Bachelor of Audio Production

BCM100: Communications & Computer Technologies

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

BCM110: Introduction to Digital Imaging

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.

BAP180: Introduction to Audio Technology

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of recording & 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 & processes of the recording studio, recording console signal flow diagrams and the application of different microphone types in a variety of common studio settings are studied.

BAP100: Principles of Sound and Sound Production

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

BAP150: MIDI and Electronic Music Production

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.

BAP110: Applied Music Theory

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 through the application of music fundamentals to a creative project.

BAP120: Signal Processing & Aural Perception

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 to within a mix, students are encouraged to explore creative uses of these technologies when recording or mixing a musical performance.

BAP130: Digital Audio Production

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 and basic editing and processing techniques is demonstrated.

BAP140: Music Styles 1

Musical styles & 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.

BAP190: Live Sound Production

This unit examines the theory and practicalities behind planning and deploying successful live sound productions. Students will examine basic safety while deploying real equipment in the field and will learn the specific requirements for both large and small productions.

BAP160: Studio Production

This unit builds on foundation recording studio production skills to an intermediate level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment, & 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

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, demonstrating technical & creative abilities, with a written report documenting process,

BCM200: Research and Project Models

A unit focused on creative project development
in the creative media industry. The 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

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

BAP205: Acoustics 

Understanding of acoustics, with emphasis on sound behaviour in enclosed spaces & small live venues is studied in this unit. Acoustic issues, the designs and construction techniques used in modern recording studios, budget considerations relating to common studio designs are examined. A comprehensive understanding of sound reinforcement techniques are developed, in theory & in practice.

BAP210: The Role of Producers

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

BCM220: Business and Legal Studies

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

BAP220: Music Styles 2

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

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 & multi-channel).

BAP240: Advanced Studio Production

This unit builds on BAP160 recording studio production skills to an advanced level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment, & 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 are examined from multiple perspectives.

BCM230: Marketing and Promotions

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 and Media Preparation

Examines a range of tools and practices used in compilation and mastering of media for platforms: CD, DVD & the Internet. An historical perspective to media management, technical & 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

This double unit is the culmination of the degree program, enabling students to demonstrate the full range of their technical, creative & academic skills and abilities. It provides an opportunity to undertake a large-scale creative project that displays the depth & breadth of their work. The project may involve the development & 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.