This course explores the musical potential of interfacing, control and physical computing using simple electronics and microcontrollers. The course will introduce a range of interfacing and control technologies suitable for sonic exploration.

Weekly 2 hour seminar/workshop, Semester 1 weeks 7-11.

None

Students will undertake a creative project combining technological experimentation with artistic development. The project will result in a performance, installation or audiovisual output for public dissemination. The submission will include the performance or output itself (80%), plus documentation and a critical commentary of ca. 1000 words (20%).

The overall aim of this course is to introduce and explore techniques of electronic interfacing and control, enhancing students' ability to deploy physical computing technology for creative sonic ends. In particular the course aims to:

■ Examine simple methods of interfacing using analog and digital electronics and microcontrollers

■ Consider the aesthetic implications of deploying such technological approaches in artistic practice

■ Develop students' practical skills in physical computing

■ Develop students' understanding of physical computing in relation to their own sonic practice

■ Equip students with ways to critically evaluate their practice

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ design, build and deploy simple electronic devices for control of or by audio systems

■ investigate practical electronics in the context of their own creative sound work

■ develop a piece of technology-based creative sound work suitable for public presentation

■ apply critical reflection in developing their creative practice

■ identify and critically evaluate key features of the work produced, providing comprehensive documentation

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.