2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MUSI1520 Introduction to the Sciences of Music
20 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Dr Luke Windsor
Email: w.l.windsor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
Pre-requisite qualifications
A/AS Level Music or equivalent and normally GCSE Mathematics.Module replaces
MUSI1611 Intro to the Science of MusicMUSI1612 Intro to Music TechnologyMUSI1911/2 Intro to the Psychology of Music A/BThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module aims to provide students with a foundation in the theory of the science, psychology and technology of music. Lectures will be two hours and will be supplemented by small seminar groups or online tasks. Lectures will incorporate question and answer sessions as appropriate.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be better able to:- demonstrate a basic understanding of acoustic phenomena
- describe the physiological and psychological mechanisms involved in their perception
- relate acoustic and psychoacoustic phenomena to musical experience
- give examples of empirical and theoretical work in the musical sciences
- demonstrate a basic understanding of the main branches of music psychology
- evaluate and integrate literature research into a logical textual argument
- locate and evaluate primary source materials
- demonstrate a basic understanding of the theory of music technology
- apply this understanding to practical exercises.
Skills outcomes
Generic and transferable skills will include:
- Competence in C&IT (in using online course materials)
- Understanding and using non-musical technical language
- Standard academic research skills
- Time management
- Organisation and communication skills.
Syllabus
Acoustics and psychoacoustics:
wave propagation; frequency and amplitude; harmonic series; resonance; formant frequencies; room acoustics; elementary physics of musical instruments, the role of the ear; the sensitivity and frequency response of the ear; pitch perception; loudness; timbre; masking.
Music technology:
signal standards and audio interconnection, sampling and digital audio, decibels and amplitude measurement, microphones and loudspeakers; recording techniques, audio applications of digital signal processing, sound synthesis, MIDI, software applications.
Music psychology:
music perception, the psychology of performance and performers, musical development and the origin of musical ability, music in everyday life, and musical meaning and emotion.
Focussed reading from the set texts, library and online resources will be provided for each topic.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 19 | 2.00 | 38.00 |
| Seminar | 12 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 6.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 152.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
- 90 hours course reading- 32 hours exam revision / notes
- 30 hours for working through online course materials and assignments.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Question and answer sessions in lectures and seminars, seminars, online resources and question papers, group discussion work.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1,500 word essay | 25.00 |
| Literature Review | 750 word evaluation | 9.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 34.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online MCQ | 2 hr 00 mins | 33.00 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 33.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 66.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 07/09/2010
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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