BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering
2015/16 Undergraduate Students
Award title
BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering
Programme code(s)
BAUEN
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology
School
2015/16 Handbook 2
Leeds Beckett University Student Charter
Working together for success
Leeds Beckett University and our Students’ Union are committed to working in partnership with our students to ensure that our University is an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for its students and work life for its staff.
Our Student Charter sets out how we aim to achieve this by working together to understand and fulfil our commitments to one another. Our Student Charter has been produced jointly with the Students’ Union and we will review it, together, every year. Our University’s Vision seeks to put students at the centre of all our activities and this Student Charter is a contribution towards that goal. The Leeds Beckett Student Charter is not a contractual document, but provides a guide to what members of the Leeds Beckett Community can expect of each other in terms of engagement and behaviour.
_________________________________
We work to shape and sustain a supportive, safe, inclusive community for active learning and the building of skills for life.
We will
Work together within a progressive, independent, and active environment which promotes lifelong learning.
Support a culture of personal and academic resilience.
Collaborate to build partnerships for learning.
Work together to sustain our bold, industrious spirit.
We forge an environment which builds trust, accountability and transparency.
We will
2015/16 Handbook 3
Promote the availability of information and support for all.
Ask each other for help when we need it.
Be honest, clear and assertive with each other.
Use the means available to give a compliment, raise a concern or make a complaint.
Take advantage of opportunities for formal and informal learning.
We foster inclusive academic, cultural, social, emotional and creative development for all.
We will
Share an exciting and challenging curriculum which is contemporary and relevant.
Promote a culture of critical enquiry and rigorous scholarship.
Support participation in extracurricular opportunities which enhance career and personal development
Enable one another to plan, develop, and drive forward our individual educational and career goals.
Acknowledge and celebrate our joint and separate successes.
We are responsible, diligent, reliable and considerate in our academic and professional actions and behaviours.
We will
Act with academic integrity.
Listen to, and respect, differing perspectives, including those from different cultures and backgrounds.
Work together within a positive collaborative learning and working environment, wherever, and however, we engage.
Take care with our personal and professional digital identity and recognise the impact it may have on us and others.
We seek active engagement, feedback and participation in the issues that affect us.
We will
Work together to enhance our experience of our University.
Collaborate to promote learning and support enhancement, through mutual reflection and feedback.
Build partnerships to enable our University communities to engage with our external stakeholders.
2015/16 Handbook 4
Support the development of courses which prepare our graduates to be ready for work, ready for life and ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Use our knowledge of local and world issues to strengthen our global outlook and build a sustainable environment for a thriving future for all.
2015/16 Handbook 5
Our Student Entitlements
As a full-time or part-time campus-based student you are entitled to:
1. Access online learning materials and resources for every module through a virtual learning environment and have access to the resources and information of an up to date library.
2. Opportunities for on-going feedback on your work and progress towards your assessments in every year of your course.
3. Participate in a course induction, which will be provided at the beginning of each year of your course.
4. A meeting with your personal tutor once per semester. [All new and first year students will be invited to a meeting with their personal tutor within four weeks of the start of their studies].
5. A course that has been informed in its development by external stakeholders (e.g. employers, professional bodies).
6. Participate in Personal Development Planning within the context of your course.
7. Have the opportunity to engage in embedded activities within your course which develop and enhance your graduate employability and lifelong learning.
8. Receive clear dates at the beginning of each module about your assessment, submission dates, when and how you receive formative feedback on assessment during every module, and how you will receive feedback on marked assessments within the 4 week feedback period.
9. Receive clear and easy to understand information about your course and the services available to you.
10. Be engaged, via your course student representative, in your course review, evaluation and development processes.
11. Have your questions to our University’s services responded to within the advertised timescales in our corporate service standards.
12. Normally be given your course timetable no later than four weeks before the beginning of each semester.
2015/16 Handbook 6
Contents
1 Welcome to the Course ... 7
2 Studying on this Course ... 13
3 Assessment and Feedback ... 16
4 Where to Get Help ... 20
5 What to do if you… ... 24
2015/16 Handbook 7
1 Welcome to the Course
1.1 Message from the Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor
Whether you are joining us as a new student or returning to continue your studies, we hope you will enjoy your experience with us and find your studies interesting, challenging and relevant to your development and future career plans.
The Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology, is one of the largest faculties within Leeds Beckett University and covers a wide range of subjects areas. The faculty is divided into the following five academic schools:
• Art, Architecture, and Design • Built Environment and Engineering
• Computing, Creative Technologies and Engineering • Cultural Studies and Humanities
• Film, Music and Performing Arts
Our aim is to provide students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant
curriculum that is linked to current industry practices and standards. Our courses are highly valued by employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Through our approach to student support and to teaching and learning we aim to place you, our students, at the heart of everything we do. You will experience a diverse range of teaching approaches. We also use a variety of different methods of assessment and attach considerable importance to providing you feedback on your assessments. We will be organising dedicated, School based feedback weeks for you to ensure that you receive feedback that would help with your future learning.
As a faculty we strive to be student-centred and value your opinions and feedback. We want to hear about the things you enjoy and that you think we do well, but also want to know when you think there are ways in which we can improve your experience. There are many ways in which you can provide feedback including through your student academic
representatives, through written or on-line module evaluation feedback forms and through student open meetings, forums with staff, and student representative meetings with me. The courses in the Faculty of Arts Environment and Technology are based at both City Campus and Headingley Campus. Our City Campus courses are situated in the heart of the
2015/16 Handbook 8 city, where our accommodation includes the award-winning Broadcasting Place
development, our Built Environment laboratories, film and performing arts studios and extensive IT facilities. Our University’s Headingley Campus is a leafy parkland setting housing our industry standard music performance studios, visual media, IT labs and dedicated
Computing facilities.
In joining BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering, you become part of the Faculty’s community. I would like to wish you well in your chosen studies and hope you have an enjoyable and successful year.
Professor Mohammad Dastbaz
Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology
1.2 Message from your Course Leader
This handbook provides you with information that you will need to succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Ben Mosley
9
1.3 Academic Calendar and Timetable
Our standard student academic calendar is summarised below: Week Commencing Monday Student Calendar 24.08.15
31.08.15 Bank Holiday 31.08.15 07.09.15
14.09.15
21.09.15 Student Welcome and Induction Week 28.09.15 Semester 1 Teaching Starts
05.10.15 12.10.15 19.10.15 26.10.15 02.11.15 09.11.15 16.11.15 23.11.15 30.11.15 07.12.15 14.12.15 21.12.15 - 08.01.16 UG Christmas Break 11.01.16 - 22.01.16 Formal Examinations Period
25.01.16 Student Welcome and Induction Week 01.02.16 Semester 2 Teaching Starts
08.02.16 15.02.16 22.02.16 29.02.16 07.03.16 14.03.16 21.03.16 UG Easter Break 28.03.16 Bank Holiday 04.04.16 11.04.16 18.04.16 25.04.16 02.05.16 Bank Holiday 02.05.16 09.05.16 - 20.05.16 Formal Examinations Period 23.05.16
30.05.16 Spring Bank Holiday 30.05.16 06.06.16 13.06.16 20.06.16 27.06.16 04.07.16 11.07.16 28.07.16 25.07.16 01.08.16 08.08.16 15.08.16
10 Full details of this and future standard student academic calendars are available at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/about-our-university/term-dates.
Once you have enrolled, you will have a student login. You can then find confirmation of your personal timetable by selecting the appropriate link after logging on the Student Hub from www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
1.4 Key Contacts
Course leader – Ben Mosley. [email protected]. CAE126
Your course leader manages and oversees the academic side of the course. You will meet the course leader during induction week and will probably be taught by them at some point during the course. The course leader is a good point of contact for serious course related issues but you should always contact the administration team or personal tutor first wherever possible.
Personal tutor
You will be are assigned a personal tutor who will provide one-to-one support throughout the course. You will have dedicated timetabled sessions with your personal tutor in Level 4 which will provide an introduction to University study and develop the academic skills necessary to succeed on the course. This will be as a group initially, moving to individual sessions later in the year. In Level 5 personal tutor support will be provided through regular one-to-one meetings. In Level 6 your personal tutor will also be the project supervisor will guide and support you through the final year of study whilst also providing pastoral support through regular one-to-one meetings.
Your personal tutor should be the first person to see regarding course issues. Your personal tutor can provide advice on academic issues such as feedback on your work, grades and performance, exam board outcomes, reassessment and deferral.
Student liaison officer – CAEG07
Our student liaison officers can provide valuable advice on a range of academic and personal issues such as finance, university regulations, support services, housing and health services. The SLO should be the first person to see for advice on personal issues.
11
Course Representative
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course-level, at Faculty Forums and in meetings with academic and administrative staff. Details about being a Course Representative are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/course-representatives.htm and on the Students’ Union website www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk.
Student Administrator - Vanessa Melara. [email protected]. CAEG15
Course administration team – Caedmon G15
The course administration team are based in Caedmon G15. You should contact our admin team for mitigation and extensions advice, registration, module tie-ups, marks, exam boards and enrolment queries.
Academic librarian – Barbara Price [email protected]. JG134.
The subject area has a dedicated academic librarian who manages the subject specific library content and online resources. Each Academic Librarian has a subject specialism and is
responsible for evaluating electronic information sources, as well as providing training and tutorials. Academic Librarians provide tailored information and literature searching sessions to students as part of their courses and also offer one-to-one appointments for students and staff.
Contacting Staff
Most academic staff are happy for students to drop-in to their offices but please be aware that staff are busy and cannot guarantee that they can see you. Please email staff for an appointment wherever possible.
You can find staff email addresses, phone numbers and locations using the University Phonebook on the Leeds Beckett website.
1.5 Keeping in Touch
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails
12 from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. You can find how to forward your student email address to a preferred personal email address or mobile device from: https://support.google.com/mail.
We will inform you of cancelled classes/activities/course notices as soon as possible. We will inform you of cancelled classes / activities / course notices as soon as possible. This will normally happen via email to student email address or via notices on classroom/lab doors. For each module, the module handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
Please make sure that you inform your Student Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
13
2 Studying on this Course
The course aims to develop student’s skills in six broad subject areas: Audio Engineering, Audio Electronics, Acoustics, Audio Recording, Audio Programming and Professional Practice. Graduates will be capable problem solvers and designers in these main subject areas and will be reflective and professional in their work. The course addresses the requirement of the professional audio industries for technically competent graduates who are capable of solving complex audio engineering problems.
2.1 Programme Specification
The programme specification is a concise description of your course's aims and objectives and how you will be taught and assessed to achieve the required learning outcomes. It includes information on course structure and the maintenance of academic standards. The full programme specification for this course can be found in appendix A of this handbook.
Course Structure
The course structure outlines the modules that will be delivered on this course. Full details of the structure for this course can be found in the programme specification.
Course Learning Outcomes
All courses are benchmarked against the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ-DAB). The FHEQ-DAB can be viewed on the Quality Assurance Agency website: www.qaa.ac.uk. For more details on the Course Learning Outcomes specific to this course please view the programme specification.
2.2 Course Resources
The programme specification specifies the physical and online resources available to students on this course.
14
2.3 Skills you will Gain during the Course
Skills Developed
Graduates will be able to design audio systems for a wide variety of purposes, solve acoustic problems through systematic measurement, analysis and design and design software and hardware tools for music recording and reproduction. Graduates will have a systematic understanding of audio in the digital, analogue and acoustic domains.
Graduates will also develop skills in team-working, research, critical thinking and evaluation, presentation, independent learning alongside a strong contextual awareness of the industry in which they are operating.
Additional Activities/Recognition
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
2.4 Graduate Attributes
All graduates from our University will be enterprising, digitally literate and have a global outlook. These three graduate attributes are developed with specific, appropriate emphasis in each course and you will be assessed about each of them at every academic level. They will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your employability and wider life as you move on from your studies here. A summary of how graduate attributes are developed and assessed on this course is provided in the programme specification.
2.5 Work-Related Activities and Employability
The programme specification outlines what work-related activities are associated with this course.
Students will work with external clients and practitioners from the wider creative industries, developing a strong professional network from which to build a successful and enterprising career. Project work and collaboration will encourage enterprising team work on industry style projects. Many students go on to freelance careers and part of the final year project
15 considers this with a series of industry guest lectures and workshops. Employability events as part of Futures Fest introduce students to industry partners and provide a series of workshops designed to enhance students CV’s and employability.
2.6 Opportunities for Graduates
The programme specification includes details of any accreditations, career paths, further study options and other opportunities for graduates.
2.7 External Examiner
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the United Kingdom. The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows:
• Dr Adam Hill
• Lecturer in Electronics and Sound • University of Derby
Your Student Administrator can provide details of the External Examiner’s report on request. Further details on all External Examiners’ reports can be located here:
16
3 Assessment and Feedback
3.1 Assessment
Assessment Strategy
Information on the various methods of assessment can be found in the programme specification (appendix A).
University Assessment Regulations
Our University’s assessment regulations are contained within the Academic Principles and Regulations (sections C3 and C4 in particular). The regulations are available at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations.
Assessment Schedule
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar (see Section 1) and make sure that you are available during those periods.
Examination
Examination arrangements where appropriate will be communicated through the VLE.
Coursework
The coursework assessment schedule can be found in module handbooks and on the VLE.
Submitting Assignments
Assignment submission requirements vary between modules and will be specified in the module handbook. There are 3 main methods of submission.
1 – Hard copy to Caedmon reception. This is used for written work and audio visual material on CD or DVD. You will receive a physical receipt.
2 – VLE upload box. You will normally submit a ZIP file of audio visual material and written work. You will receive a digital receipt during the submission process and you should retain a screenshot of this. Feedback will be provided digitally and attached to your submission
17 3 – ‘Turn it in’ upload box on VLE. This is used purely for written work and includes
plagiarism scanning and online marking tools. You will receive a digital receipt during the submission process and you should retain a screenshot of this. Feedback will be provided digitally on your submission.
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of section 3.6 of this handbook. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. These range from 5% to 100% of the possible total mark, depending on the number of days late. Full details (section C1.5) of the penalties for late submission of course work are available at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations/.
3.2 Giving your Feedback about this Course
We are keen to work with you to enhance your course. Opportunities for you to feedback to us formally include: course meetings, end of module evaluation, mid module review, internal student experience surveys, Course Rep forums (through MyVoice in MyBeckett), the National Student Survey and other student surveys. Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your personal or module tutor or via your Couse Representative.
3.3 What Happens with your Feedback about this Course?
Your feedback helps us to continually enhance this course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students’ Union, your tutors or through the Library. Your Faculty also provides updates on action taken through the “Better Beckett” posters prominently displayed around our University.
18
3.4 Getting Feedback on your Assessed Work
Our University has committed to a four week turnaround for feedback. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive this. The programme specification explains how feedback will be provided on both formative and summative assessments (see appendix A).
Formative and developmental feedback in the recording studio and laboratory
environments is provided through regular tutor critique and peer discussion sessions. This is a valuable part of the developmental process and students will be encouraged to engage in this process in order to understand how to put their feedback into practice. In many of these sessions students will be working reasonably independently and tutors can move between individuals and groups providing feedback on a rolling basis. It is expected that students will receive weekly formative feedback on their work. Feedback on project work in Level 6 is provided on a one-to-one basis through regular meetings with the project supervisor. However, students can access a wide range of specialist staff in the Music, Sound and Performance team for specific subject guidance and advice.
All marking for assessment points is moderated by the staff team to ensure fairness and consistency. This takes time, especially at busy periods of the academic year.
3.5 How do I Get my Results?
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (eg from level 4 to level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system from:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/results-online.htm.
Results will only appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Board of Examiners’ meeting (the meeting where your end of year outcome will be decided) or the Examination Committee meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided). If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Student Administrator.
19
3.6 Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation
If you are experiencing problems which are adversely affecting your ability to study (called 'extenuating circumstances'), then you can apply for mitigation. The University operates a fit to sit/fit to submit approach to extenuating circumstances which means students who take their assessment are declaring themselves fit to do so.
Examples of extenuating circumstances include personal or family illness, bereavement, family problems or being a victim of crime. You will need to provide evidence to prove your situation; the Students’ Union Advice Service can offer guidance on what evidence you will need to present.
Further information can be found at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/mitigation. You can apply for mitigation with our Music Administration team who are based in Caedmon G15
You should also consult with your personal tutor for advice on the mitigation process.
3.7 Re-assessment
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g. whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is).
You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your personal tutor for any necessary clarification.
Reassessment guidance/briefs will be provided on the VLE and you should make yourself aware of any specific requirements for reassessed work.
3.8 Student Appeals
If you feel that you have in some way been disadvantaged during your studies and this is reflected in your results, then you may have grounds for an academic appeal.
20 After your results are available on Results Online you have 15 working days to submit a request for an appeal hearing. You will find the information you need, including grounds for appeal, when and how to appeal and frequently asked questions at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/appeals.htm.
You are strongly advised to seek guidance from the Students’ Union Advice Service on whether you have grounds for an appeal and the completion of the paperwork – see Section 4 for Students’ Union Advice Service contact details.
3.9 Academic Integrity
Our University wants to give you credit for your learning and for work which you have done yourself. Unfair practice occurs when you have not done the work yourself.
Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, whether intentional or unintentional, is a matter of academic judgement and may be considered to be unfair practice. Examples of unfair practice include, but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, ghostwriting and falsification of data. Definitions of these offences and the serious consequences of unfair practice can be found in our Academic Principles and Regulations, Section C9: Academic Integrity: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
There are a range of resources available to help you understand what is and what is not permitted and how to use other people’s ideas in your assessed work. These include the Skills for Learning website which can be found at http://skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
If you are unsure on how to reference your work correctly please seek advice from your tutors or access the Skills for Learning resources online (see section 4).
4 Where to Get Help
4.1 Personal Tutors
Your personal tutor (see Key contacts in Section 1) will usually be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Leader will make sure that you are given
21 the name and contact details of your personal tutor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Normally, your tutor will aim to follow you right through the duration of your course.
Your personal tutor has an important role to play in supporting you in academic and personal matters while you are studying on this course. The meetings will include discussion about career aspirations, your course, your progress, and your academic results. You may want to set objectives for academic and life goals which you can store on your e-portfolio. Personal tutors are not trained counsellors and will signpost you to other University services if they can’t help you. These services may, for example, be the Students’ Union, the counselling service or the Student Hub.
In the first year your tutor will probably initiate communication to request a meeting at a mutually convenient time, but later in your course it should be your responsibility to set up the meeting. If you ask information to be kept confidential it will be and a note will be kept securely in your University notes with an indication of who can access the information. You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. But your personal tutor may ask you to come to see them more frequently and you should feel free to contact them if you need to see them urgently.
Please see Section 6 for details of our personal tutor policy.
4.2 Student Hub
If you have any questions about or problems with life at our University, the first place to call, email or pop into is the Student Hub. The team can help with a broad range of enquiries including: funding and money advice, being an international student, disability, counselling and wellbeing support, student cards, accommodation, fee payments, support from the Students’ Union, how to access on-line services, getting help with your CV, preparing for an interview, careers guidance and getting a part-time job. Details of these and other services are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub.
There is a Student Hub on the ground floor of the Rose Bowl at City Campus and one also in Campus Central at Headingley. Their telephone number is 0113 812 3000 and their e-mail
22 address is [email protected]. They work closely with Faculties, the Students’ Union, all University Services and external organisations to make sure that if they don’t know the answer to your question they will know who will.
You can also use 'my Hub' https://myhub.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/students/login?ReturnUrl=%2f
which is an online resource available 24/7 where you can access information and guidance about a range of services, register and make appointments with Services, register for workshops and employability tutorials, search for job vacancies and use a range of careers resources.
4.3 Disability Support
Disability Support is available from our Disability Advice Team. The Disability Advisers will work with students to ensure support is provided to meet their individual needs:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/disability-services.htm.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer, more information is available at
http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/using_the_library/disabled_and_dyslexic_users.
4.4 Library Help
The Library
There are two Libraries at Leeds Beckett, Sheila Silver at City Campus and Headingley Library, both open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can use either Library, although the book stock reflects the courses taught at each campus. The website (library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk) also provides access to thousands of resources and information about Library services.
Academic Librarian
Your academic librarian (see contacts in Section 1) liaises with your lecturers to ensure physical and electronic information resources for your subject are available in the Library and they work with you throughout your time here to help you develop information and digital literacy skills.
23
Help and Information Points
If you have any questions about using the library or need IT support you can get help: • from the Help and Information Point on the ground floor of each library • online: library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/contact-us
• by phone - 0113 812 1000 (including 24/7 IT support).
Distance Learners
If you are registered on a distance-learning course, you may be eligible for the Library’s Offsite service. This offers help with accessing electronic resources, access to other libraries, postal book loans and journal article supply. See the Library website for details of eligibility and more information.
Skills for Learning
Skills for Learning provides a wide range of web resources and publications on topics including plagiarism, group skills, research, maths, Harvard referencing, essay writing and time management. Information about workshops and one-to-one tutorials can be found at
http://skillsforlearning.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/.
MyBeckett
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment, is the gateway to all the information you will need to support your studies during your time at University. It provides access to your modules and timetables; your email account; your personal storage area on our University IT servers and a wide range of other information.
4.5 Students’ Union Advice Service
The Students’ Union advice service offers free, independent and confidential advice and representation to students. Professional advisers are employed directly by the Students’ Union to represent your interests – even if you are in dispute with our University. Advice is available on a large number of issues, for example:
Academic Problems including: mitigation, complaints, appeals, disciplinary procedures & academic misconduct.
24
Housing Problems including: disrepair, problems with your landlord, checking your tenancy agreement before you sign.
Money Issues including: problems with your student loan & Debt
Health and Wellbeing. Tel: (0113) 812 8400
E-mail: [email protected]
There are full details of all services available at: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice
5 What to do if you…
5.1 …are absent for more than one day
You must notify your Student Administrator if you are absent for more than one day (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence (see section 3).
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all Tier 4 students. Failure to meet UKVI attendance requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked. Tier 4 students need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk for full information.
For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please contact the International Student Advice Centre at
25
5.2 …are ill
If you are absent because of illness for more than seven consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note. You can hand in or send a Fit Note to your Student Administrator. Further information is available in the General Regulations (section 6) at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details and any available evidence as soon as possible. Contact your Student Administrator to get a copy of the appropriate extenuating circumstances form. For more details on mitigation please visit
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/mitigation.htm.
5.3 …have a comment, compliment or complaint
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your course representative or directly with your personal tutor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available online at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/complaints.htm.
5.4 …are considering suspending studies or withdrawing from the course
If you are considering withdrawal from your course you should speak to your personal tutor, a member of staff at our Student Hub or the Students’ Union to discuss your reasons. If there is a problem, University or Students’ Union staff may be able to help. It may be possible to arrange suspension of studies from your course.
26 If you are considering withdrawing, permanently or temporarily, you must complete a withdrawal form. This form must be submitted as soon as possible to your faculty office as withdrawals cannot normally be backdated. For further details see General Student Regulations at: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations/.
6 Relevant Policies
6.1 Student Charter
Our University and Students’ Union recently agreed upon the Student Charter which outlines what is expected of students of Leeds Beckett University and what students can expect from our University. The most recent version of our Student Charter is at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/student-charter.htm.
6.2 Student Entitlements
Our student entitlements, listed at the front of this handbook, will help to ensure the student charter is embedded as part of our approach to providing a good quality, consistent learning experience for all our full-time and part-time undergraduate students.
6.3 Personal Tutors
You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. See Key Contacts in Section 1 for details of how to contact your personal tutor. See Section 4 for an overview of the support you can expect from your personal tutor. You can find full details of our personal tutor policy from the Student Hub webpages:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/.
6.4 Safety, Health and Wellbeing
Policy Statement
Our University is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical and sustainable working environment that values wellbeing and diversity. This commitment exists alongside our wider legal and moral obligations to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our
27 staff, students and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. There are further details at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/partners/safety-health-and-wellbeing-a-z.htm
(see H - Health and Safety Policy – Policy Statement).
Smoking
No smoking is permitted in any of our University buildings, this includes the use of vapour cigarettes (or other similar devices); if you do smoke outside our buildings please make sure that you stand at least five metres way from building entrances and boundaries.
Use of Laptops within our University
If you need to charge your laptop battery, please make sure that the battery charger/lead are undamaged, and only plug it into a designated power socket – if you are unsure of where these are, please ask a member of staff. Please make sure your battery charger cables do not create a trip hazard.
Fire Safety Procedures
Fire information is present on Fire Action Notices displayed in all our University buildings. These are normally present in corridors. Please read and follow the instructions.
All fire exit routes are clearly identified. You should familiarise yourself with the location of fire exit routes and fire assembly points for the buildings that you may use in the course of your studies.
If you discover a fire, you should sound the alarm by operating the Fire Alarm Call Point. You should report the circumstances and site of fire using the emergency number 4444 - indicated on the Fire Action Notice.
Do not tackle the fire unless you have been trained to do so. Evacuate the building to the fire assembly point indicated on the Fire Action Notice.
Do not re-enter the building until officially authorised to do so.
On hearing the Fire Alarm, everyone should proceed calmly to the nearest available safe fire exit, as indicated by the green and white fire exit signage. Take appropriate action to assist visitors and mobility-impaired persons or wheelchair users to a safe refuge.
28 Upon exiting the building, continue on to the fire assembly point so as not to impede the remaining evacuees exiting the building. Evacuation is practised through fire drills. However, you should regard any continuous sounding of the alarm as a fire incident and act accordingly.
Disabled Students
You are expected to declare any disability that would affect your safety in the event of a fire, e.g. hearing impairment or the use of a wheelchair. If you are referred to the Disability Adviser, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) will be developed for you as appropriate.
Disabled students must declare their disability, to the University, for it to be taken into consideration. You can find further information about the support available to disabled students studying at our University and contact details on our website:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/disability-services.htm.
First Aid
First Aid Notices (green and white) are displayed in all University buildings alongside the Fire Action Notices (predominantly blue and white) and alongside, or adjacent to, each First Aid box. First Aid Notices provide all the information you may require to seek and summon assistance.
First Aider contact details can also be obtained from the Student Hub or from Security: City Campus, internal ext. 23154 or Headingley Campus, internal ext. 23165.
Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents and incidents and dangerous occurrences, must be reported to, and recorded by University staff. Accident report forms (HS1) are available at faculty reception offices, Security and Student Hubs.
Infectious Disease
Campus-based students who have been diagnosed with a serious infectious disease such as TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should notify their Course Leader or Student
29 Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For diseases such as TB or meningitis, the West Yorkshire Health Protection Team may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University.
6.5 University Regulations
There are two sets of regulations you need to be aware of, the University Academic Principles and Regulations and the General Regulations: Leeds Beckett University Students. The Academic Principles and Regulations relate specifically to your studies and your course. They cover issues such as assessment, progression and award requirements amongst a range of other issues.
The General Student Regulations deal with a range of issues which apply to all students of our University.
6.6 Academic Principles and Regulations
Our University Academic Principles and Regulations can be found at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
You should familiarise yourself with the Academic Principles and Regulations. The following sections are of particular relevance to your course:
• Assurance of Academic Standards: Assessment (C1) • Achievement of Credit (C2)
• Student Progression (C3) • Conferment of Awards (C4) • Management of Assessment (C5)
• Conduct of Assessment: Coursework and Other Assessed Work (C6) • Administration and Conduct of Examinations (C7)
• Written Examinations: Regulations for Candidates (C8) • Academic Integrity (C9)
30 • Disabled Students (C10)
• Boards of Examiners and Examination Committees (C12) • Disclosure of Assessment Results (C14)
• Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation (C15) • Request for an Appeal Hearing (C16)
The Students’ Union Advice service (www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk) is able to offer advice and guidance on how to understand and use the Academic Principles and Regulations.
Where students are undertaking any form of research project, reference should be made to the Research Ethics Policy and Research Ethics Procedures which can be found at:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/research-ethics.htm.
6.7 General Regulations
The General Student Regulations are available at the following web link:
www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/student-regulations/. You should familiarise yourself with the student regulations relevant to you.
31
Appendix A –Programme Specification
Overview and Aims
The BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering will deliver a high quality undergraduate experience in the engineering and technical skills area of the very broad Music/Audio/Sound Technology subject area. Building on the popular and well respected BSc (Hons) Music Technology course at Leeds Beckett, this course adds engineering specific topics and caters for students who are looking for a route into the professional audio industries that provides a stronger technical and engineering skills base than many of the other courses in this subject area delivered in the UK.
The course aims to develop student’s skills in six broad subject areas: Audio Engineering, Audio Electronics, Acoustics, Audio Recording, Audio Programming and Professional Practice.
Graduates will be capable problem solvers and designers in these main subject areas and will be reflective and professional in their work.
The course addresses the requirement of the professional audio industries for technically competent graduates who are capable of solving complex audio engineering problems. This need is highlighted by some of the latest research from Creative and Cultural Skills, feedback from our current accreditation body for the music courses, JAMES, and discussions with visiting lecturers and employers. Graduates will be able to design audio systems for a wide variety of purposes, solve acoustic problems through systematic measurement, analysis and design and design software and hardware tools for music recording and reproduction. Graduates will have a systematic understanding of audio in the digital, analogue and acoustic domains.
As well as addressing some of the specific needs of the professional audio market, the course will address the needs of the UK marketplace for graduates with wide skills in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. This course will have a strong engineering and mathematical focus with an applied context within creative environments such as the recording studio and performance venues.
Alongside the engineering focus, the course will allow students to work with creative
practitioners from the School of Film, Music and Performing Arts and also the wider creative network in the Leeds area. Audio Engineering students will mix with musicians, producers,
32 filmmakers, composers and performers, providing valuable engineering and technical skills and knowledge and developing strong professional links for the future. Leeds has an exciting and vibrant arts and music scene for our undergraduates and graduates to involve themselves in.
Employability and Professional Context
The course has a strong industry focus throughout. Students will work on a wide variety of industry style projects throughout the course. Employability is embedded in the course and professional practice is encouraged throughout all coursework. A placement year is available and off-site coursework activities are encouraged throughout.
The music courses in the faculty of Arts Environment and Technology are accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) who are backed by the Music Producers Guild,
Association of Professional Recording Services and UK Screen Association. JAMES accreditation ensures that the curriculum is up to date and relevant for the industry and equips graduates with a strong and appropriate range of skills. Leeds Beckett is the first JAMES Integrated Learning Centre in England.
Possible career progression from this course include audio equipment design, system design and installation, acoustics, studio and live sound engineering, music production, game audio, recording industry work, both as employees and freelance practitioners. 36% of the music industry is self-employed (CCSkills, 2011) and many graduates go onto freelance careers. The course provides the guidance and confidence to do this.
33 Music Technology, Sound Design and Sound and Music for Interactive Games. The Institute of Acoustics Postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control delivered here at Leeds Beckett (and several other institutions) is also a natural progression option for students wishing to specialise in acoustics.
The course allows students to network with engineers, musicians, producers, games designers, filmmakers and performing artists in order to develop a wide network of contacts which may lead to further collaborations and partnerships upon graduation.
Regular guest lectures and master-classes from industry practitioners allow students a window into the industry they will be moving into. The course taps into a strong network of staff contacts, the vibrant local music scene and the JAMES network (Music Producers Guild, UK Screen, APRS) in order to provide input to the course from industry practitioners.
Leeds has a vibrant and exciting live music scene and the students on this course are deeply involved in this as musicians, DJ’s, promoters and sound engineers. Students on the course have the opportunity to work with the Students Union on music events at both campuses.
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Use a systematic understanding of the factors affecting sound recording and reproduction to solve complex audio engineering problems and critically evaluate these solutions.
2 Apply a conceptual understanding to the critical analysis, critical evaluation and design of signals, circuits and devices used for audio.
3 Apply a synthesis of appropriate software and interfacing tools in order to design music production, performance and processing tools in creative and technical contexts.
34 4 Demonstrate an applied understanding of the physical nature and behaviour of sound
and select and apply appropriate techniques to devise solutions to acoustical issues and problems.
5 Record and manipulate audio using analogue and digital tools to produce high quality musical and audio artefacts and be able to critically evaluate these recordings.
6 Demonstrate a level of professional practice and enterprise relevant to the subject area and be able to critically reflect on this practice with reference to a global context. Graduate Attributes
All our undergraduate students will develop three graduate attributes. Students will be:
Enterprising, digitally literate and have a global outlook.
Digital literacy is embedded in all areas of the course. The professional audio industry uses predominately digital means for the recording, manipulation and distribution of music and students will gain extensive experience with a range of digital tools. Students will design and build their own digital tools for audio generation and processing in modules such as in Creative Audio Programming, Audio Engineering Skills and Digital Signal Processing, giving them a unique insight into the inner workings of the digital tools that can be used in creative and technical contexts. The course will explore the history and context of the professional audio industry and look at how the digital age has impacted on practices and technologies within the industry. Students will explore their own practice within a digital context. Strong digital presentation and communication skills are developed during the course through technical reports, presentations and essays.
The course has a strong industry focus and students will explore the nature of the industry and how various areas can be exploited. Students will be exposed to guest lectures and workshops with industry practitioners who have been enterprising and successful in the industry. The course encourages creativity and innovative problem solving which is essential for enterprise. Students will work with external clients and practitioners from the wider creative industries, developing a strong professional network from which to build a successful and enterprising career. Project work and collaboration will encourage enterprising team work on industry style
35 projects. Many students go on to freelance careers and part of the final year project considers this with a series of industry guest lectures and workshops. Employability events as part of Futures Fest introduce students to industry partners and provide a series of workshops designed to enhance students CV’s and employability.
The course features strong contextual threads throughout which consider the student's own professional practice within a national and global context. The professional audio industry is a global one and students will be made aware of how music is distributed and exploited in a global market. Specific topics such as speech intelligibility for different languages , international differences in acoustics standards and content delivery for different global markets are used to engage students in global issues. International journals, conferences and publications are used throughout the course as teaching and learning material. In the higher levels of the course there is opportunity for community volunteering and working on a wide array of audio projects
throughout the local area. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Level 5.
36 Course Learning Outcomes Mapping
Title and Level Core (Y) CLO 1 CLO 2 CLO 3 CLO 4 CLO 5 CLO6 Acoustics and Critical
Listening, level 4
Y Y Y Y
Audio Engineering Skills, level 4
Y Y Y Y Y Y
Creative Audio Programming, level 4
Y Y Y
Analogue and Digital Audio Systems, level 4
Y Y Y Y
Audio Production Techniques, level 4
Y Y Y Y
Audio Electronics, level 4 Y Y Y Y
Audio System Design, level 5
Y Y Y Y Y
Digital Signal Processing, level 5
Y Y Y
Audio Transducer Design, level 5
Y Y Y Y Y Y
Audio Design Project, level 5
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
37 Psychoacoustics, level 5
Live Sound (Option), level 5
Y Y Y Y
Interactive Audio Systems (Option) level 5
Y Y Y
Mixing and Mastering (Option), Level 5
Y Y
Sound Reproduction Systems, level 6
Y Y Y Y Y
Applied Acoustics, level 6 Y Y Y Y
Audio Visual Interfaces (option) level 6
Y Y Y
Spatial Audio (option), level 6
Y Y Y Y Y
Game Audio (option), level 6
Y Y
Music Technology in the Community (option), level 6
Y
Audio Engineering Project, level 6
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Work Related Activity/ Placement
39 Course Structure
Level 4
Level 4 directly addresses the 6 course curriculum areas. Students will be introduced to the key techniques applied in the professional audio industries and will consolidate these techniques throughout the year, ensuring that the students have the skills required to progress to the next level.
Students will be introduced to the recording studios through Audio Production Techniques which develops basic studio and audio manipulation skills. Lab sessions will complement the studio sessions to develop individual skills and to develop the concept that audio production does not take place solely in recording studios.
Acoustics and Critical listening and Analogue and Digital Audio Systems introduce the students to key concepts of audio in the acoustic, analogue and digital domains. Students will be able to describe and discuss the behaviour of audio within the tools that they use and the spaces within which they operate as practitioners.
Creative Audio Programming introduces students to the software development process and develops students understanding of effects and synthesis tools, allowing them to build and develop their own examples of these.
Audio Engineering Skills introduces students to the mathematics and problem solving skills required by audio engineers. Students will develop these skills in an applied way using
through the use of industry standard programming tools such as C and Matlab. This will ensure that they have both the mathematical tools and the programming tools to apply higher in the course. Through taking a mathematical approach to problem solving, students will develop skills and an appreciation of the links between audio, music and mathematics.
The Audio Electronics module introduces student to the electronic principles behind many of the tools that they will use as audio engineers. This module will also take an engineering problem solving approach and will provide students with an appreciation of electronic systems
40 that are often treated as ‘black box’ by non technical users.
Semester 1 Core
(Y)
Semester 2 Core (Y)
Analogue and Digital Audio Systems
Y Audio Electronics Y
Acoustics and Critical Listening
Y Creative Audio Programming Y
Audio Engineering Skills Y Audio Production Techniques Y Level 5
Level 5 allows students to develop their skills and understanding of the key curriculum areas, introducing new topics and concepts and providing additional context.
Digital Signal Processing, Audio System Design and Acoustics and Psychoacoustics develop the audio programming, audio engineering and acoustics threads with more advanced topics and applied practice. These subject areas are predominately laboratory based with guided
exercises designed to develop the students understanding and their skills of enquiry. The Audio Transducer Design module builds on previous years’ study by focusing on a key aspect of audio engineering systems. The design characteristics of audio devices will be taught alongside an appreciation of cost vs performance considerations required by industry
designers.
The optional modules allow further study and specialisation from the first semester modules and also provide possible directions and inspiration for Level 6 study. These options are also available to the other courses in the Music area and are more applied in their nature, allowing students to explore creative and technical challenges with other students from related subject areas.
The Audio Design Project module presents students with an opportunity to draw on aspects of their study to date and on areas of particular interest and investigate a real world audio design
41 example.
Semester 1 Core
(Y)
Semester 2 Core (Y)
Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
Y Audio Design Project Y
Audio System Design Y Audio Transducer Design Y Digital Signal Processing Y Options:
Live Sound
Interactive Audio Systems Mixing and Mastering Level 6
Level 6 includes 2 key modules that build on the strong acoustics and audio engineering themes and applies these in an industry context. Through these core modules students will develop their understanding of the tools that they use and the spaces in which they operate as practitioners. Students will develop reflective practice and their synthesis and evaluative skills. The double credit Audio Engineering Project module will allow students to explore a chosen subject area in great depth over the entire year. Students will have the opportunity to work with external clients or other practitioners within the faculty.
Students can choose two optional modules from a wide pool, which will allow them to explore two chosen subject areas which build on specialist themes in the lower levels. There are also module choices within these options which will introduce students to more wider curriculum areas, giving them inspiration for possible career paths.
This structure allows a high degree of specialisation in the final year. All modules at Level 6 allow for specialisation within the module subject area with open briefs where the nature of the work can be negotiated with the tutor. Students are expected to initiate and conceive their own work at this level. Lectures, seminars and tutorials will present ideas and concepts
42 and students will be required to put these into practice.
The option modules here represent a pool of modules that can be accessed by all the music courses. These modules will run in both semesters to allow students to access their choices. All these modules currently support at least 2 groups of students.
Semester 1 Core
(Y)
Semester 2 Core (Y)
Applied Acoustics or Sound Reproduction Systems
Y Applied Acoustics or Sound Reproduction Systems
Y
Game Audio Game Audio
Audio Visual Interfaces Audio Visual Interfaces Music Technology in the
Community
Music Technology in the Community
Spatial Audio Spatial Audio
Audio Engineering Project (40 credits) CORE
Work Related Activities
Industry style projects occur throughout the course. These are informed by industry practitioners, staff industry experience and input from JAMES accreditation.
Examples include:
43 engine.
Live Audio – Range of real life live audio projects at gigs and performances.
Audio Production Techniques – Range of short audio production tasks to introduce students to the kind of tasks that they will encounter in the industry.
Audio Engineering Project – Students can work with external clients or other students in the faculty on a live project. This project develops students independence, professionalism, project management and industry understanding.
Audio Design Project – Students respond to an industry style design brief, developing teamwork, time management and design skills.
Music Technology in the Community – Students devise and carry out a project with a community group. This involves the opportunity for volunteering.
Acoustics and Psychoacoustics – A lab task which involves the use of personal dosimeters to analyse noise exposure in a real music industry environment.
Mixing and Mastering – Industry style project including mastering and mixing for clients and consideration of the professional skills and qualities required for each role.
Digital Signal Processing - Software design project with extensive consideration for the software design lifecycle and project management.
Creative Audio Programming – Creation of a series of plugins that can be used within an industry standard DAW.
The Music and Audio industry in the Leeds area is extremely strong and provides many opportunities for students to gain experience and engage with industry, particularly in terms of live events and music performance. Many of our students are active practitioners
throughout the area and closely involved in the industry.
An optional placement year is available between Levels 5 and 6. Where students choose to go on a placement year they are supported through this process by a dedicated placement academic and placement administrator officer. Students are required to find their own
44 placement but are provided with contacts for establishments where students have previously been on placement. Placement students are visited by a placement academic during their placement and are required to write a reflective journal on their experience.
Placement or Work Related Activity Level: This takes place in all levels.
Placement or Work Related Activity Length in Weeks:
Work related activity does not take place in a block style so has been quantified as a weekly figure here.
Level 4 – 3 hours per week throughout the year. Level 5 – 2 hours per week throughout the year.
Level 6 – up to 10 hours per week depending on project choice. Placement year between Levels 5 and 6 (optional).
Type of Placement or work related activity:
There are a wide variety of methods used here. In lower levels this is through simulations but in Levels 5 and 6 there is a mixture of live projects and volunteering available to the students.
Learning & Teaching Approaches
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy is based on the Vision, Values and Strategic Themes set out in the Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015. Our vision is: “to be acknowledged for our commitment to student success, our innovation and enterprise, our global reach and strong local impact”. Our Learning and Teaching Strategy has strong connections with other strategies including; Widening Participation, Research and Enterprise, Schools’ Partnership, Employability and Human Resources.
