- An undergraduate course
in
Computing and IT
and
Engineering, Technology and Design.
Digital audio
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | T150 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Digital audio has completely changed how we capture and listen to recorded sounds. Creating excellent sounding audio tracks to accompany video clips or presentations has never been easier. This ten-week online course will develop your ability to create and share digital audio tracks, whether you are just starting out or want to improve your existing skills. You’ll learn how to use an audio editor to create your own tracks. You’ll also explore the nature of sound and the changing world of the music industry. As part of an active online community, you’ll exchange ideas and tracks with fellow students.
Register for the course
What you will study
Digital audio is a ten-week short course with approximately ten hours of study each week. It offers a general introduction to recording, editing, distributing and reproducing sound using digital tools. It will appeal to you if you wish to record sound for use on the Internet, or to be involved in the sound side of amateur performances, or if you just want to find out more about digital audio for general interest. The course is activity-based – so it involves doing as well as reading and thinking.
The audio-editing software is Audacity which is a free program with versions available for Windows, Mac and Linux. You should have a good grasp of this by the end of the course.
You will be required to submit an end-of-module assessment (EMA) based around an audio track that you will develop during the course.
You will learn
- the essential processes and principles employed in digital sound recording
- how to create a recording by editing, mixing and applying effects
- basic skills to follow technological developments in digital audio
- how the acoustic environment affects recording and listening
- how to recognise technical imperfections in recordings
- what digital compression is and when to use it
- how to share digital material on the internet
- the basic legal situation regarding sharing and copying sound recordings
- traditional and emerging business models for producing and distributing music.
Entry
Level 1 courses provide subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
Although you don’t need to have had much experience with a computer, you’ll need to install software and get an account – ideally broadband – with an internet service provider (ISP) before the course begins. You also need to be able to manage your computer files competently and use basic software such as a word processor and web browser. If you don’t feel comfortable about doing that on your own, you might want to take a basic introductory course at a local college before you start the course.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have hearing loss, you should be aware that the course has a good proportion of practical audio work.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Website, online forums and access to the online OU library. You will be given instructions for downloading Audacity, the audio-editing software.
You will need
You are likely to be spending most of your time studying online. This may mean extra charges to your telephone bill, unless you have a package that provides unlimited access to the internet.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
The course is taught entirely online and you will not have an individual tutor. You will have access to online student self-help conferences that you are strongly encouraged to participate in, as they are an excellent source of support and information.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must submit your computer-marked assignment (CMA) and end-of-module assessment (EMA) online.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2013 when it will be available for the last time.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | T150 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Your questions
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