Competences developed in the course

Transversal competences:

CT2: Gather significant information, analyse it, synthesise it and manage it appropriately.

CT3: Solve problems and make decisions that respond to the objectives of the work being carried out.

CT8: Develop ideas and arguments in a reasoned and critical manner.

CT9: Integrate adequately into multidisciplinary teams and diverse cultural contexts.

General competences:

CG24: Develop capacities for self‑training throughout one’s professional life.

Learning outcomes (general objectives)

1. Explain the physical foundations of sound generation in acoustic musical instruments, and their most relevant perceptual characteristics.
2. Acquire basic knowledge about the use, role and function of musical instruments in Western musical cultures.
3. Classify instruments according to physical and acoustic criteria.

Contents

Elementary physics of vibrating systems with strings, tubes, membranes, plates and rods.
Physical and perceptual features of sound.
Wave propagation.
Elementary techniques and tools for sound analysis.
Acoustic characterisation of the different families of instruments.
Room acoustics.

Teaching methodology

The teaching‑learning methodology in the classes includes lecture-format sessions (topic development), debate and discussion sessions, group work sessions and student presentations. Autonomous work includes individual and/or group work, distributed in specific tasks and/or a final assignment.

Assessment systems

The assessment system is continuous assessment, based on diagnostic assessment and formalised through summative assessment that leads to the final grade.
Continuous assessment is carried out through different assessment records derived from specific activities such as participation and class work, evaluation tests and presentation of work in class, completion of assignments, compositions, analyses and/or readings outside class, submission of written work or written, oral or listening tests.