This programme offers a unique opportunity to study sound and music technologies using science and engineering methodologies.
In Years 1 and 2 you will acquire skills in:
physics
mathematics
music technology
This will equip you to work at the cutting edge of acoustics audio and creative music technology in the second half of the programme.
In Years 3 and 4 you will take compulsory courses in advanced acoustics and music software engineering. You can also choose to follow one or a combination of the following:
a strongly scientific pathway in physical acoustics
a multidisciplinary pathway in computer music systems
Year 1
Compulsory courses
You will study compulsory courses in:
physics
acoustics
mathematics
music technology
These are taught by the Reid School of Music and the School of Physics and Astronomy.
You will take:
Physics 1A covering the basic pillars of physics and develops your problem solving and study skills
Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2 equipping you with core skills you need in algebra and calculus
Musical Acoustics exploring musical instruments architectural acoustics and electronic instruments
Sound Recording examining the history and practice of recorded sound
You will be introduced to:
microphone techniques
room acoustics
field recording
You will also undertake project work which culminates in the production of recorded music.
Option courses
You can choose further courses from:
music
physics
engineering
informatics
a range of options from across the University
Year 2
You will take two courses that build on the themes of Year 1:
Architectural Acoustics and Spatial Audio
Creative Music Technology
Your mathematics courses will cover:
advanced algebra
calculus
dynamics
You will also be introduced to:
computer programming
data analysis
experimental techniques for physics and acoustics
Option courses
You will have the opportunity to take:
further option courses from music
relevant courses from physics engineering and elsewhere
These help you to make the most of the many options available across the University.
Year 3
Compulsory courses
Compulsory courses include:
Audio signal processing
Audio programming
Together these form the basis for developing music technology software and hardware for audio processing and live performance.
You will also learn:
how physics can be used to understand musical sound
to design cutting edge software that provides the very highest sound quality in musical instrument and audio effects emulation
Other courses
We encourage you to complement these subjects by taking courses in:
sound design
Fourier analysis
fluid mechanics
physics
Year 4
The programme now centres around a year-long major final project in acoustics and music technology.
You will also will study:
advanced acoustics
computational simulation of acoustical systems a subject Edinburgh is a world leader in
Option courses
You can choose option courses from:
music
physics
engineering
informatics
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