PHYS 104 - Musical Acoustics

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: GE-B1, GE-B3
Basic introduction to the physics of sound waves. Focuses on developing a scientific framework to understand how different musical instruments produce a variety of sounds, how waves transmit the sound, and ultimately how qualities of sound are perceived. Lecture Units: 3; Lab Units: 1.

Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B1 - Lower Division Physical Science, GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Learn measurement techniques to quantitatively record the phenomena of vibration, waves, and the spectral analysis of sound.
Maintain a professional quality laboratory notebook recording their experimental work, data, and observations in a clear and organized format.
Reduce data and graphically represent relationships between data and a theoretical model.
Interpret the results and formulate a “Claim-Evidence-Reasoning” meaningful conclusion.

B1. Physical Science Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical sciences;
demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method; and
describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.

B3. Laboratory Activity Learning Outcomes

Apply their knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical and sciences through laboratory activities;
apply their understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method in a laboratory setting; and
demonstrate accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry, while completing laboratory activities.