Sound Design

Design Impact | Lecture (VO) | Coursecode: M260374101

Language of instruction English

Design Processes & Methodologies

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Understanding Design: Understanding design as an interdisciplinary, cultural, and strategic practice. • Design Processes and Models: Understanding and applying approaches in the design process. • Levels of Design Impact: Analyzing and classifying design at the micro, meso, and macro levels. • Design History & Societal Trends: Reflecting on historical design trends and applying them to current contexts. • Ideation & Creativity: Developing and communicating ideas in a structured way. • Media Theory & Communication: Understanding the fundamentals of media communication and its significance for design. • Human Factors & Ergonomics: User-centered design, usability, physical and cognitive ergonomics. • Design Ethics & Responsibility: Reflecting on ethical issues and the societal impact of design. • Role Reflection: Critically examining and positioning one’s own role and attitude as a designer.

Design Impact | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374102

Language of instruction English

Individual Skills Lab

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Individual analysis of existing design skills and tool knowledge. • In-depth study of design fundamentals in selected focus areas. • Application of technical and digital tools. • Methods for targeted self-development and portfolio expansion. • Reflection on work processes and learning experiences. • Documentation of individual development.

Design Research: Foundation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374104

Language of instruction English

Design Discourse: Exploration

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Designing within a social, cultural, and political context. • Exploring responsibility, ethics, and design as a contribution to the design discourse. • Reflecting on own design mindset and position within the design field. • Exploring research-based, speculative, and discursive design approaches. • Analyzing current topics and debates. • Exploring the regional creative landscape and activities. • Networking students with key partners in the creative industries. • Conducting independent exploratory research.

Design Research: Foundation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374103

Language of instruction English

Design Research Lab: Foundations

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to research in design and fundamental concepts of creative research. • Formulating creative research questions vs. artistic research. • Research philosophies: ontology, epistemology, axiology, etc. • Paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism. • Research design and decision-making. • Introduction to contemporary critical design practices. • Fundamentals: academic writing, citation, research (literature & visual media), prototyping (low-fi focus).

Design Research: Foundation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374105

Language of instruction English

Independent Design Research: Frame

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Identifying and defining own research interests. • Recognizing societal, ethical, and interdisciplinary relevance. • Formulating initial research questions, objectives, and methodological approaches. • Using low-fidelity prototypes as tools for reserach and communication. • Positioning within the research and design field. • Utilizing critical contemporary design approaches for ideation.

Acoustics & Composition | Lecture (VO) | Coursecode: M260374122

Language of instruction English

Compositional Principles

1.50

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to musical parameters: rhythm, harmony, melody, timbre, dynamics. • Structure and form in time-based sound design. • Fundamentals of sound composition in acoustic and electronic contexts. • Composition techniques for linear and non-linear media formats (e.g., film, games, installations). • Analysis of influentual works in music, sound art, and sound design. • Practical exercises for developing compositional concepts with a focus on narrative and emotional impact.

Acoustics & Composition | Lecture (VO) | Coursecode: M260374121

Language of instruction English

Musical Acoustics

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of sound physics and acoustics, sound generation, vibrations, spectrum, propagation, and basic acoustic quantities (e.g., sound pressure, dB). • Psychoacoustics and auditory perception, structure and function of the ear, spatial hearing, perception of stationary and dynamic sounds. • Introduction to room acoustics, influence of space on sound perception, reverberation, reflection, and absorption. • Instrument studies and sound sources, classification and development of musical instruments, including electronic sound generation. • Fundamentals of music theory, scales, tuning systems, and cultural contexts of tonal organization.

Acoustics & Composition | Lecture (VO) | Coursecode: M260374123

Language of instruction English

Sound & Communication

1.50

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of sound and sound propagation. • Physical properties of sound (frequency, amplitude, waveform). • Propagation of sound in different media (air, water, solids).

Audiostories | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374126

Language of instruction English

Field Recording & Creative Recording

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Theoretical and historical foundations of field recording in the context of auditory cultural research and sound studies. • Technical parameters of field recordings: microphone characteristics, recorder setups, and outdoor acoustics. • Methods and aesthetics of creative recording: conceptual approaches and performative recording practices. • Analysis of soundscapes, taking acoustic ecology into account (according to Schafer, Truax, and others). • Relevant legal, ethical, and copyright issues surrounding sound recordings in public spaces. • Post-production techniques in the context of documentary, artistic, and experimental sound design. • Integration and contextualization of field recordings in multimedia sound design processes.

Audiostories | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374127

Language of instruction English

Storytelling in Sound

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Theoretical and practical foundations of sound design for auditory narratives. • Enhancing emotional impact and creating narrative depth through sound design. • Creative and technical aspects of sound production. • Sound as a narrative and atmospheric element. • Designing soundscapes and acoustic spaces. • Editing audio tracks with professional audio editing software. • Creative and technical design of sound stories – audio-based narrative forms such as radio plays, podcasts, sound installations, or experimental audio formats.

Listening & Sound Production | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374124

Language of instruction English

Critical & Analytical Listening

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of analytical listening: focus, differentiation, comparison • Training in perception for timbre, dynamics, spatial depth, and temporal structure • Psychoacoustic principles and their influence on auditory perception and evaluation • Development of a vocabulary for describing and discussing sound characteristics • Practical exercises with professional monitoring systems

Listening & Sound Production | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374125

Language of instruction English

Electronic Sound Production

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to the visual programming language Pure Data (Pd) in the context of sound design, interactive music, and audiovisual art. • Teaching the fundamentals of patch-based programming for sonic and musical applications. • Application of Pure Data for generative sound design and algorithmic composition. • Implementation of basic real-time signal processing techniques. • Development of interactive sound systems and experimental sound structures in practical exercises. • Creative and concept-based methods with computer-aided sound programming.

Project Work: Audioproduction for Visual Media | Lab practical (LU) | Coursecode: M260374129

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Audio Production & Postproduction

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Techniques and concepts of audio editing in the recording studio. • Professional use of high-quality audio processors in post-production. • Fundamentals and application of metering and monitoring. • Overview of audio formats for film and 3D audio playback. • Analytical listening, reflection, and discussion of mixing techniques. • Development and deepening of audio production skills.

Project Work: Audioproduction for Visual Media | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374128

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Sound Design for Animation

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Theoretical and practical foundations of sound design for audiovisual media. • Enhancing emotional impact and creating narrative depth through sound design. • Creative and technical aspects of sound production. • Sound as a narrative and atmospheric element. • Designing soundscapes and acoustic spaces. • Editing the audio track with professional audio editing software.

Project Work: Audioproduction for Visual Media | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374130

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Studio Work

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Signal flow in the audio studio. • Microphone techniques and microphone types. • Handling studio equipment. • Audio recording and editing. • Recording speech and instruments. • Signal processing and mixing techniques. • Room acoustics and optimizing recording environments.

Design Professional | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374201

Language of instruction English

Leadership & Project Management

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of project management: Introduction to classic and agile methodologies. • Leadership in design: Leadership styles, team dynamics, and motivational strategies in a creative context. • Project planning and control: Goal setting, time and resource management, prioritization, and deadlines. • Communication and stakeholder management: Effective communication with teams, clients, and other stakeholders. • Risk management: Identifying and assessing risks and developing strategies for risk mitigation. • Tools and technologies: Introduction to digital tools for project management and teamwork. • Feedback and reflection: Methods for analyzing and evaluating project results. • Sustainability in project management: Considering ecological, social, and economic aspects in project planning.

Design Professional | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374202

Language of instruction English

Media Law

2.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

• Fundamentals of media law and their relevance to design practice. • Copyright and licensing: Handling creative works. • Trademark and design protection: Protecting logos, designs, and brand identities. • Personal rights and data protection: GDPR-compliant media design and handling sensitive data. • Legal aspects of digitalization: Using digital tools from a legal perspective. • Contract law in design: Drafting and understanding project contracts, work agreements, and licenses. • Accessibility: Legal requirements for inclusive design in the analog and digital realms. • Practical examples: Analyzing real-world legal cases and their implications for everyday design practice. • Ethical responsibility: Legal decisions at the intersection of ethics and social impact. • Subject-specific legal issues corresponding to the chosen study track.

Design Research: Application | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374204

Language of instruction English

Design Discourse: Excursion

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Visiting and analyzing professional fields of practice (e.g., agencies, studios, museums, companies, research institutions). • Engaging with contemporary design positions, working methods, and strategies. • Exchanging ideas with stakeholders from design, culture, and the creative industries. • Observing and reflecting on the social, cultural, and economic contexts of design. • Discussing interdisciplinary connections and institutional frameworks. • Documenting and analyzing the content of field trips within a design and theoretical context.

Design Research: Application | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374203

Language of instruction English

Design Research Lab: Inquiry

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• In-depth exploration of applied research paradigms. • Mixed methods, practice-based and practice-led research. • Literature and contextual analysis as part of creative research. • Overview of methods and their alignment with paradigms and analytical approaches. • Visual and multisensory methods for data collection. • Research through making: documentation and interpretation of design processes. • Planning research projects: objectives, scope, feasibility. • Validity and reliability in design-related research contexts. • Application of the research matrix: research questions, objectives, methods, outputs, and outcomes.

Design Research: Application | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374205

Language of instruction English

Independent Design Research: Field

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Defining own research interests and applying initial methods for gaining knowledge. • Methodical data collection and interpretation within a design context. • Developing a preliminary research concept for two ideas (objectives, methods, feasibility).

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Sound & Experiment | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374228

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Cross Media Lab

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Interdisciplinary collaboration in sound design across all specializations. • Creative workshops with international partners. • Presentation techniques for interactive media projects: pitching and showcasing. • Networking and industry contacts: guest lectures by international media professionals. • Practical project: development of a collaborative design experiment as a team.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Sound & Experiment | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374227

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Interactive Audio

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Introduction to interactive and reactive audio systems in the context of design and artistic practice. • In-depth exploration of sound synthesis methods in an interactive context. • Design and technical implementation of interactive audio installations and performative soundscapes. • Analysis and design of interactive audio experiences in the context of museum installations, exhibitions, and trade fair booths, focusing on user interaction and spatial experience. • Sensors, control logics, and real-time interfaces: use of controllers and microcontrollers. • Project planning: from conceptual idea to functional implementation. • Technical and artistic documentation and presentation of interactive sound projects.

Project Work: Sound Design for Visual Media | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374226

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Sound Design

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Deepening theoretical foundations on the function of sound in audiovisual contexts (narrative, atmosphere, emotional impact). • Analysis of sound-image relationships in film, animation, advertising, games, and interactive media. • Conceptualization and implementation of sound effects, Foley, and ambient sounds to support cinematic narrative structures. • Techniques for dialogue editing, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), and voice mixing. • Integration and dramaturgy of music in the context of audiovisual media. • Design of immersive soundscapes (binaural, ambisonics, spatial audio) for linear and interactive formats. • Application of professional audio post-production software (e.g., spatialization tools). Design of immersive soundscapes with a focus on spatial audio for linear and interactive media (e.g., 3D audio).

Project Work: Sound Design for Visual Media | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374225

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Sound Design for Film

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Analysis of the dramaturgical function of sound in narrative and interactive audiovisual formats (film, animation, advertising, games). • Introduction to professional audio post-production workflows: session management, editing, mixing, and delivery standards. • Practical implementation of sound effects, Foley, and atmospheric sounds in accordance with image editing, timing, and genre requirements. • Dialogue editing and voice optimization. • Case studies of real-world sound design projects (including session breakdowns, plugins, mixing decisions, and version management).

Sound & Interaction | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374224

Language of instruction English

Product Sound Design

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to the fundamentals of product sound design: functions, applications, and perceptual psychology. • Analysis of the functional, aesthetic, and semantic dimensions of product sounds. • Psychoacoustic principles and their application in sound design. • User-centered development of auditory feedback systems (usability & user experience). • Case study analysis: product sound in the context of industry, mobility, or smart devices.

Sound & Interaction | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374223

Language of instruction English

Sound & Interaction Design

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Development and evaluation of your own sonic interaction design prototypes. • Instruction in interactive audio design methods. • Theoretical foundations: design principles, HCI (Human-Computer Interaction), interaction design, and sonic interaction design. • Introduction to evaluation methods for audio and multimodal systems. • Collaborative development of auditory user interface concepts using software such as SuperCollider or Pure Data, as well as hardware (Arduino, sensors). • Group work for the practical implementation and further development of prototypes. • Support through creative methods and peer review during conception and evaluation. • Project presentations and individual reflections in the form of seminar papers.

Spatial Audio & Audio Synthesis | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374221

Language of instruction English

Immersive Audio

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Provides a comprehensive overview of multichannel recording and playback techniques (2D and 3D). • Acquires practical skills in using tools for creating spatial audio materials for headphone and loudspeaker playback. • Composes short spatial audio pieces to apply the learned techniques. • Conducts and analyzes a listening experiment to compare different playback techniques. • Promotes critical reflection through joint evaluation and discussion of the listening experiment results.

Spatial Audio & Audio Synthesis | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374222

Language of instruction English

Physical Modelling

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Introduction to simple oscillating systems, starting with the massless spring-mass oscillator. • Investigation of one-dimensional resonators: string and rod resonators. • Analysis of two-dimensional resonators: diaphragm and plate resonators. • Exploration of three-dimensional resonators: cavity resonators. • Teaching of subtractive and additive models for sound design. • Application of waveguide and distortion models for the functional simulation and modification of mechanical properties.

Design Business | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374301

Language of instruction English

Design Business & Entrepreneurship

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Career paths in design: freelance work, in-house design, studio work, start-up work, agency work. • Proposal development: structure, formulation, pricing. • Fundamentals of project costs, time expenditure, usage rights, fee structures. • Client communication: briefing, expectations, negotiation. • Business thinking in design: target groups, customer benefits, value proposition. • Legal & organizational aspects: types of contracts, freelance work, commercial work, collaborations. • Personal positioning, competitiveness, and entrepreneurial self-reflection. • Sustainability and responsibility in the economic context of design.

Design Business | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374302

Language of instruction English

Design Ethics & Intercultural Aspects

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamental concepts of design ethics: responsibility, impact, transparency, power. • Social justice, inclusion, and accessibility in design. • Design in the context of current social issues. • Critical examination of normative design traditions. • Design as a cultural practice: conveying values, symbolism, narratives. • Sustainability and ethical positioning in the ecological and social context. • Reflection on own attitude, impact, and responsibility as a designer.

Design Research: Creation | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374303

Language of instruction English

Design Research Lab: Thesis Proposal

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Reflexivity and positionality in research. • Axiological foundations and ethical research practices. • Structural models for designing master’s theses. • Developing arguments through design-oriented research. • Integrating theory, findings, and iterative design processes. • Strategies for documenting creative research. • Formats of dissemination: academic papers, design artifacts, exhibitions. • Reflection on the knowledge gained and its contribution to design practice. • Introduction to relevant research journals and conferences.

Design Research: Creation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374304

Language of instruction English

Independent Design Research: Focus

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Development of a complete research proposal. • Integration of theoretical, design, and methodological components. • Reflection on the scientific and societal relevance of a chosen topic. • Scientific communication: abstract, paper, poster.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Showcase | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374324

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Sound Design Showcase

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Development of an interdisciplinary exhibition project: concept and curatorial considerations. • Collaborative media production in cooperation with students from other specializations. • Storytelling in the exhibition space: scenography, digital narratives, interactive elements. • Technical implementation & infrastructure: lighting, sound, AV systems, digital control. • Public relations & marketing: communication with the media, documentation of the exhibition. • Practical project: organization of a public exhibition or presentation.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Showcase | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374323

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Sound Installation

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Introduction to the history and concepts of sound installations. • Technical equipment: microphones, loudspeakers, sensors, and control systems. • Sound design and composition for spatial installations. • Project development: conceptualization, planning, and implementation of your own sound installations. • Practical exercises: setting up and testing prototypes in the exhibition space. • Documentation and presentation of projects, focusing on technical, design, and conceptual aspects. • Discussion of curatorial and practical challenges in exhibitions. • Sustainability and technical maintenance of sound installations.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Sound Dramaturgy | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374325

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Audiovisual Space Design

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamentals and principles of acoustic staging in audiovisual and physical spaces. • Investigation of the interactions between sound, light, and visual media in immersive environments. • Analysis and discussion of current concepts and best practices in acoustic staging for shows, events, trade fairs, or exhibitions. • Development of sound and light installations, taking spatial acoustics into account. • Project-based development of original sound and light staging for real or simulated event formats. • Evaluation and critical reflection of the designed concepts with regard to user experience, aesthetics, and technical feasibility. • Collaboration and communication in interdisciplinary teams. • Documentation and presentation of project results, focusing on conceptual, design, and technical aspects.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Sound Dramaturgy | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374326

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Sound-based Narratives

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Understanding and applying the dramaturgical functions of sound, speech, and music in radio plays, podcasts, and soundscapes. • Developing and elaborating on narrative audio production concepts. • Usage of sound design to create emotional and narrative impact. • Utilizing various storytelling techniques and acoustic spaces in audio production. • Usage of voice recordings, Foley, and sound effects effectively for soundscapes. • Usage of professional audio post-production software.

Postproduction | Lecture (VO) | Coursecode: M260374319

Language of instruction English

Advanced Postproduction

1.50

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• In-depth study of advanced audio post-production techniques with a focus on professional workflows. • Application and analysis of current mastering methods for various output methods and media formats. • Fundamentals of plugin architecture. • Use of real-time sound synthesis and its integration into post-production processes. • Sound restoration techniques. • Evaluation and selection of suitable tools and algorithms with regard to technical and aesthetic requirements.

Postproduction | Lab practical (LU) | Coursecode: M260374320

Language of instruction English

Advanced Postproduction Laboratory

2.50

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Use of real-time sound synthesis and its integration into post-production processes. • Sound restoration techniques. • Practical application of plugin architecture. • Evaluation and selection of suitable tools and algorithms with regard to technical and aesthetic requirements. • Practical exercises for addressing and critically reflecting on post-production-specific challenges.

Postproduction | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374318

Language of instruction English

Mastering

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to the mastering process and its objectives. • Signal flow and workflow in mastering. • Loudness standards and level management. • Working with various audio formats and media. • Practical exercises in sound optimization. • Quality control and export of the final master. • Fundamentals of preparing for various playback methods (streaming, vinyl, etc.).

Sound Art & Sonification | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374322

Language of instruction English

Sonification

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Auditory scene analysis as the basis of sonification. • Definition, development, and goals of sonification. • Methods of sonification (e.g., audification, parameter mapping, model-based sonification). • Examples of “spontaneous” and deliberately developed sonifications from various scientific disciplines. • Examples of sonification in computer music and media art. • Design strategies, interdisciplinary communication, and evaluation methods. • Technical requirements and possibilities (brief introduction to various programming environments and discussion of hardware and implementation issues).

Sound Art & Sonification | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374321

Language of instruction English

Sound Art

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Historical development and aesthetic movements in sound art. • Analysis of key positions and examples of sound art practice. • Conception, planning, and implementation of sound art works (e.g., sound installations) • Room acoustics and contextualization in the exhibition space. • Technological foundations for interactive or site-specific sound installations. • Documentation and reflection on sound art processes. • Curatorial considerations and presentation formats for sound art works.

Master Coaching | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374401

Language of instruction English

Portfolio Coaching

2.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

• Independent analysis and development of an individual portfolio to professionally showcase design competence and mindset. • Selection, curation, and preparation of relevant projects in suitable media formats. • Reflection on personal interests, values, and position within the interdisciplinary design context. • Creation of consistent visual and content-related communication. • Preparation for job applications or presentations through feedback and peer coaching. • Independent technical and content-related development.

Master Coaching | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374402

Language of instruction English

Thesis Seminar

3.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

• Process of writing a master’s thesis. • Deepening discipline-specific competencies and scientific skills.

Master Thesis | Modul/Final Examination (FA) | Coursecode: M260374404

Language of instruction English

Master's Examination

1.00

ECTS

0.00

SWS

• Presentation and defense of the master’s thesis. • Oral examination on curriculum-relevant topics.

Master Thesis | Master's Thesis (MA) | Coursecode: M260374403

Language of instruction English

Master's Thesis

24.00

ECTS

0.50

SWS

• Independent execution of a research project. • Independent writing of a master’s thesis.