Architectural Acoustics Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Human Hearing and Perception

Examines auditory anatomy and psychoacoustic principles. Links physical sound properties to perceived loudness, pitch, and timbre.

Lesson 2 • Sound Behavior in Spaces

Describes reflection, diffraction, diffusion, and absorption at a conceptual level. Prepares students to predict how sound interacts with surfaces.

Lesson 3 • Acoustic Measurement Units and Standards

Surveys standard units, weighting curves, and rating systems used in practice. Provides the reference framework for all measurement chapters.

Lesson 4 • Decibels and Sound Levels

Introduces the decibel scale and logarithmic math for sound. Students gain fluency in reading and comparing sound level values.

Lesson 1 • Reverberation Time Theory

Introduces RT60 and the Sabine and Eyring equations. Students calculate reverberation time for simple rectangular rooms.

Lesson 2 • Room Modes and Low-Frequency Behavior

Explains axial, tangential, and oblique modes and their audible effects. Students identify problematic modal frequencies in small rooms.

Lesson 3 • Acoustic Performance Metrics for Rooms

Introduces STC, IIC, NRC, CAC, and speech intelligibility indices. Students select appropriate metrics for different room types and use cases.

Lesson 4 • Sound Transmission Through Structures

Covers mass law, coincidence effect, and flanking paths. Students understand how building elements attenuate airborne and structure-borne sound.

Lesson 1 • Material Testing and Data Interpretation

Explains laboratory test methods for absorption and transmission loss. Students read manufacturer data sheets and identify valid versus misleading claims.

Lesson 2 • Diffusion Surfaces and Geometry

Introduces QRD, MLS, and curved diffusers and their scattering coefficients. Students select diffuser types based on room size and frequency targets.

Lesson 3 • Sound Isolation Systems

Examines decoupled wall, floor, and ceiling assemblies for noise isolation. Students evaluate composite STC and IIC ratings for multi-layer systems.

Lesson 4 • Seals, Gaps, and Flanking Control

Addresses acoustic leaks through doors, penetrations, and structural connections. Students apply sealing strategies that preserve partition ratings.

Lesson 1 • Data Recording and Uncertainty

Establishes protocols for logging, storing, and reporting measurement data. Students quantify measurement uncertainty and flag anomalous readings.

Lesson 2 • Background Noise Measurement

Measures ambient noise levels and generates noise criterion curves. Students identify dominant noise sources and document occupancy conditions.

Lesson 3 • Reverberation Time Measurement

Applies interrupted noise and impulse response methods to measure RT60. Students follow standardized procedures and document results by frequency band.

Lesson 4 • Measurement Instruments and Calibration

Covers sound level meters, microphones, and calibrators. Students verify instrument accuracy before every measurement session.

Lesson 1 • Noise Criteria and Target Setting

Establishes noise targets for occupancy types using recognized criteria. Students translate project briefs into measurable acoustic performance goals.

Lesson 2 • Environmental and Community Noise

Addresses exterior noise sources including traffic, rail, and industrial plant. Students apply distance attenuation and barrier design to meet site noise targets.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical Equipment Enclosures

Designs acoustic enclosures and barriers for noisy equipment. Students calculate insertion loss and account for ventilation requirements.

Lesson 4 • HVAC Noise and Vibration Control

Covers duct-borne noise, breakout noise, and equipment vibration isolation. Students size duct silencers and select vibration isolators for mechanical equipment.

Lesson 1 • Model Validation and Calibration

Compares simulation predictions to field measurements and adjusts model inputs. Students quantify prediction error and document calibration steps.

Lesson 2 • Simulation Output Interpretation

Analyzes RT60, SPL maps, clarity, and STI outputs from simulation runs. Students identify design deficiencies and propose targeted modifications.

Lesson 3 • Building a Room Model

Covers geometry import, surface assignment, and source-receiver placement. Students construct an accurate simulation model from architectural drawings.

Lesson 4 • Geometric Acoustic Modeling Concepts

Introduces ray tracing and image source methods underlying simulation tools. Students understand model assumptions and their validity limits.

Lesson 1 • Open-Plan Office Acoustics

Covers speech privacy, distraction distance, and sound masking in offices. Students balance absorption, barriers, and masking to achieve privacy targets.

Lesson 2 • Performance and Multipurpose Venues

Addresses concert hall, theater, and multipurpose room acoustic design. Students select variable absorption systems and evaluate sightline-acoustic trade-offs.

Lesson 3 • Healthcare and Residential Acoustics

Applies privacy and noise criteria to hospitals, clinics, and multi-unit housing. Students specify partition and floor assemblies for sensitive occupancies.

Lesson 4 • Recording Studio and Control Room Design

Designs isolation shells and critical listening environments for studio use. Students specify RT targets, low-frequency control, and monitoring geometry.

Lesson 1 • Reporting and Client Communication

Structures technical reports and presents findings to non-technical stakeholders. Students translate measurement data into clear, actionable recommendations.

Lesson 2 • Construction Phase Observation

Establishes site inspection protocols for acoustic-critical construction. Students identify common installation defects before they are concealed.

Lesson 3 • Remediation and Retrofit Strategies

Addresses acoustic deficiencies in completed buildings with minimal disruption. Students select cost-effective retrofit solutions for common failure modes.

Lesson 4 • Post-Construction Commissioning

Applies measurement protocols from Chapter 4 to verify installed performance. Students compare results to design targets and classify deficiencies.