Bachelor of Audio Production Course

Course Content

1st Year Bachelor of Audio Production

Trimester 1

BCM100: Communications and Computer Technologies
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Presentation
Credit Points: 10

A foundation unit in digital communications theory, computing and society, preparing students for the creative media industry. Hands-on experience with computers, digital research, principles of critical analysis and reporting styles are explored.

BCM110: Introduction to Digital Imaging
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Practical Assignment, Synopsis
Credit Points: 10

This unit introduces two dimensional (2D) digital image manipulation in the context of contemporary culture, media industries and the arts. Practical skills in graphic design are studied and the integration of digital images into musical works across the spectrum of creative media including CD, DVD, web and print media are applied.

BAP100: Principles of Sound & Sound Production
Assessment Methodologies: Exam
Credit Points: 10

The unit introduces fundamental principles of audio technologies used for sound recording and reproduction. The science of sound is examined including the basic physical and mathematical principles as well as electronic concepts and theories that relate to the propagation sound in the recording process and human auditory perception.

BAP180: Introduction to Audio Technology
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of recording and mixdown of music in a small recording studio environment. Theories of audio recording technologies are taught combined with practical music and vocals compilation using a digital audio workstation (DAW) to produce a basic recorded work. Studio roles and processes of the recording studio, recording console signal flow diagrams and the application of different microphones types in a variety of common studio settings are studied.

Trimester 2

BAP110: Applied Music Theory
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

Contemporary music language is examined in relation to song structure, arrangement, music composition and basic score reading skills. Students learn appreciation of the elements of music through directed listening and the application of music fundamentals to a creative project.

BAP120: Signal Processing & Aural Perception
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

The unit examines common signal processing techniques that are commonly applied using hardware and digital emulations. Deconstructing a variety of musical performances analysing the various kinds of processing used within a mix, students are encouraged to explore creative uses of these technologies when recording or mixing a musical performance.

BAP130: Digital Audio Production
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Report, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

Theories of digital audio in audio production are explored. Students learn the practical preparation of a digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording and mixdown of a multi-tracked musical performance. Professional practice with respect to the management of performers and the media created during the recording session, basic editing and processing techniques, is demonstrated.

BAP150: MIDI and Electronic Music Production
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

The art and craft of electronic music production (EMP) using a digital audio workstation is the focus of this unit. The history of sound synthesis and its influence on the popular musical landscape is analysed and the contribution of synthesized instruments/ sounds to different musical genres is considered.

Trimester 3

BAP140: Music Styles 1
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Exam
Credit Points: 10

Musical styles and movements from the late Renaissance period to circa 1900, and key technological developments shaping the music industry are studies. Key styles, genres and leading figures expanding the music art form as a means of expression are explored. The unit examines social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced music and the music industry

BAP160: Studio Production
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

This unit builds on foundation recording studio production skills to an intermediate level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment and how to handle the psychological pressure of a recording session in a competent manner. A variety of recording and mixdown techniques are considered in order to improve thinking and practical skills for studio recording sessions.

BAP170: Creative Project 1
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Practical Assignment, Report
Credit Points: 10

This unit is the culmination of Year 1 audio production studies in the realisation of a creative audio project as a means of artistic expression. The project requires students to plan, manage and complete a creative work within a specialised area of audio production. They will demonstrate technical and creative abilities, with a written report documenting the production process.

BAP190: Live Sound Production
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Presentation
Credit Points: 10

This unit aims to develop knowledge and skills for sound reinforcement and live sound production. A comprehensive understanding of sound reinforcement techniques is developed as students study a range of equipment and associated techniques that are commonly used in live sound production, as well as matters relating to work safety.

2nd Year Bachelor of Audio Production

Trimester 4

BCM200: Research & Project Models
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Proposal
Credit Points: 10

A unit focused on creative project development in the creative media industry. The unit combines theoretical and practical approaches to the production process. Students are introduced to research and writing strategies for documenting creative media practice.

BCM210: Audio Post Production
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Exam
Credit Points: 10

Students are introduced to key elements of sound in audio post production. A history of sound for motion picture and television is studied and a variety of audio post technologies (past and present), techniques and methods used by engineers and sound designers are also reviewed.

BAP205: Acoustics
Assessment Methodologies: Case Study, Report
Credit Points: 10

This unit aims to develop student knowledge and understanding of key acoustic concepts and principles. The acoustics of small rooms, musical instruments, the speaking and singing voice, and environmental acoustics are examined as well as common acoustical considerations, measurement techniques and room treatments.

BAP210: The Role of Producers
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Case Study
Credit Points: 10

This unit explores the various roles of the music/record producer and examines the work and practice of a selection of successful artists who have made major contributions in their specialised fields. And historical overview of milestone record productions is discussed and analysed. Students critically reflect on these to develop strategies for selfdevelopment as producers.

Trimester 5

BCM220: Business & Legal Studies
Assessment Methodologies: Report, Essay
Credit Points: 10

The unit establishes fundamental principles of business planning and matters regarding intellectual property and law for creative media practitioners. The unit navigates principles of copyright and intellectual property law for cultural producers.

BAP220: Music Styles 2
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Essay
Credit Points: 10

This unit builds on BAP140: Music Styles 1 and focuses on key technological developments shaping the music industry. Key styles, genres and leading figures expanding the music art form as a means of expression are explored. The unit examines social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced music and the music industry.

BAP230: Advanced Audio Post Production
Assessment Methodologies: Exam, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

This unit builds on BAP210 in advanced audio and sound design techniques utilised in post production and creative solutions in the application of sound effects, automated dialogue replacement, Foley techniques and advanced mixing techniques in the creation of soundscapes for moving image (stereo and multi-channel).

BAP240: Advanced Studio Production
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

This unit builds on BAP160 recording studio production skills to an advanced level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment and how to handle the psychological pressure of a recording session in a competent manner. A variety of recording and mixdown techniques are considered in order to improve thinking and practical skills for studio recording sessions. The psychology of studio craft is examined from multiple perspectives.

Trimester 6

BCM230: Marketing & Promotions
Assessment Methodologies: Presentation, Exam
Credit Points: 10

Students are exposed to the fundamental principles of marketing, promotions and publicity. A variety of marketing strategies are examined, including an outline of the historical developments in media based advertising. Students are encouraged to think critically about the role of advertising in society.

BAP250: Mastering & Media Preparation
Assessment Methodologies: Essay, Practical Assignment
Credit Points: 10

Examines a range of tools and practices used in compilation and mastering of media for various platforms such as CD, DVD and the Internet. An historical perspective to media management, technical and aesthetic influences from vinyl to digital media and final audio masters for delivery systems such as radio. Students apply these techniques to a portfolio (master) of their recordings.

BAP260: Creative Project 2 (Double Unit)
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Report, Presentation
Credit Points: 20

This double unit is the culmination of the degree program, enabling students to demonstrate the full range of their technical, creative and academic skills. It provides students with an opportunity to undertake a large-scale creative project that displays the depth and breadth of their work. The project may involve the development and testing of a media product or the exploration of a particular production method or approach, which may take the form of a style analysis. The practical work will include an appropriate analytical critique and production logbook development.

Exit Point after 6 Trimesters with a Bachelor of Audio Production

Elective Units

BCM130: Introduction to Web Technologies
Assessment Methodologies: Practical Assignment, Logbook
Credit Points: 10

Students are provided with a range of skills and theoretical knowledge fundamental to publishing for the Web. This includes tracing a history of digital technologies, principles of human-computer interaction, design concepts and information architecture, online communities and resources for the creative media industry.

ISU200: Independent Study Unit
Assessment Methodologies: To be set by unit coordinator
Credit Points: 10

Students may choose to undertake an Independent Study Unit (ISU) in the final year of their course, which enables them to study a subject or undertake a project of special interest that is not otherwise available as a formal unit. The ISU can also be used for independent research or specialised practice, or for an individual work placement with associated study and reporting of the placement opportunity. During the ISU students engage in self-directed study with close guidance from a supervisor.