Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CA 149 OL01

Sound (3)

Class Number: 5113

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 149 is an introduction to sound and all the forms it can take. It does not require any previous music theory and is designed to be relevant to anyone interested in deepening their relationship to sound.

Students will be introduced to:

  • the physics of sound;
  • recording sound;
  • digital sound;
  • perception of sound (psychoacoustics);
  • altering sound (signal processing);
  • soundscape and sound ecology;
  • making sound (synthesis);
  • film and game sound;
  • sound art; and
  • generative sound and music.

Grading

  • Quiz #1: Physics of Sounds; Recording 5%
  • Quiz #2: Digital Audio; Perception 5%
  • Quiz #3: Signal Processing 5%
  • Quiz #4: Soundscape; Synthesis 5%
  • Quiz #5: Film and Game Sound; Sound Art 5%
  • Project 1: Recording and Editing 15%
  • Project 2: Signal Processing 15%
  • Sound Journal 15%
  • Film Sound Log 15%
  • Final (Online) Quiz 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:


Students are encouraged to have their own set of headphones (preferably) or good-quality earbuds.
You must have access to a Mac or Windows computer – not just a tablet or phone – to complete the assignments.
We will use the open-source software – Audacity – for Projects 1 & 2.

REQUIRED READING:

All reading material is available on Canvas

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.