Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2014 - PHYS 192 D100

Logarithm and Blues (3)

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 1, 2014
    Wed, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Nov 6, 2014
    Thu, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 4, 2014
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Mike Hayden
    778-782-4845

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the production, propagation and perception of sound and music from an interdisciplinary perspective. The viewpoints of a professional musician and a physicist will be presented and compared. Topics include elementary acoustics, instrument characteristics, reproduction technologies, tonal anomalies and perception. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

1.     The propagation of sound
a.     General behavior of waves (mathematical representation of harmonic motion, speed, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction etc.)
b.     The principle of superposition, beats, Doppler effect etc.
c.     Standing waves and overtones, harmonics
d.     Analysis and synthesis of complex waves


2.     The production of music
a.     Classes of instruments (identification, characteristics, examples such as strings, brass, percussion, electronic)
b.     Speakers and environmental factors including analog/digital reproduction and compression


3.     The perception of music
a.     Response of the ear; logarithmic and sound intensity scales
b.     Temperament and pitch
c.     Tonal anomalies
d.     Emotional and cultural factors

Grading

  • Assignments 15%
  • Midterm Exam #1 10%
  • Midterm Exam #2 15%
  • Project 10%
  • Final Exam 50%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Text:
Musical Acoustics, 3rd edition
Author: Hall

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, before the end of the first week of classes.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS