Applications of Acoustics Minor
Acoustics is the branch of physics concerned with the properties of sound. Sound is a sensory mode that shapes our everyday lives. It provides a sense of geographical, perceptual and emotional sense of place. The science of acoustics spreads across many facets of human society—music, medicine, architecture, industrial production, warfare and environment. Applied uses of acoustics are playing an important role in addressing many of the societal challenges our nation faces. Acoustics has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing impacts related to national security concerns, food security, energy, environment, and health. Acoustics is the only practical underwater sensing modality, and on land and in air, has become directly linked to a variety of applications in environmental acoustics. The Applications of Acoustics Minor will provide a recognized mastery of fundamental acoustics concepts to enhance traditional degrees that employers are looking for in this growing field of applied acoustics.
Academic policies related to Minors.
- A minor in Applications of Acoustics is designed to provide a flexible and broad selection of courses to complement any other major area of study.
- A minimum of five 3-4 credit courses (minimum 18 credits) is required to complete the minor.
- A minimum grade of C- is required for all minor courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Knowledge Tier | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | ||
| Perspectives in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Wildlife Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Ocean Engineering | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Quantitative Tier | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Data Analysis for Life Science | ||
| Data Science with R for the Life Sciences | ||
| Computer Science for Engineers and Scientists | ||
| Introduction to Engineering Computing | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis for Marine Sciences | ||
| Quantitative Ecology | ||
| Research, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decisions | ||
| Electives Tier | ||
| Select three courses from the following: | 10-12 | |
| Basic Audiology | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms | ||
| Clinical Phonetics | ||
| Speech and Hearing Science | ||
| Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Field Bioacoustics and Soundscape Ecology | ||
| Theory I | ||
or MUSI 472 | Theory I | |
| Theory II | ||
or MUSI 572 | Theory II | |
| Animal Communication | ||
| Underwater Acoustics | ||
| Integrated Seabed Mapping Systems | ||
| Special Topics (Acoustic Essentials) | ||
| Acoustic Ecology | ||
Up to 4 credits of Independent Study (795) for acoustic-related work, requires pre-approval from minor coordinator | ||
| Total Credits | 18-20 | |
- Students apply quantitative skills to acoustic problems within their discipline.
- Students demonstrate that they understand fundamental acoustics concepts, including sound measurement, sound propagation, and sound perception, and apply this knowledge to the diverse applications of acoustics.
- Students apply acoustic principles in their respective fields to address discipline-specific, real-word challenges involving sound, noise, and vibration, facilitating problem-solving across multiple disciplines.
- Students develop the ability to communicate acoustics concepts effectively across interdisciplinary groups and to diverse audiences.