Understanding Audio

and Sound
MR403

Module Guide

Academic Year 2020/21

Level: 4

Credits: 15

Pre-requisite: NIL
 MR403
SRMC MODULE GUIDE Understanding
Audio and Sound

CONTENTS

MODULE OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................... 3
1 Teaching Team ................................................................................................................... 3
2 Module Details .................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Total Guided Learning Hours ..................................................................................... 3
2.2. Assessment (Percentage of final marks assessed by) ............................................ 3
SECTION A ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Introduction to Module ..................................................................................................... 4
2 Adminstrative and Technical Support ............................................................................. 4
3 Timetable / Venue / Rooms .............................................................................................. 4
4 Student Support and Guidance ...................................................................................... 4
4.1. SRMC IMS ..................................................................................................................... 4
4.2. The SRMC Library ........................................................................................................ 4
5 Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................... 5
6 Learning Resources ............................................................................................................ 5
6.1. Textbooks / Reading Materials.................................................................................. 5
SECTION B ....................................................................................................................................... 6
7 Assessment: General Information ................................................................................... 6
8 Details of Assessment ......................................................................................................... 6
8.1. ASSESSMENT 1: Presentation ...................................................................................... 6
8.2. ASSESSMENT 2: Practical Task .................................................................................... 6
8.3. ASSESSMENT 3: Learning Journal ............................................................................... 7
8.4. ASSESSMENT 4: Formative Assignments .................................................................... 7
8.5. ASSESSMENT MARKING BANDS .................................................................................. 8
9 Summative Assessment Grid ........................................................................................... 13
10 Statement on Plagiarism ............................................................................................. 13
11 Evaluation of the Module ............................................................................................ 14
12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................................................................ 14
SECTION C..................................................................................................................................... 15
13 Guide to Learning Sessions.......................................................................................... 15

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SRMC MODULE GUIDE Understanding
Audio and Sound

MODULE OVERVIEW

1 TEACHING TEAM
Module Leader John Lee
Field/School Singapore Raffles Music College
Email
Phone
Location Refer to Timetable

2 MODULE DETAILS
Module Code MR405
Level 04
Credits 15

2.1. Total Guided Learning Hours

Teaching Contact Hours 36 hours
Independent Study Hours 164 hours
Length Of Module 1 semester

2.2. Assessment (Percentage of final marks assessed by)

Presentation 30%
Practical Task 40%
Learning Journal 20%
Formative Assignments 10%
Total 100%

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SECTION A

1 INTRODUCTION TO MODULE

Welcome to the Understanding Audio and Sound module.

This module will guide you with the techniques to creatively manipulate Digital Audition
Workstation with the aim of familiarising you with ProTools. This will develop you to apply
techniques appropriately to a range of musical production task, equip you with the
necessary knowledge and skillsets to function in a home studio setup. This will acclimatise
you to work in a Recording Studio. Through technical exercises and classroom discussions,
peer mentoring and informal learning are foster which will enable you to refine their
technical skillsets and gain perspectives in the discussed topics.

2 ADMINSTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For any matters, please refer to Programme Department.

3 TIMETABLE / VENUE / ROOMS

The timetable will be confirmed by the Programme Department during academic

induction. Please check your timetables for confirmation.

4 STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

4.1. SRMC IMS

All the key information you require to complete this module can be assessed through the
SRMC IMS. Please check there regularly for additional resources or information during the
course of the module. Updates or changes will be told to you through announcements,
SMS and/or email – so please also ensure that you check your phones and emails for
notifications from the college.

4.2. The SRMC Library

The School Library provides a wide range of services, resources, advice and help to
support teaching, learning and research across the institution. All students are
automatically members of the Library. The NRIC or Student Pass is also the Library card,
and borrowing rights are automatically set according to course and status. Staff from the

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Programme Department provides help and support and offer one-to-one advice on
finding detailed resources for assignments by appointment.

Further information, including opening hours and contact details, is available at:
http://srmc.edu.sg/contact-us/

5 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the module you will be able to:

• Understand the complexities of the modern recording studio, and be able to

creatively perform a range of tasks in such a studio
• Show an appreciation of the studio environment and its related systems;
outlining the various equipment and installations and their functions
• Analyse recording problems to decide the systems and techniques to use for
various contexts through class work and online forum discussions.
• Set up a practical recording project and complete it independently, showing
an acute awareness of sound quality
• Greater exposure to the audio and sound industry through visitations from
external guest industry professionals
• Engage effectively and critically on relevant desktop compositional topics via
online informal forum discussions.

6 LEARNING RESOURCES

You should review the bibliographies contained at the end of each entry carefully, as they
may well direct you to other important resources.

6.1. Textbooks / Reading Materials

• Huber, D. M. and Runstein, R. E., Modern recording techniques, Audio

Engineering Society, 2018
• Altman, R., Sound Theory/ Sound Practice, Taylor and Francis, 1992.
• Rayleigh, J., W.S, The Theory of Sound, Dover Publications, 1945.
• Davis, G., Sound Reinforcement Handbook, Hal Leonard Corporation, 1988.
• McCarthy, B., Sound Systems: Design and Optimisation, Taylor and Francis,
2017.

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Audio and Sound

SECTION B

7 ASSESSMENT: GENERAL INFORMATION

Assessment for this module will take the form of two assessment tasks, both set during
lecture session one. The first is a presentation, taking place during week 7. This is followed
by a practical task, as well as a learning journal to be submitted by week 14. Reflective
base assessments will take the form a learning journal submission and various formative
assignments.

Full details of the assessments are given below. Please be sure to put the test dates in your
academic diary.

8 DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT

8.1. ASSESSMENT 1: Presentation

Type of assessment Oral Examination

Length 20 minutes including audio playback
Weighting 30%
Assessor Module leader

This assessment will be conducted during the timetabled lecture slot in Week 7 of the
semester.

For this assessment you are to work in groups to present the methods that you had utilized
to record the rhythm section, or backing track of the work that you intend to hand in at
the end of the module. You are to work in groups of at least 3 students.

8.2. ASSESSMENT 2: Practical Task

Type of assessment Coursework

Length Not more than 4 minutes
Weighting 40%
Assessor Module leader

This assessment is due on 4 pm on the Friday of Week 14 of the semester.

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For this assessment you are to work in groups of at least 3 to record Pro Tools multi-track
material of any style. The recording must display significant use of the multi-track
environment and should not contain any MIDI driven instrumentation or software plug-in.

8.3. ASSESSMENT 3: Learning Journal

Type of assessment Coursework

Length 1000 words
Weighting 20%
Assessor Module leader

This assessment is due on 4 pm on the Friday of Week 14 of the semester.

For this assessment you are to write a reflective analysis of your recording including notes
on techniques that you employed, the obstacles faced and a session diary. Your written
work must include a comparison of the two mixes you completed over the course of the
module, highlighting the differences you have achieved.

8.4. ASSESSMENT 4: Formative Assignments

Type of assessment Informal online forums

Length 4 x 50-word log

Weighting 10%

Assessor Module leader

These 4 x 50-word log post will be due on Week 3, 6, 9 and 12. Each 50-word log post will
be a reflective and critical write up in response to these topics posted online by your
module leader one week before the submission date.
- Peer learning and sharing on lecture session 1 and 2 pertaining to your
understanding of the complexities of the modern recording studio and its
environment
- Read, reflect and comment on this article “How to set up your recording studio
environment for creativity?
https://bandzoogle.com/blog/how-to-set-up-your-recording-studio-environment-
for-creativity.
- In groups of 3 discuss, practise and showcase your presentation via the online
forum platform uploading it for peer review. Write out your 50-word log reflecting
on your group work and how it could have been done better.

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- Summarize your learning of the module into 4 to 7 key pointers reflecting on each
and how they are crucial to establish a good recording studio for your future career
in the recording industry. You may use this reflective log as an appendix or content
for your Assessment 3 Learning Journal

8.5. ASSESSMENT MARKING BANDS

NB: In all assessments, students are required to present their work neatly and correctly.
Notation should be carefully written and aligned. Where needed, all performance
directions should be specifically indicated.

Your work in this module will be assessed according to the following criteria. Please consult
these regularly as they are meant to help you meet assessment standards.

ASSESSMENT ONE AND TWO

Your work for Assessments 1 and 2 will be marked according to the following rubric:

Demonstrates an exceptional degree of commitment, creativity,

A+ research and innovation. Represents absolute professional quality in all
80 – 100% areas that is beyond reproach in every aspect. Exceptional skill and
ability is exercised equally with regard to form, content and function.

Exceptional work that is exciting, innovative and clearly structured. All

A elements of the presented work are artistically, technically,
70 – 79% commercially and scientifically assured, with an outstandingly clear
message and wholly appropriate use of the medium.

Overall a successful piece of work which fulfils its aims with clarity, and
is cohesive in structure and impact. Has some of the qualities of work
B in the 70+ mark categories but lacking some vision, accuracy,
60 – 69% excitement or innovation. Some parts of the work may not function to
the utmost. Appropriate use of the medium and overall technically
assured.

Successful in meeting aims and overall meaning is clear. However,

there may be some problems with the structure or overall execution
C which leads to confusion. Lacking in imagination, a very conventional
piece of work. Limited concept, and some important aspects of the
50 – 59% task may have been omitted. Overall, technically competent and
appropriate use of the medium, but the task could have been better
realised.

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Audio and Sound

The work communicates with difficulty, and may have elements which
are poorly structured and confusing. Work demonstrates a limited
D ability to select, structure and prioritise information. Generally lacks
40 – 49% cohesion and may be scrappily presented. Demonstrates a fair
degree competence although there are some obvious technical
problems and failure to successfully convey the overall message.

Work suggests that the 200 hours of appropriate student involvement

has not been engaged with. Fails to answer the key technical
F
requirements of the brief and the project has limited meaning. Fails to
0 – 39%
communicate a coherent message, and shows significant omissions in
content.

ASSESSMENT THREE

This coursework will be graded using the following rubric:

Covers all aspects of the assignment brief extensively with originality

A+
of thought as well as demonstrating the outstanding capability to
80 – 100% extrapolate findings into practical and positive applications beyond
the limits of the initial subject.
Comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the assignment brief with
added dimension of originality of thought. Scope and terms of
reference are well-defined and argument structure reveals ability to
weigh both sides of the argument and is clearly supported by breadth
A of research evidence and excellent use of source material. Style of
writing is excellent and language, grammar and spelling are faultless.
70 – 79%
Citations are correctly and consistently annotated within the
Bibliography and Footnotes. The references used are sufficient to
reflect evidence of excellent research. Visual presentation, design
and layout are excellent. Documentation provided shows processes
of excellent planning, action and progress.
Covers all aspects of the assignment brief thoroughly. Scope and
terms of reference are well-defined and argument structure reveals
ability to weigh both sides of the argument and is clearly supported
by breadth of research evidence and good use of source material.
B
Good style of writing. Language, grammar and spelling are faultless.
60 – 69% Citations are correctly and consistently annotated within the
Bibliography and Footnotes. The references used are sufficient to
reflect evidence of good research. Good visual presentation, design
and layout. Documentation provided shows good processes of
planning, action and progress.

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Addresses all aspects of the assignment brief. Scope and terms of

reference are defined. Evidence of a cohesive structure and relevant,
C
though limited, argument. Standard use of style, language and syntax.
50 – 59% Correct and consistent format of citations. Fair amount of research.
Standard visual presentation, design and layout. Adequate
documentation.
Addresses at least half of the assignment brief and the work are
acceptable. Scope and terms of reference are not well defined.
Evidence of logical structure Sufficiently accurate and acceptable
D
style and language. Grammar and spelling are not flawed enough to
40 – 49% impede any understanding Inconsistent formatting of citations. Some
acceptable and relevant research. Acceptable presentation of the
submission. Meets the minimum acceptable standards of
documentation in terms of layout, contents and organisation.
Poor sense of the assignment brief and its requirements. Scope and
terms of reference are not well defined. Structure of argument is
F incoherent and poorly organised. Inappropriate and poor style and
0 – 39% language. Grammar and spelling render the paper difficult to read.
Inadequate, incorrect and inconsistent format of citations. Little or
Re-Exam frequently irrelevant and poor research. Evidence of plagiarism. Poor,
careless and haphazard presentation of the submission. Poor
documentation.

PASS REQUIREMENT

Students must obtain an aggregate of 40% or above in order to pass the module.

RE-SIT REQUIREMENT

Students who achieve an overall mark of less than 40% (and have submitted the final
assessment) will be allowed to re-attempt the assessment(s) whereby they have obtained
a mark short of the passing mark of 40%. Should any student on the re-sit attempt, still fail
the module, they will be allowed to re-attempt the module.

SUBMISSION

The College views non-submission as a very serious offence. Please submit work on time.
Extensions may be granted by the module leader, but these are only granted for
exceptional cases. Please note that computer/technical/hardware/software malfunction,
although unfortunate, cannot be taken as suitable evidence.

LABELLING

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Audio and Sound

The following must be clearly stated and visible from the outside of the package:

• Course title.
• Module title.
• Module code.
• Tutor name - to whom assignment must be submitted. (The person who taught you.)

DEADLINES FOR ASSIGNMENTS

Deadline time: 4:00pm

Note: Please anticipate a long queue at the programme department on submission day;
as such; please turn up early to ensure your submission gets in before 4 pm. Any student
submitting successfully after the deadline time, regardless of queue time, will be counted
as having submitted the next day.

Any work submitted after the deadline will be deducted, 10% per day; a zero mark will be
given if the work is submitted after 7 days - this is an examination process and deadlines
must be taken very seriously.

PLASTIC FOLDERS / WALLETS

Assessments submitted in a sturdy plastic folder or portfolios will be accepted.

Assessments submitted in flimsy plastic wallets are difficult to store and can often tear
when stapled to the cover sheet. Discs or any other additional material should be placed
in a sealed envelope and attached to the written work.

Note: The Programme department will not supply folders, portfolios or envelopes. It is your
responsibility to present the work in an acceptable manner.
#

ISSUE OF RECEIPTS

Receipts will only be issued when a tangible piece of work has been submitted. Submission
of a web site address only will not entitle the student to a receipt unless they provide, with
the agreement of the tutor, a web address, module title, module code, tutor’s name and
date of posting on web. The Programme Department will issue the receipt. However, no
responsibility will be accepted for the accuracy of any information in that statement.

Do not hand work in to academic or support staff outside office.

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Audio and Sound

LATE WORK AND EXTENSIONS

It is rare for an extension to be granted and it will most certainly not be granted in cases
of poor time management. Computer/technical/hardware/software malfunction,
although unfortunate, are also not accepted as reasons for late submissions.

Students must be familiar with the procedures of late submissions. These processes are in
your Student Handbook. All late work must be submitted together with an extension permit
signed by the module leader, as well as with sufficient written evidence to support the late
submission.

Important note 1 extensions may not be possible at certain times of the year and
mitigating circumstances may have to be established. It is your responsibility to familiarize
yourself with the rules and conditions of the college. Again refer to your Student Handbook.

Important note 2 extensions can only be issued before the formal deadline and cannot
be negotiated after this deadline. It is your responsibility to act promptly and keep both
the school and the module leader informed.

KEEP BACKUPS OF ALL YOUR WORK!

You must comprehend the problems related to working with technology, in other words -
how do you protect yourself against system failure. This is crucial to commercial survival,
but equally it is an important issue with regard to student work. Computers and other
technological equipment can provide a great deal of fun, equally they can lead to much
frustration, anxiety, stress with the possible loss of marks when things go wrong.

Digital technology is particularly vulnerable to a host of serious problems. So are storage

media. The importance of keeping backups of your work cannot be over stressed and it
will cost you money to do so - so plan accordingly – there is no getting round it. Do keep
duplicates, as submitting your sole master copy for assessment is just like making a deal
with the devil.

SMALL PRINT FOR THE WISE

• Never submit master recordings for assessment, make copies of it and submit the
copy.
• Students submitting master recordings for assessment do so solely at their own risk.
The school and its staff will not be held responsible should there be a loss of the
submission or part of the submission, nor will they be held for the possible damage
or theft of the master recording before, during or after the marking process.
• Please keep backups of your written work.
• Check all media for data soundness, readability and compatibility on appropriate
systems before your submission to the programme department.

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• Do ensure that you are submitting the correct format, regardless of data file type
or media.
• Label all media before submission.

RETURN OF ASSESSED WORK

It is not possible to return submitted work due to audit purposes. Hence, we recommend
that you make two copies of your own work, one for submission, one for your own records.
Anyway, you should be keeping backups of your own work.

ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK

Students will receive a provisional grade along with written and verbal feedback as soon
as possible after each assessment. It is your responsibility to know how you have done so
that you can do better for the next assignment. Grades remain provisional till the
examination board meeting which is held after the semester.

9 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT GRID

Word Count or Due Date

Type of Assessment Pass Mark Weighting
equivalent (week no.)
Assessment 1:
20 minutes 7 40% 30%
Presentation
Assessment 2: No more than 4
14 40% 40%
Practical Task minutes
Assessment 3:
1000 words 14 40% 20%
Production Diary
Assessment 4: 4 x 50-words 3,6,9,12 P/F 10%
Formative Assignments

10 STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is defined as the submission of a student of work that is not his/her own, in the
sense that all or part of the work has been copied from that of another person (whether
published or not) without attribution, or the presentation of another's work as if it were
his/her own. Any student who knowingly permits another student to plagiarise his/her own
work will also be regarded as having committed collusion, which is another serious offence.
Self-plagiarism can also occur if a student does not reference his/her own, previous, work.

The offences of plagiarism and/or collusion are taken very seriously. If you plagiarise
someone else’s work you may fail in the assessment of the particular piece of work or the
whole module. In extreme cases a candidate may be expelled.

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See also: Student Handbook

Note: To obtain a data file (e.g. sample, Jpeg or MIDI file etc.) and present it as your own
work is also plagiarism. If you are in any doubt please seek the advice of the module
leader or the academic director.

11 EVALUATION OF THE MODULE

Students are welcome to provide evaluation and feedback of the teaching programme
through the student satisfaction surveys that are conducted every semester, suggestion
forms as well as personal consultations with the lecturers.

At the end of each semester, the College’s Programme Department will issue
comprehensive surveys to gauge student satisfaction with teaching, facilities and student
support in the semester.

12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

If you have questions you can either make an appointment with the Module Leader or
the Curriculum and Learning Specialist

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SECTION C

13 GUIDE TO LEARNING SESSIONS

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Attendance at lectures/classes/seminars etc is compulsory. If for any reason you are

unable to attend, you have to ensure that you inform the appropriate tutor (including your
principal study tutor, if applicable) BEFORE the session in question takes place. Thank you.

As a matter of course:

• Be on time;
• Attend all the sessions;
• Bring this guide and any other relevant guides with you;
• Make sure you have your writing materials when you attend a session;
• Book facilities on a regular basis and use them appropriately;
• Do not procrastinate till the last minute.

STICK TO THE BRIEF

Considerable freedom is allowed for interpretation within the set work, though you must
pay attention to the constraints implied by the nature, the style of the work set, or the
assignment brief itself. These limits are imposed for a reason for you to develop the skills
through the appropriate guidance.

TEACHING SESSIONS

For this module, teaching sessions are considered extremely important as this approach
reflects professional practice. Teaching sessions will also give you insights especially
towards the seemingly more difficult tasks.

Students are expected to take notes at these sessions, hence bring along your writing
materials.

EMAIL AND THE ABUSE OF…

Please note that email should not be seen as a substitute for going to lectures or looking
at notice boards. All questions regarding the module and its assignments should be
directed to the lecturer involve during timetabled teaching hours. Emails regarding what
is normally covered during teaching hours where the student should have been present
for and has no good reason to be absent, will not be attended to.

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