COMPUTER SYSTEMS - 2025/6
Module code: TON1024
Module Overview
This module will introduce you to computer-based media systems using a combination of theory and application and is organized into three broad sections. Firstly, you will learn about fundamental computer architecture and digital system foundations as it relates to computer-based media such as audio and video. Secondly, you will be introduced into computer programming in Python and apply it to solve problems in audio, a pre-requisite skill that will be needed for other modules such as Audio Signal Analysis, Audio Signal Processing and Synthesis, as well as for your final year technical project. Finally, you will dive into more computer-based audio concepts such as MIDI and develop skills in computer-based audio generation with Max.
Module provider
Music & Media
Module Leader
DE SENA Enzo (Music & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 18
Independent Learning Hours: 95
Lecture Hours: 14
Guided Learning: 5
Captured Content: 18
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
TON 1023 - Audio Signal Analysis
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Number systems (decimal, binary, hexadecimal and two’s complement)
- Matrices and vectors
- Microprocessor-based computer systems
- Computer-based media and MIDI systems
- MIDI protocol, hardware and software
- Storage and interfacing in computer media systems
- Software engineering
- Computer programming in Python
- Audio programming in Max
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework 1 | 25 |
| Coursework | Coursework 2 | 25 |
| Examination | Examination (2 hours) | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop subject knowledge (exam) and programming skills (coursework).
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- Coursework 1 – programming task (addresses learning outcomes 7–10);
- Coursework 2 – MIDI programming task (addresses learning outcomes 4 and 7–10); and
- 2hr exam – written paper under exam conditions (addresses learning outcomes 1–6).
Formative assessment:
Formative assessment and feedback will be provided in tutorials as required, during in-class exercises, and in the form of regular revision questions in lectures.
Feedback
You will receive written feedback on your coursework. You will also receive verbal feedback in lectures via revision questions and in-class discussions.
Module aims
- To provide a theoretical understanding and a practical working knowledge of computer-based media systems, their use in the control and processing of audio and MIDI data, as well as to develop skills in computer programming using Python and Max.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Explain why the decimal, binary, hexadecimal and two's complement formats are commonly used in audio and video engineering, perform simple arithmetic operations in each format and convert numbers between the different formats. | KC |
| 002 | Perform simple operations on matrices. | KC |
| 003 | Explain the operating principles of a microprocessor-based computer system. | KC |
| 004 | Explain the hardware and software principles of MIDI control. | KC |
| 005 | Discuss the relative merits of alternative computer storage devices and interfaces. | KC |
| 006 | Discuss issues relating to applications of computer systems. | KC |
| 007 | Plan and codify a set of procedures to perform a specific task. | T |
| 008 | Use computer code instructions to perform a specific task. | KCPT |
| 009 | Apply programming skills successfully | PT |
| 010 | Apply problem-solving skills successfully | T |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: develop your skills and knowledge in computer systems, allowing modules in later semesters to build on this.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Workshops / Seminars
- Captured content and guided learning
- Coursework assignments and feedback
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TON1024
Other information
Digital capabilities: This module will enable you to develop digital capabilities in computer systems. You will develop software programming skills in Python, introduced to network troubleshooting tools, and developing capabilities to generate/program computer-based audio with Max and Python.
Employability: This module will allow you to develop professional skills related to software programming, such as planning and code documentation, and overall competency in problem solving. The Python programming language has become an industry standard, the knowledge of which many employers require. Additionally, you will develop competency in working with digital systems and media, specifically digital audio.
Resourcefulness and resilience: This module will challenge and stretch you in coping with designing multiple software programmes within a time frame and seeking out information beyond lecture notes and workshops to achieve tasks.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) BSc (Hons)(YEAR LONG) | Year-long | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) BMus (Hons)(YEAR LONG) | Year-long | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.