COMPUTER SYSTEMS - 2026/7
Module code: TON1024
Module Overview
This module will introduce you to computer-based media systems using a combination of theory and application and is organised into three broad sections. Firstly, you will be introduced to number representations and computer programming in Python, applying it to solve simple problems. Secondly, you will dive into more computer-based audio concepts such as MIDI and develop skills in computer-based audio generation with Max. Thirdly, you will investigate the transmission of real-time digital audio signals, via audio-specific and computer-based methods. The material covered in computer systems embody a pre-requisite skill that will be needed for other modules such as Audio Signal Analysis, Audio Signal Processing and Synthesis, for your final year technical project or dissertation, or for any career in audio.
Module provider
Music & Media
Module Leader
ALI Randall (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
TON1023 Audio Signal Analysis
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Number systems (decimal, binary, hexadecimal and two¿s complement)
- Matrices and vectors
- MIDI protocol, hardware and software
- Computer programming in Python
- Audio programming in Max
- Digital audio transmission and formats
- Audio networks
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Number programming task | 30 |
| Coursework | MIDI programming task | 30 |
| Practical based assessment | Audio transmission continuous assessment | 15 |
| Practical based assessment | Audio networking assessment | 25 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop subject knowledge (continuous assessment and networking assessment) and programming skills (programming tasks).
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- number programming task (addresses learning outcomes 1-3, 8);
- MIDI programming task (addresses learning outcomes 3,4,8);
- audio transmission continuous assessment (addresses learning outcomes 5-7)
- audio networking assessment (addresses learning outcomes 5, 8)
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, and in practical workshops.
Module aims
- To provide you with a theoretical understanding and a practical working knowledge of computer-based media systems.
- To develop your understanding the control and processing of digital audio and MIDI data.
- To develop your skills in computer programming using Python and MAX.
- To develop your understanding of tranmission of real-time digital audio signals.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Explain why the decimal, binary, hexadecimal and two's complement number representations are commonly used in audio and video engineering. | KC |
| 002 | Perform elementary mathematical operations: matrix arithmetic, simple arithmetic operations in various number representations, and number conversion between the different representations. | KC |
| 003 | Use computer programming languages to perform a specific task. | KCPT |
| 004 | Explain the hardware and software principles of MIDI control. | KC |
| 005 | Describe the principles of computer networks and their application in transmitting real-time audio signals. | KC |
| 006 | Describe the technical features of a wide range of digital audio interfaces, such as AES3, SPDIF, and MADI. | KC |
| 007 | Explain the principles behind, and be able to calculate, a range of error correction methods including parity, Hamming codes, and cyclic redundancy checks. | KCP |
| 008 | Apply problem-solving skills successfully. | PT |
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:
- timetabled lectures to deliver the theorical content of the module;
- workshops to improve your understanding and to allow you to apply what you have learned;
- computer programming exercises, to allow you to put the theory into practice;
- coursework assignments and feedback, to evaluate your learning.
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 and develop capabilities to generate/program computer-based audio with Max and Python. You will also learn about the practicalities of distributing digital audio signals, and tools and skills in troubleshooting practical audio systems.
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. You will develop competency in working with digital systems and media, specifically digital audio, and practical skills in setting up and troubleshooting increasingly ubiquitous computer-based networking systems.
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. It will also develop your skills in troubleshooting audio systems in a time-pressured industrially-relevant context.
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 2026/7 academic year.