This unit focuses on the use of audio based multimedia tools, and the creation and manipulation of digital sound for a variety of multimedia applications. Topics covered include anatomy of sound, nature of analogue and digital sound, formats, frequency and bit depth, characteristics of microphones, mini disk, hard disk recording. Recording techniques. Cool Edit pro, manipulation of digital audio files, digital audio and compression, use of sound for interactive environments and matching audio to visual elements, digital audio and compression, use of sound for interactive environment, matching audio to visual elements, Acid, sound loop construction and manipulation. Elements of sound (atmos, spot FX, soundtracks, musical FX, dialogue and voice over) will also be examined.
Objectives
Knowledge and Understanding
have knowledge of the characteristics of a range of software and hardware which are used in the development of multimedia audio systems
understand file formats, compression issues associated within multimedia audio content
understand the function and implementation of audio as a media element
Attitudes, Values and Beliefs
appreciate the options available within current multimedia delivery platforms and potential future directions
appreciate the need for the efficient management and control of the multimedia development process
have flexibility in the development process from an ethical and professional point of view
Practical Skills
integrate basic audio for multimedia installations and presentations
create professional audio using a variety of applications and peripheral devices
identify and manipulate a variety of digital audio file formats
Relationships, Communication and TeamWork
ability to work within a team and discuss ethical and professional issues objectively
development of group building roles
development of management skills
Prerequisites
Before attempting this unit you must have satisfactorily completed
FIT2012 (formerly MMS2402)
, or equivalent.
Unit relationships
MMS2411 is an elective unit in the Bachelor of Information Technology, Berwick.
Before attempting this unit you must have satisfactorily completed
FIT2012 (formerly MMS2402)
, or equivalent.
Texts and software
Required text(s)
Internet resources will be made available during the semester as required.
Textbook availability
N/A
Software requirements
There is no software requirement
Hardware requirements
Students studying off-campus are required to have the minimum system configuration specified by the Faculty as a condition of accepting admission, and regular Internet access. On-campus students, and those studying at supported study locations may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to 12 hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.
You should have and a pair of headphones and some form of electronic (usb/firewire HDD) storage device to transport your work to and from class .
Recommended reading
To be advised.
Library access
You may need to access the Monash library either personally to be able to satisfactorily complete the subject. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.
The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+
Assessment
Assessment weighting
Assessment for the unit consists of 2 assignments with a weighting of 30%, and a major assignment with a weighting of 40%.
Assessment Policy
To pass this unit you must:
You must attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials and achieve a minimum of 50% for your total grade for the assessment in the unit.
Your score for the unit will be calculated by:
N/A
Assessment Requirements
Assessment
Due Date
Weighting
Audio Story
17 August 2006
30%
Audio Loop
14 September 2006
30 %
Major Assignment
19 October 2006
40 %
N/A
Exam period (S2/06) starts on 23/10/06
0 %
Assignment specifications will be made available MUSO Assignments Section for MMS2411.
Assignment Submission
Assignments will be submitted on C.D. as a .wav (44.1 kHz, 16 bit stereo) Or on a DVD in AC3 format if required for 5.1 sound.
Extensions and late submissions
Late submission of assignments
Students requesting an extension must apply, using the standard SMS 'Extension Request', to their unit adviser prior to the due date. Extensions may be granted for medical or personal reasons supported by appropriate documentary evidence. Students will be provided with a reply slip documenting the extension, a copy of which should be submitted with the assignment. Penalties are incurred from the due date at the rate of a 10 % reduction in grade for each day (including weekends) if the assignment is late. Students should note that they are, at all times responsible for their work. All relevant data should be backed up on a regular basis. The university has the CD Burners in the computer labs and blank CDs may be purchased through ITS. Loss of project work through hardware failure, virus or left somewhere are not accepted as reasons for late or non-submission of work.
This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment.
Extensions
It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions.
Requests for extensions must be made by email to the Unit Lecturer at least two days before the due date. You will be asked to forward original medical certificates in cases of illness, and may be asked to provide other forms of documentation where necessary. A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.
Grading of assessment
Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:
Grade
Percentage/description
HD High Distinction -
very high levels of achievement, demonstrated knowledge and understanding, skills in application and high standards of work encompassing all aspects of the tasks.
In the 80+% range of marks for the assignment.
D Distinction -
high levels of achievement, but not of the same standards. May have a weakness in one particular aspect, or overall standards may not be quite as high.
In the 70-79% range.
C Credit -
sound pass displaying good knowledge or application skills, but some weaknesses in the quality, range or demonstration of understanding.
In the 60-69% range.
P Pass
acceptable standard, showing an adequate basic knowledge, understanding or skills, but with definite limitations on the extent of such understanding or application. Some parts may be incomplete.
In the 50-59% range.
N Not satisfactory
failure to meet the basic requirements of the assessment.
Below 50%.
Assignment return
We will aim to have assignment results made available to you within two weeks after assignment receipt.
Feedback
Feedback to you
You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.
Feedback from you
You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.
And if you are having problems
It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.
Unit improvements
N/A
Plagiarism and cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.
In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work.
When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer.
Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.
Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.
Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.
Communication
Communication methods
Contact with Lecturer or Tutor can be made during tutorial times or via appointment during scheduled consultation times (please see unit advisor). Email communication outside of tutorial times is prefered.
Notices
Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the Notices Newsgroup in the Unit Website. Check this regularly. Failure to read the Notices newsgroup is not regarded as grounds for special consideration.
Consultation Times
To be advised.
If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:
All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.
