This unit of study explores how musical sound is identified and processed by the human ear and brain and the subsequent effects and interrelationships music has with our memory, emotions, and physical wellbeing. Students begin with a review of hearing and brain anatomy and function, with a focus on the neural processes that transfer sound from the ear to the brain and the parts of the brain responsible for processing auditory information. This leads to an exploration of how people identify and recognise sounds, undergoing the process from sensation to cognition. The unit then continues with studies of the relationship between music and memory, and between music and emotion including the educational and therapeutic contexts. The unit includes the application of an exploration of theories of musical talent, and the essential cognitive traits of a professional or expert musician.
Unit details
Location:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
ACO3003
Prerequisites
Students enrolled in course code ABAB and LBLA must complete at least 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of an Arts Major before undertaking any Level 3 units.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Articulate key theoretical concepts and terminology related to psychoacoustics, music perception and cognition; | ||
| 2. | Analyse and evaluate how sound and music affect intellectual, emotional and physical states in both everyday and therapeutic contexts; | ||
| 3. | Discriminate between objective physical sensations and responses, and subjective emotional/intellectual sensations and responses to sound and music; | ||
| 4. | Reflect on the effects music has on life experience, memory and cultural identity; and | ||
| 5. | Investigate the effects of musical exposure and practice on human development. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Online quiz | 20% |
| Literature Review | Review of current research in the field | 30% |
| Exercise | Critical Analysis of musical works | 20% |
| Presentation | Musical or Oral class presentation | 30% |
Where to next?
As part of a course
You can choose to study this unit as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to structure your course to include this unit.
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