Physics of Sound and Music

Credit:                        4 credits

Time and Place:         MWF 9:15-10:20 am, Science Building, Room 2190

Instructor:                  Sylke Boyd

Office:                         Science Building, Room 2315

Phone                          589-6315

E-mail:                         sboyd@umn.edu

Office Hours:             MWF 10:30 am-12:00 pm, TR 1 pm – 3pm

 

Required Texts: The Physics of Sound, 3rd Edition, Richard E. Berg, David G. Stork, Pearson – Prentice Hall.

Objectives: Students will gain basic physical understanding of oscillations, waves and sound. We will learn about human hearing, musical scales, instruments, and room acoustics. A project is part of the class.

Requirements to student: You should expect to spend at least 12 hours for work on this course. Self-motivated work is required. Each student is expected to complete homework, weekly quizzes and three exams during the semester. Completion of a project will be part of the grade.

Requirement to the instructor: I will be on time, provide any demonstration that is feasible, publish all class documents and class materials on the webpage, be willing to work with you during office hours, will listen to your suggestions and concerns with the class, make every effort to make this a worthwhile class for you.

Evaluation: Please be aware of the University of Minnesota Grade Definitions:

A -- achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.

B -- achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.

C -- achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.

D -- achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.

F (or N) -- Represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I (see also I)

I -- (Incomplete) Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

Your total score of points throughout the semester will be referenced to 650 points. The grading scale will be:

A

more or equal to 600 points

C+

500..514 points

A-

585..600 points

C

465..499 points

B+

570..584 points

C-

440..464 points

B

530..569 points

D

400..439 points

B-

515..529 points

F

less than 400 points

Three exams are given during the semester, tentatively on September 23, October 21 and December 2. The comprehensive final exam is scheduled for December 22 from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Each of these exams is worth 100 points.

Checkpoint quizzes: The class web page provides short quizzes with questions directly relating to the current learning material. They serve as a checkpoint for you and me on how we are keeping up with things. They should take less than 5 Minutes, and need to be completed latest 1 hour before class time on Wednesdays and Fridays. They are not graded, but I will give 2 points for participation per checkpoint quiz completed on time.

Quizzes: Short Quizzes are given on Wednesdays. Each quiz is worth 10 points. Quizzes can entail problems as in the homework, or brief conceptual questions. Plan: August 31, September 7, 14, 28, October 5, 12, 26, November 2, 9, 16, December 7, and 14.

Homework problems: are due each Friday at class time. The problems will usually be taken from the Exercises section at the end of each book chapter. No late work will be accepted, early work is okay. You are encouraged to work together, but the work you turn in has to be your own. Per problem, you can earn 2 points for a successful solution, 1 point for an honest attempt, 0 for everything else.

Student project: Each student will participate in a group project resulting in an original instrument and accompanying four-page description. You can work together in groups of two. Details and assignments will be handed out during the first couple of weeks of class. Students will introduce their project to the class during the last two weeks of the semester. The project can bring you up to 100 points.

Field trips: Occasionally we will have class not in our regular spot. For example we may visit the music department or the wind turbine. If such an event is pending, I will make every effort to let you know in advance. Check our website regularly!

Publication of class materials, including solutions: Solutions to all problems and questions posed in homework, quizzes and exams will be available on my website (www.mrs.umn.edu/~sboyd/index.htm or follow link from physics faculty page) and in my office.

Students with special needs If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact Colleen Frey at the UMM Disability Services office, 362 Briggs Library, extension 6163.

Academic honesty is a fundamental expectation to you. For further information, please refer to http://www.mrs.umn.edu/services/reslife/sl_handbook/14_academic_planning.shtml .

 

Note at the end of the beginning: In order to make this a successful semester for everyone, I encourage you to bring your concerns about the class to me as they arise. I am more than happy to meet you in my office. The designated office hours are times when I guarantee to be in my office or close vicinity. If you need to see me on other times, just stop by or give me a call.

What will we study?

Some Physics basics

Simple harmonic motion

Waves and Sound

Standing waves

Complex waves

Human voice and hearing

Musical temperament

Acoustics

Any subject related to sound, which you designate an interest in

The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.