Course Descriptions
For current course offerings, please see the .
- ATEC-101 Fund of Audio Technology (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of Audio Technology (3) Students learn about the generation, transmission, and detection of sound; properties of sounds; history and aesthetics of electro-acoustic music and components; anatomy of audio equipment; professions in the field of audio technology; and the global structure of audio-related industries. Student apply basic recording and editing techniques in the completion of audio and audiovisual projects. Usually Offered: fall and spring. - ATEC-201 Digital Signal Theory (3 Credits)
Digital Signal Theory (3) This course provides students with a background in digital signal theory through lectures and practical programming exercises in MATLAB. Familiar audio editing operations such as mixing, panning, normalizing, and cross-fading are explained and implemented as mathematical operations. Students learn audio analysis techniques for calculating waveform features including root mean square (RMS) amplitude, zero crossing rate, and attack transient location. After an introduction to the Fourier transform, the course covers spectrum analysis and basic frequency domain signal processing techniques. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Prerequisite/Concurrent: ATEC-101. - ATEC-225 Digital Audio Workstations I (3 Credits)
Digital Audio Workstations I (3) This course provides intermediate-level students with fundamental knowledge of the basic principles of non-linear digital audio editing software. Includes creating and managing digital audio workstation sessions, importing media, basic editing and mixing techniques, external controllers, managing sessions and tracks, recording and editing MIDI and audio, time scaling, and automation. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Prerequisite/Concurrent: ATEC-101. - ATEC-325 Digital Audio Workstations II (3 Credits)
Digital Audio Workstations II (3) This course is a continuation of materials presented in ATEC-225 and provides students with more advanced knowledge of principles of non-linear digital audio editing software. Includes analyses of digital audio workstation systems, high-end user systems and interfaces, editing and mixing techniques, external controllers, managing sessions and tracks, recording and editing MIDI and audio, and advanced automation techniques. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Prerequisite: ATEC-225. - ATEC-405 Acoustics (3 Credits)
Acoustics (3) This course examines the physical nature of sound waves in real environments as well as the physiological and psychological aspects of sound as we experience it. Students engage in both the theoretical description of sound as well as conducting experiments to determine the behavior of acoustic systems. The course begins with essential acoustic knowledge that touches on every area of music and audio processing, and then covers more in-depth topics related to students' particular interests within audio technology. The course culminates with students conducting and presenting an independent research project in a specific area of acoustics and sound. Crosslist: PHYS-405 and ATEC-605. Prerequisite: ATEC-101 and ATEC-201. - ATEC-407 Sound Synthesis (3 Credits)
Sound Synthesis (3) This course covers the theory and technique of digital sound synthesis through a practical approach that emphasizes computer programming skills. Students become familiar with fundamental synthesis techniques through proficiency in a graphical programming language for signal processing. In the context of implementing these techniques, students are instructed in strategies for designing user interfaces, parameter data flow, automation, and polyphony. Branching away from synthesis of strictly musical tones, the course also covers digital signal processing (DSP) effects and the design of environmental sounds including creaking doors, wind, fire, and insects. Crosslist: ATEC-607. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Prerequisite: ATEC-201. - ATEC-415 Sound Studio Techniques I (4 Credits)
Sound Studio Techniques I (4) This course explores multi-track recording techniques as applied to professional sound systems. Studio consoles, signal path, microphone configuration and placement, and other relevant topics are studied. Students gain experience with several in-class hands-on projects. Crosslist: ATEC-615. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Prerequisite: ATEC-225. - ATEC-416 Sound Studio Techniques II (4 Credits)
Sound Studio Techniques II (4) This course examines advanced multi-track recording techniques as applied to professional sound systems. Studio consoles, advanced microphone techniques for recording acoustic and amplified instruments and other relevant topics are studied. Students gain experience with several in-class hands-on projects. Crosslist: ATEC-616. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable once for credit. Prerequisite: ATEC-415. - ATEC-417 Masterclass: Recording & Prod (3 Credits)
Masterclass in Recording and Production (3) Students explore advanced recording techniques employed in producing and recording a music project from inception to completion. Areas of exploration include, but are not limited to, preproduction arranging and planning of material, production and psychology in tracking, advanced and experimental microphone techniques, use of found acoustic space, re-amping of recoded material, use of samples, and software manipulation of audio. Students are given roles and exchange them, mirroring roles in a professional production studio, such as producer, first engineer, second engineer, and tape/ProTools operator. Crosslist: ATEC-617. Usually Offered: fall. Restriction: Audio Production (BA), Audio Technology (BS), or Audio Technology (Minor). - ATEC-425 Production Mixing (3 Credits)
Production Mixing (3) This course explores higher-level mixing and digital signal processing techniques with non-linear digital audio software. Includes advanced equalization techniques, advanced filtering techniques, delay, compression and expansion of dynamic levels, chorusing, and reverberation. Crosslist: ATEC-625. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Prerequisite: ATEC-325. - ATEC-450 Audio Technology Capstone (3 Credits)
Audio Technology Capstone (3) This course provides context and guidance for students to pursue an advanced discipline-specific project in audio technology. Projects include but are not limited to music recording/editing/mixing; audio for visual media (foley, voiceover, sound design, and special effects); audio processing software design; digital musical instrument design; electronic music composition; acoustic simulation; research in audio technology. Through drafting of a detailed project proposal, work-in-progress feedback sessions, individual consultation with supervising faculty, and a final exhibition/critique meeting, students envision, produce, and reflect on original work in audio technology. AU Core Integrative Requirement: Capstone. Usually Offered: spring. Prerequisite: ATEC-415. Permission: instructo - ATEC-452 Critical Listening (3 Credits)
Critical Listening (3) Students develop critical listening skills through aural analysis, ear training, drill and practice, and comparative analyses. Topics covered include spectral balance and equalization, spatial attributes and reverberation, dynamic range control, distortion and noise, audio clip edit points, analysis of sound, frequencies, effects and processing, delays and decays, and master frequencies. Students are expected to identify frequency ranges, specific audio signatures, distortion, edits, and digit manipulation through aural examinations. Crosslist: ATEC-652. Usually Offered: fall. - ATEC-481 Adv Stds in Audio Production (3 Credits)
Advanced Studies in Audio Production (3) Topics vary by section. This course examines the development of music recording techniques of specific eras and/or styles, such as hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM), and 1960s British studio recording. Students engage with critical listening, lectures, class discussion, and hands-on recording using methods particular to the style being studied. Crosslist: ATEC-681. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: ATEC-225 and ATEC-415 - ATEC-482 Adv Stds in Audio Technology (3 Credits)
Advanced Studies in Audio Technology (3) Topics vary by section. This course provides detailed examination of a specific audio technology area, such as 3D audio, audio effects, and audio analysis. Students research varied aspects of the topic of focus, and engage with current techniques and software through practical assignments and a final project. Crosslist: ATEC-682. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: ATEC-201 and ATEC-225. - Requisites: Prerequisite: ATEC-201 and ATEC-225.Â
- ATEC-483 Adv Std Audio for Visual Media (3 Credits)
Advanced Studies in Audio for Visual Media (3) Topics vary by section. This course examines topics in audio recording, production, reinforcement techniques, technologies, and aesthetics related to the development of a soundtrack for film, television, games, and other media applications. Students complete projects that employ approaches examined and discussed in class. Crosslist: ATEC-683. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: ATEC-225 and ATEC-415. - ATEC-484 Adv Stds Audio Software Appl (3 Credits)
Advanced Studies in Audio Software Applications (3) Topics vary by section. This course provides students with applied programming experience in audio signal processing and enables them to create an audio software application capable of carrying out specified audio processes. Crosslist: ATEC-684. Usually Offered: spring. Repeatable for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: ATEC-201 and ATEC-225. - ATEC-490 Varies by Student * (1 to 6 Credits)
Independent Study Project in Audio Technology (1-6) Required permission: instructor and department chair. - ATEC-491 Internship (1 to 6 Credits)
Internship (1-6) Permission: instructor and department chair. - ATEC-605 Acoustics (3 Credits)
Acoustics (3) This course examines the physical nature of sound waves in real environments as well as the physiological and psychological aspects of sound as we experience it. Students engage in both the theoretical description of sound as well as conducting experiments to determine the behavior of acoustic systems. The course begins with essential acoustic knowledge that touches on every area of music and audio processing, and then covers more in-depth topics related to students' particular interests within audio technology. The course culminates with students conducting and presenting an independent research project in a specific area of acoustics and sound. Crosslist: ATEC-405 and PHYS-405. - ATEC-607 Sound Synthesis (3 Credits)
Sound Synthesis (3) This course covers the theory and technique of digital sound synthesis through a practical approach that emphasizes computer programming skills. Students become familiar with fundamental synthesis techniques through proficiency in a graphical programming language for signal processing. In the context of implementing these techniques, students are instructed in strategies for designing user interfaces, parameter data flow, automation, and polyphony. Branching away from synthesis of strictly musical tones, the course also covers digital signal processing (DSP) effects and the design of environmental sounds including creaking doors, wind, fire, and insects. Crosslist: ATEC-407. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Restriction: Audio Technology (MA). - ATEC-615 Sound Studio Techniques I (4 Credits)
Sound Studio Techniques I (4) This course explores multi-track recording techniques as applied to professional sound systems. Studio consoles, signal path, microphone configuration and placement, and other relevant topics are studied. Students gain experience with several in-class hands-on projects. Crosslist: ATEC-415. Usually Offered: fall and spring. - ATEC-616 Sound Studio Techniques II (4 Credits)
Sound Studio Techniques II (4) This course examines advanced multi-track recording techniques as applied to professional sound systems. Studio consoles, advanced microphone techniques for recording acoustic and amplified instruments and other relevant topics are studied. Students gain experience with several in-class hands-on projects. Crosslist: ATEC-416. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable once for credit. - ATEC-617 Masterclass: Recording & Prod (3 Credits)
Masterclass in Recording and Production (3) Students explore advanced recording techniques employed in producing and recording a music project from inception to completion. Areas of exploration include, but are not limited to, preproduction arranging and planning of material, production and psychology in tracking, advanced and experimental microphone techniques, use of found acoustic space, re-amping of recoded material, use of samples, and software manipulation of audio. Students are given roles and exchange them, mirroring roles in a professional production studio, such as producer, first engineer, second engineer, and tape/ProTools operator. Crosslist: ATEC-417. Usually Offered: fall. Restriction: Audio Technology (MA) or Audio Production (Graduate Certificate). - ATEC-625 Production Mixing (3 Credits)
Production Mixing (3) This course explores higher-level mixing and digital signal processing techniques with non-linear digital audio software. Includes advanced equalization techniques, advanced filtering techniques, delay, compression and expansion of dynamic levels, chorusing, and reverberation. Crosslist: ATEC-425. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Grading: A-F only. - ATEC-650 Audio Technology Seminar (3 Credits)
Audio Technology Seminar (3) This course enables students to pursue advanced discipline-specific projects, which may include traditional scholarship, electro-acoustic instrument design and construction, advanced live sound reinforcement techniques, post-production audio for film and video, audio engineering for compact disc recordings, and electro-acoustic music composition. The course prepares students for completion of a master's level portfolio project. Usually Offered: fall. - ATEC-651 Digital Audio Analysis (3 Credits)
Digital Audio Analysis (3) This course introduces the concepts and mathematics behind standard methods for analyzing audio signals. Students learn how to extract and graph information from digital sound recordings. The course also draws on psychoacoustics in order to illustrate relationships between the physical qualities of sound and aspects of human perception. Usually Offered: spring. - ATEC-652 Critical Listening (3 Credits)
Critical Listening (3) Students develop critical listening skills through aural analysis, ear training, drill and practice, and comparative analyses. Topics covered include spectral balance and equalization, spatial attributes and reverberation, dynamic range control, distortion and noise, audio clip edit points, analysis of sound, frequencies, effects and processing, delays and decays, and master frequencies. Students are expected to identify frequency ranges, specific audio signatures, distortion, edits, and digit manipulation through aural examinations. Crosslist: ATEC-452. Usually Offered: fall. - ATEC-681 Adv Stds in Audio Production (3 Credits)
Advanced Studies in Audio Production (3) Topics vary by section. This course examines the development of music recording techniques of specific eras and/or styles, such as hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM), and 1960s British studio recording. Students engage with critical listening, lectures, class discussion, and hands-on recording using methods particular to the style being studied. Crosslist: ATEC-481. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable for credit with different topic. - ATEC-683 Adv Std Audio for Visual Media (3 Credits)
Advanced Studies in Audio for Visual Media (3) Topics vary by section. This course examines topics in audio recording, production, reinforcement techniques, technologies, and aesthetics related to the development of a soundtrack for film, television, games, and other media applications. Students complete projects that employ approaches examined and discussed in class. Crosslist: ATEC-483. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable for credit with different topic. - ATEC-690 Varies by Student * (1 to 6 Credits)
Independent Study Project in Audio Technology (1-6) Permission: instructor and department chair.
Required permission: instructor and department chair. - ATEC-691 Internship (1 to 3 Credits)
Internship (1-3) Permission: instructor and department chair.
Required permission: instructor and department chair. - ATEC-750 Capstone (3 Credits)
Capstone (3) This course enables students to pursue advanced discipline-specific projects, which may include electro- acoustic instrument design and construction, advanced live sound reinforcement techniques, post-production audio for film and video, audio engineering for compact disc recordings, and electro-acoustic music composition. Usually Offered: spring. Prerequisite: ATEC-650.
Prerequisite: ATEC-650.Â