module specification

MD5003 - Applied Music Technology (2017/18)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2017/18
Module status DELETED (This module is no longer running)
Module title Applied Music Technology
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 300
 
120 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
180 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 40%   Formative assessment - individual practical piece work with indi-vidual presentation (circa 1500 words or equivalent)
Coursework 60%   Practical, final individual piece of work with individual presentation and individual report about practical outcome (ma
Running in 2017/18

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)		 No instances running in the year

Module summary

This module enables students to consolidate and build on the theoretical foundations laid down in parallel in modules at levels 4 and 5 through the planning, execution and critical reporting and review of a programme of practical work. The nature and scope of the practical work undertaken, which may focus on sound synthesis, MIDI arrangement, audio-electronics, interactive instrument design, recording, sound design or musical instrument making, will depend on specialism; in all cases, the module will foster in the students the ability to undertake independent, practical project work through formative and summative assessments, while at the same time, be able to reflect upon the work undertaken and develop the skills in presenting their own work to others.

Prior learning requirements

Pass & Completion of Prior Level

Module aims

This modules aims to:
• to enable the student to consolidate and build on the theoretical foundations developed so far
• to foster in the student the ability to undertake independent pieces of practical project work.
• to further develop skills that will enhance students’ employability in the field of their choice.

Syllabus

Students can undertake project work in the following specialist areas of music technology, which may
include:

• Audio electronics,
• Audio programming,
• Sound design,
• Audio editing,
• MIDI arrangement,
• Acoustics
• Interactive-instrument design,
• Musical instrument making
• Radio drama.

The syllabus will correspondingly vary according to the different needs of each of the courses for which this module is available.

Learning and teaching

The strategy is based in the assessment criteria, for which the first component is based on a given project based on each area of music technology expertise of the courses. For the second assessment a brief may be negotiated with the supervising tutor to undertake independent project work. Formative feedback is provided by the tutor both in one-to-one situations, and in discussions held in-group situations, such as workshops. Blended learning (WebLearn) may be included as the base for, e.g., discussions, teaching materials and/or formative feedback.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Devise and execute a methodical and individual plan of practical work in music technology acting with increasing autonomy, with reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines;
  2. Identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate tools / methods for their resolution in a considered manner;
  3. Describe in appropriate terminology both the approach to, and results of the work undertaken;
  4. Demonstrate a reflective and self-critical approach to the work undertaken and the methodology used by communicating effectively in a manner appropriate to the discipline, and report practical procedures in a clear and concise manner in a variety of formats.

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy is achieved through two pieces of individual, practical work. The first is deliv-ered in week 13 and is assessed during individual presentations in week 14. The second practical com-ponent (which may be either a continuation of the same practical work or a different one, depending on the requirements for each course, which shall be clearly explained in the module booklet) includes a report of max. 2500 words of the final practical work, which should demonstrate a reflective and self-critical approach to the work undertaken and the methodology used. This second practical outcome, delivered in week 29, is assessed during an individual presentation in week 30. The quality of presentation skills is assessed in both cases comprising 20% of the overall mark of each assessment item.

Bibliography

Adler, Samuel (2002), The study of Orchestration, volumes 1-6, W.W. Norton, ISBN 039397572X
Chion, Michel (2009), Film, a sound art, Columbia University Press, ISBN 0231137761
Huber D. & Runstein R. (2007) Modern Recording Techniques, Focal Press
Sonnenschein, David (2001), Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cine-ma, Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, ISBN 0941188264