semester): A minimum score of 3.5 out of 10 is required on this exam to qualify for continuous assessment weighting.
  • Final Course Grade: The arithmetic mean of both semesters, provided each semester is passed independently ($\text{grade} \ge 5.0$).
  • Resit Examination (July): Retake exam for failed semesters. A minimum score of 5.0 out of 10 is required to pass (previous continuous assessment is not computed).

Evaluation Criteria: 

  1. Each semester is evaluated and must be passed independently (grade >= 5.0).
  2. The final course grade corresponds to the arithmetic mean of both passed semesters.
  3. Non-participation in continuous assessment forfeits the 40% weighting; in this scenario, a score above 8.3 on the final exam is required to achieve a passing grade of 5.0.
  4. Failed semesters must be recovered in the July resit examination with a minimum grade of 5.0 out of 10.

Basic Bibliography: 

  • Ballou, Glen M. (Ed.). Handbook for Sound Engineers. Focal Press / Routledge.
  • Kinsler, Lawrence E. et al. Fundamentals of Acoustics. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Pohlmann, Ken C. Principles of Digital Audio. McGraw-Hill.
  • Rumsey, Francis & McCormick, Tim. Sound and Recording: Applications and Theory. Focal Press.
  • Zölzer, Udo (Ed.). DAFX: Digital Audio Effects. John Wiley & Sons.

Additional Material: 

  • Oppenheim, Alan V., Willsky, Alan S. & Nawab, S. Hamid. Signals and Systems. Prentice Hall.
  • Watkinson, John. The Art of Digital Audio. Focal Press.
  • Miyara, Federico. Introducción a la Electroacústica. Universidad Nacional de Rosario.
  • Lecture slides and collections of solved problem sets available on the virtual campus.
  • Detailed laboratory practical guides and equipment technical manuals.
  • Interactive simulation models and calculation scripts in Python and MATLAB.