Time Schedule:
Christopher A. Moore
SPHSC 261
Seattle Campus
Fundamental principles of sound and vibration with emphasis on examples relevant to the speech and hearing systems. Required for majors: open to nonmajors. Recommended: MATH 101. Offered: W.
Class description
This course provides a basic foundation for students interested in the science of sound. Course material is very well suited to those without substantial natural science preparation. Students in music, speech and hearing sciences, speech processing/signal processing, and linguistics will benefit from this course. Key topics include basic principles of measurement, sound generation and propagation, signal types, amplitude measurement, filtering and resonance, spectral analysis, and instrumental methods.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Nearly all required material is covered in class lectures. Readings provide supplemental information and elaboration of target ideas. In-class demonstrations are used to reinforce key concepts. Most overheads used are provided as handouts as well. The formation of study groups is highly encouraged and has been highly successful for past students.
Recommended preparation
Although this course deals with sound physics, students are assumed to require substantial review of principles of algebra and trigonometry. Students with preparation in quantitative sciences will be most prepared for this material.
Class assignments and grading
This course is designed to follow the required text closely. Assignments focus on readings, review of lecture material, and homework handouts (see website link below for examples).
Three in-class exams (cumulative information and occasional homework.
