MUSC-1325 Acoustics

Each class day will have a Google Calendar invite with joining information for the class lecture with information about each class meeting's location. Google Meet instructions for online lectures and when possible for labs, which classroom on campus we will meet. You will need to accept the invite to the calendar event on your ACC Google eMail.

Instructor: Nick Landis

Office Hours: by appointment only – email to request

Cell Phone: (972)836-6577

eMail: Nicholas.Landis@austincc.edu

Required Text & Materials

Master Handbook of Acoustics, 6th ed., by Ken Pohlmann, F. Alton Everest (McGraw Hill). Available on Amazon or McGraw-Hill
Some acoustical measurement hardware and software: this is flexible and there are several free or inexpensive tools available. We will discuss this more in class.

Optional Materials

Some acoustical measurement hardware and software:
1. A decibel meter
2. Real-time analyzer (several choices like AudioTools, etc...)
3. Acoustics measurement software like RødeTest (FuzzMeasure) or Room EQ Wizard. They offer free or demo versions if you don't have $$$
4. We will discuss this more in class.
DIY Acoustic Panels by Marc Rollins-McKie (Self). Available on Amazon
Musical Acoustics by Donald E. Hall (Brooks/Cole). Available on Amazon

Prerequisites

Due to the complex and relatively difficult nature of this subject matter, it is the opinion of the instructors that this course should have a prerequisite of basic college algebra as well as MBPT courses Audio Production I, II, and III.

Course Description

A study of sound and its behavior as it relates to the recording studio and sound reinforcement. As acoustics is a complex science requiring many years of study, emphasis for this class will be placed on basic acoustics principles. The intent of this class is not to be an exhaustive investigation of acoustics, but rather a basic study of acoustics designed to support and enhance other ACC Commercial Music Management recording offerings.

Course Overview

The class will be divided into two areas of study, physics of sound and practical studio design and building concepts.

Course Learning Outcomes

List specific characteristics of sound in air
Describe acoustical properties of halls, rooms, and studios
Measure and quantify sound characteristics
Utilize electronic and acoustic control measures

MBPT Program Learning Outcomes

Acquire insight, skills and expertise in music business, technology and performance.
Identify and prepare for jobs in these fields.

Attendance

You are expected to attend class regularly. Although there is not a specific attendance grade, in class activities and studio projects cannot be made up if absent.

Grading System

Your final course grade will be determined as follows:

Daily Reading Quizzes 25%

Projects/Labs 25%

Midterm Exam 25%

Final Exam 25%

Scale

A = 90 – 100 - B = 80 - 89 - C = 70 - D = 60 – 69 - F = Below 60

Conflicts

If a problem arises that will cause you to miss an assignment please contact us, in advance if possible, so we can make accommodations. Incompletes are given only under extreme circumstances.

Exams

There will be two (2) exams given during the 16-week semester. The midterm covers about half the course material. The final exam will be comprehensive. If you know that you will be absent on the date of an exam, please contact your instructor in advance to discuss the situation.

The final exam will be given on the last day of class. If the final exam is missed, it will receive a grade of zero – regardless of the circumstances. A grade of incomplete may be granted by the College (see section on Incomplete below) but only in extreme situations.

Projects & Labs

Labs are a major component of your overall grade. Due to the pandemic situation, labs will be performed individually somewhere other than the ACC campus. As things open up more, we will possibly be able to have in-person labs together. Each specific lab will have info about the meeting place if we are able to meet in person.

Homework

In-class activities and homework give you the opportunity to practice applying what you’re learning and they also help prepare you for the exams. Assignments and due dates will be announced in class and posted on BlackBoard. You are encouraged to work on homework assignments with classmates remotely. However, you need to make sure that you understand the material.

Course Policies

Withdrawals and Incompletes

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should they decide to stop attending class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student if they feel it necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Cell Phone

As a courtesy to your instructor and your classmates, please make sure to follow established online class etiquette.

Privacy

To protect student privacy we will not give information about grades via email or phone. Grades will be posted through BlackBoard.

College Policies

Student Requirements

Maintain an official ACC Student email account and check it regularly. All email communication from ACC and this class will be sent to that address. http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/
Monitor Blackboard for messages and use when required
Communicate challenges, need for help, frustration, emergencies, changes, etc.
Participate in class discussion & activities
Complete work as assigned

Austin Community College Policies

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.

Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about- acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Any course specific policies, expectations, or procedures could be included here.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education. In the context of college- level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions. Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability. Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student- complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action. In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC- sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance. Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI- fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at: http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions- and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines. Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

Student ID number
Course prefix and number
Course synonym
Course section number
Test number
Instructor’s name Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action. For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these campus services and resources is available at

http://www.austincc.edu/students

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS). SAS offices are located at each major campus. Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively. Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at

https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face- to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services. In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat. Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
Email: library@austincc.edu In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities. They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices:

https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.
Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center:

http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to

withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money

Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.
Drop-in child watch is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-

care/child-watch-drop-in-center.
A full listing of services for student parents is available at:

https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours: If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers for help. However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:

1-800-662-HELP (4357) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Health & Safety Protocols Addendum

The rapidly changing situation with regard to the recent surge in COVID cases has led to Austin Community College updating their health and safety protocols even from what was in place last week. As a result, the wording in the master syllabus template, specifically the section on health & safety protocols under College Policies, is no longer accurate.

However, given the high state of uncertainty about how the situation will develop, it has been decided that rather than revising the template repeatedly (and forcing those who have already written their syllabi for this fall to do it again), faculty should incorporate the wording as it is provided in the template into their course syllabi and first-day handouts.

But, if you would, please distribute to your students this addendum that details the current health & safety protocols as they stand at this time. Most importantly, ALL FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS SHOULD FREQUENTLY VISIT ACC’S COVID WEBSITE AT https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND GUIDANCE.

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances. While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus. If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

Face Masks Required - On Friday, August 13, 2021, the ACC Board of Trustees unanimously approved a face mask mandate at ACC. Effective August 20, 2021, anyone who is 2 years of age or older will be required to wear a face mask in all ACC buildings.
Virtual Learning for the First 3 Weeks - ACC will scale back the number of students and employees on campus when the fall semester begins. Many courses will be held online for the first three weeks of the semester from August 23 through September 12. Courses that require in-person instruction, including some labs, will still be held on-campus. Those that can be moved to online formats will do so for this period.
Health Screening Required - Starting Monday, August 16, 2021, ACC’s health app will be required for all students, employees, and visitors. Download the app here. If you’re exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, the app will provide you information about steps you can take to report your illness.
Vaccination Clinics - ACC hosts a series of on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics for eligible members of the ACC community. Clinics are offered at select campuses districtwide. The clinics are offered in partnership with Austin Public Health and Travis County Fire & Rescue. The vaccination schedule is available here. All appointments are walk-up and available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted. The college strongly urges those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get one.
COVID Testing - If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available. If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self- reporting tool located here. Please do not come to campus if you are feeling ill or if you test positive for COVID-19.
Social Distancing - The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
Identification - ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry.

Readings

Master Handbook of Acoustics, 6th ed., by Ken Pohlmann, F. Alton Everest (McGraw Hill). Available on Amazon or McGraw-Hill
Some acoustical measurement hardware and software: this is flexible and there are several free or inexpensive tools available. We will discuss this more in class.

Course Subjects

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

List specific characteristics of sound in air
Describe acoustical properties of halls, rooms, and studios
Measure and quantify sound characteristics
Utilize electronic and acoustic control measures
Acquire insight, skills and expertise in music business, technology and performance.
Identify and prepare for jobs in these fields.

Office Hours

M T W Th F 10:00 PM - 12:00 PM GoogleMeet

NOTE

M T W Th F 10:00 PM - 12:00 PM GoogleMeet

NOTE

Office Hours

M T W Th F 10:00 PM - 12:00 PM GoogleMeet

NOTE

M T W Th F 10:00 PM - 12:00 PM GoogleMeet

NOTE

Course Requirements

Readings

Course Subjects

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Published: 12/13/2023 11:54:01