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George Xanthoulis

So far, this is the first online course on Acoustical Engineering and it has been designed to be as straightforward & comprehensive as possible.

With 20 lectures and more than three hours of video, this course leaves no stone unturned. In order for you to get the most out of this course, it includes solved examples to apply what you have learnt and quizzes so you can check your level of understanding after each chapter.

This course will teach you Acoustics in a practical manner rather than getting too deep into the theory and the underlying mathematical concepts, proofs, etc.

Read more

So far, this is the first online course on Acoustical Engineering and it has been designed to be as straightforward & comprehensive as possible.

With 20 lectures and more than three hours of video, this course leaves no stone unturned. In order for you to get the most out of this course, it includes solved examples to apply what you have learnt and quizzes so you can check your level of understanding after each chapter.

This course will teach you Acoustics in a practical manner rather than getting too deep into the theory and the underlying mathematical concepts, proofs, etc.

We will start by introducing you to the very basic physics of sound, regardless of the subject that you may have studied or not in the university. All you need is some high school algebra, physics and be comfortable with numbers.

We cover a wide variety of topics, including:

  • Basics of sound.

  • What is loudness.

  • How time-varying sound works.

  • Physiology of the human ear.

  • How sound spreads outdoors.

  • How to design the best indoor acoustic environments.

  • How to achieve good sound insulation.

  • How to avoid excessive vibrations.

  • How to make various noisy pieces of equipment as silent as possible.

  • How microphones work.

  • What are the most important pieces of software that we acoustic engineers are using.

By completing this course you will be able to advance your career and increase your knowledge, all in a fun and practical way.

Come on board and learn the secrets of the trade, next to an Acoustic Consultant.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Architectural acoustics
  • Noise & vibration control
  • Sound insulation
  • Environmental acoustics
  • Measurement of noise
  • Ear anatomy
  • Basic audiology
  • Microphones
  • Acoustic modelling software

Syllabus

Understand sound frequency, pressure, wavelength, intensity, power, definition of dB, time varying sound, etc.
1.1 Basic concepts & principles of sound
Read more

This is a short quiz to assess what you have learnt in the chapter "Introduction to Sound".

This is a short quiz to assess what you have learnt in the chapter "Behaviour of sound".

This is a short quiz to assess what you have learnt in the chapter "Room acoustics & sound absorption".

This is a short quiz to assess what you have learnt in the chapter "Sound insulation".

This is a short quiz to assess what you have learnt in the chapter "Vibration".

This is a short quiz to assess what you have learnt in the chapter "Noise control".

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers a wide range of topics, from the physics of sound to the design of indoor acoustic environments, offering a comprehensive introduction to the field
Includes solved examples and quizzes, which allows learners to apply what they have learned and check their understanding of the material
Explores practical applications such as sound insulation, noise control, and vibration reduction, which are essential skills for acoustic engineers
Requires only high school algebra and physics, making it accessible to learners with a basic understanding of math and science
Examines the physiology of the human ear and basic audiology, which provides a foundation for understanding how humans perceive sound
Introduces acoustic modeling software, which is a crucial tool for acoustic engineers in designing and analyzing acoustic environments

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Reviews summary

Practical introduction to acoustical engineering

According to learners, this course serves as a positive and practical introduction to Acoustical Engineering, covering a wide variety of topics from basic sound physics to noise control and software. Many appreciate the focus on real-world applications rather than deep theoretical math, finding it accessible for those with foundational physics and algebra. The course is seen as a good starting point, particularly for beginners or those needing a broad overview. However, some students found the content to be too basic if they had prior knowledge, wishing for more in-depth coverage on complex subjects or advanced techniques. The quizzes are generally seen as simple checks rather than rigorous assessments. While it covers the listed topics, some reviewers suggest supplemental study is needed for a full professional grasp. Overall, it's considered a useful foundational course, especially for those new to the field seeking practical knowledge.
Covers a broad range of fundamental topics.
"We cover a wide variety of topics, including: Basics of sound... How microphones work... Important acoustic software."
"I was surprised by how many different areas of acoustics were touched upon."
"The course provides a comprehensive overview of the key areas in acoustical engineering."
"It covers everything listed in the syllabus, providing a good foundation across the board."
Excellent for newcomers to the subject.
"I found this course to be a very good introduction to the basics of Acoustical Engineering."
"Perfect for someone just starting out in this field, covers a lot of ground clearly."
"It assumes basic knowledge and builds up nicely, great for beginners."
"As a complete novice, I felt comfortable following along and understanding the core ideas."
Focuses on practical applications, less theory.
"This course will teach you Acoustics in a practical manner rather than getting too deep into the theory and the underlying mathematical concepts, proofs, etc."
"I appreciate the practical approach taken in this course, it helps apply concepts quickly."
"The focus on practical examples makes the material much easier to grasp and use."
"I really liked how it focused on the applied side rather than getting bogged down in complex math."
Quizzes are basic, don't test deep understanding.
"The quizzes are quite simple and feel more like checks for attention than deep understanding."
"I felt the quizzes didn't adequately challenge me or reinforce the complex points."
"Quizzes were very basic, could be improved to test application of concepts."
"They were too easy; I barely had to think to answer them correctly."
Needs additional resources for full mastery.
"This course is a great start, but definitely requires supplementing with other materials for professional practice."
"You'll need to find other resources if you want to go beyond the basic concepts."
"Good overview, but don't expect it to make you an expert on its own."
"It gives you the foundation, but you'll need more detailed texts or courses afterwards."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques."
"For someone with a bit of background, this felt more like a review than new learning."
"I was hoping for more advanced concepts, but it stayed fairly introductory throughout."
"While broad, the coverage felt shallow in some key areas I needed for my work."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Acoustical Engineering with these activities:
Review Physics of Waves
Reinforce your understanding of wave mechanics, a fundamental concept in acoustics, to better grasp the behavior of sound as covered in the course.
Browse courses on Wave Phenomena
Show steps
  • Review textbook chapters on wave motion.
  • Solve practice problems related to wave interference and diffraction.
  • Watch online videos explaining wave properties.
Read 'Master Handbook of Acoustics' by F. Alton Everest
Supplement your learning with a practical handbook that covers a broad range of acoustic topics and applications.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Master Handbook of Acoustics'.
  • Browse chapters related to course topics.
  • Refer to the book for practical examples and solutions.
Read 'Acoustics' by Leo Beranek
Expand your knowledge of acoustics with a classic text that provides a more theoretical and in-depth treatment of the subject.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Acoustics' by Leo Beranek.
  • Read chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and equations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Decibel Calculations
Improve your proficiency in decibel calculations, a crucial skill for understanding sound intensity and loudness as discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with decibel calculation problems.
  • Solve a set of problems involving sound pressure levels.
  • Check your answers and review the calculation methods.
Acoustic Modeling Software Tutorial
Create a tutorial demonstrating the use of acoustic modeling software, reinforcing your understanding of its capabilities and applications.
Show steps
  • Choose an acoustic modeling software package.
  • Learn the basics of the software interface and functions.
  • Create a step-by-step tutorial with screenshots and explanations.
  • Share the tutorial with other students.
Create a Presentation on Room Acoustics
Solidify your understanding of room acoustics by creating a presentation that explains key concepts and design considerations.
Show steps
  • Research different aspects of room acoustics.
  • Prepare slides with clear explanations and visuals.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Design a Soundproof Enclosure
Apply your knowledge of sound insulation and vibration control by designing a soundproof enclosure for a specific piece of equipment.
Show steps
  • Identify a noisy piece of equipment.
  • Research soundproofing materials and techniques.
  • Create a detailed design for the enclosure.
  • Estimate the cost of materials and construction.

Career center

Learners who complete Acoustical Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Acoustical Consultant
An Acoustical Consultant analyzes and solves noise and vibration problems across various environments. This role involves designing spaces to optimize sound quality and minimize noise pollution. This course helps build a foundation in the physics of sound, including the behavior of sound waves, absorption, and insulation, which are critical for this role. The course materials related to room acoustics, sound insulation, vibration control, and microphone technology are particularly relevant. The practical nature of the course helps those who wish to become an Acoustical Consultant understand the real world applications of acoustical principles.
Architectural Acoustician
An Architectural Acoustician specializes in designing the acoustic environment of buildings, ensuring sound quality for its intended purpose. This professional often works with architects and interior designers to integrate acoustic treatments into the overall design. This course includes room acoustics, sound absorption, and how to design the best indoor acoustic environments, helping someone become an Architectural Acoustician by providing a practical understanding of these concepts. The units on sound insulation and environmental acoustics are directly related to the work of an Architectural Acoustician.
Noise Control Engineer
A Noise Control Engineer works to reduce noise levels in various applications, from industrial environments to residential areas. Professionals in this role must have comprehensive understanding of noise generation and how to control it. The course provides a practical understanding of sound, its behavior, and how to mitigate it. The course's coverage of vibration control, machinery noise, and HVAC noise control directly aligns with the daily tasks of a Noise Control Engineer. This may be especially helpful since it approaches noise mitigation from an engineering approach rather than a theoretical approach.
Vibration Analyst
A Vibration Analyst specializes in measuring, analyzing, and mitigating vibration issues in machinery and structures. These professionals use their knowledge of vibration principles to assess structural integrity and predict potential failures. This course covers a variety of topics that are useful to the success of a vibration analyst. This includes vibration basics, vibration isolation, and the assessment of vibration. This course's practical approach to vibration control helps those looking to become a Vibration Analyst learn how to effectively assess and resolve vibration-related problems.
Environmental Noise Specialist
An Environmental Noise Specialist focuses on assessing and managing noise levels in the environment, often working on issues of noise pollution and environmental impact assessments. This role requires an understanding of how sound propagates outdoors and how to control it. The course covers how sound spreads outdoors, which may be particularly helpful for this line of work. This course focuses on practical applications of acoustics. For an Environmental Noise Specialist, the units addressing sound insulation and environmental acoustics may be particularly helpful.
Acoustic Technician
An Acoustic Technician is involved in the practical side of the field, performing sound measurements, testing, and installations. This role often involves working in diverse environments, implementing solutions to noise and vibration problems. The practical focus of the course may be particularly useful in becoming an Acoustic Technician, particularly since this course includes hands-on examples. This course may help someone become an Acoustic Technician by introducing important concepts like measurement of noise, sound insulation, and microphone technology. The course's structure is aligned with the skills needed by an Acoustic Technician.
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer works with the technical aspects of sound, such as recording, mixing, and mastering. Many Audio Engineers specialize in studio settings, live performances, or even broadcast. This course may help build a foundation for a career in audio engineering. The course's coverage of microphones and time varying sound is directly relevant as well as principles of acoustics. The lessons on software acoustic engineers use may be useful to Audio Engineers as well. While focused on engineering, this course may help someone become an Audio Engineer by providing a thorough introduction to sound principles.
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer designs and develops products, that may include a focus on acoustic properties, and may include improving the sound characteristics of the products they develop. This course may be useful for engineers in product development seeking to minimize noise or enhance the acoustic experience of products. This course can help a Product Development Engineer as it includes a comprehensive understanding of sound behavior, noise control, and microphone technology. The course’s focus on practical applications helps engineers apply their knowledge to real-world product design.
Building Services Engineer
A Building Services Engineer designs and manages the systems that make buildings comfortable and functional, including aspects related to sound and vibration. This role requires a practical understanding of room acoustics, sound insulation, and vibration control which are covered by this course. This course may help a Building Services Engineer by providing a practical approach to the principles of sound and noise control, which they can apply to the design of building systems. The course’s focus on practical applications can be particularly useful for those in Building Services Engineering.
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist working in acoustics conducts experiments and studies to advance the field. This often includes developing new materials, methods, and technologies related to sound. This often requires a master's or doctoral degree. This course may be useful as it provides a strong base in the principles of sound and its behavior, which forms the foundation of research in the field. Those hoping to become a Research Scientist may benefit from the course's coverage of key topics related to acoustics and its practical applications.
Automotive Acoustic Engineer
An automotive acoustic engineer focuses on optimizing sound performance in vehicles, including minimizing noise intrusion and enhancing the sound quality of the audio system. This role involves noise and vibration control, room acoustics, and microphone technology. This course may be especially helpful for those who want to focus on automotive acoustics due to its practical approach. An Automotive Acoustic Engineer may find the course useful due to its comprehensive overview of sound principles and its practical focus.
Acoustic Software Developer
An Acoustic Software Developer creates software tools for acoustic analysis, modeling, and simulation. This often requires understanding how acoustic principles are implemented in software. This course’s discussion of acoustic modeling software may be useful for someone who wants to become an Acoustic Software Developer. This course may help someone become an Acoustic Software Developer by introducing the most important pieces of software that acoustic engineers use as well as some fundamentals of sound.
Industrial Hygienist
An Industrial Hygienist works to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. This role includes assessing and controlling noise exposure levels within industrial environments. The course’s practical approach to noise control and measurement of noise may help advance the career of an Industrial Hygienist. This course may help an Industrial Hygienist by providing a practical understanding of noise control principles, including how to reduce noise exposure. The sections on human hearing and noise control may be helpful to an Industrial Hygienist.
Audio Equipment Designer
An Audio Equipment Designer develops hardware for sound recording and reproduction, such as microphones, speakers, and audio processors. This role requires understanding sound principles and microphone technology. This course may be useful for someone looking to become an Audio Equipment Designer, as it covers fundamental sound principles. For an Audio Equipment Designer, this course may be useful given its teaching about microphone structure and application as well as time varying sound. It also discusses important acoustic software.
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer creates or manipulates audio for use in film, television, video games, and other media. Although it focuses on engineering principles, this course may provide a useful foundation for a career as a Sound Designer. The course covers the basics of sound, microphones, and time varying sound. Those who wish to be a Sound Designer may find the course particularly helpful because it takes a practical approach to the fundamentals of sound.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Acoustical Engineering.
Comprehensive resource on acoustics, covering a wide range of topics from fundamental principles to advanced applications. It is particularly useful for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of acoustics and provides in-depth explanations of key concepts. While it may be more valuable as additional reading for those seeking a deeper understanding, it also serves as a useful reference tool for specific topics covered in the course. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
This handbook provides a practical and accessible overview of acoustics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course. It is particularly helpful for understanding the practical applications of acoustics in various fields, such as audio engineering and architectural design. is more valuable as a reference tool and provides additional depth to the existing course. It is commonly used by industry professionals.

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