Course overview
Acoustics and vibrations are one of the core pillars of the mechanical engineering discipline, with applications that range from civil structures, architectural and environmental systems, and all forms of mechanical systems including transport vehicles and aircraft. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of acoustics, including characterisation and quantification of sound sources, exposure to noise, and noise control, mitigation, and psychoacoustics. Vibration systems are covered in detail from lumped parameter models through to continuous and multi-degree of freedom systems. Design of vibration control devices, such as vibration isolators and vibration absorbers, is also considered. A strong emphasis is placed on frequency response characteristics for both acoustics and vibration applications, including practical exposure to spectral analysis and its application to predictive maintenance using machine condition monitoring.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the fundamentals of acoustics
- Understand basic noise control systems
- Be able to assess occupational and environmental noise problems
- Discuss the principles of vibrations, including concepts of modes and natural frequencies, and the influence of mass, stiffness and damping on the motion of vibratory systems
- Demonstrate how to estimate system parameters and measure the damping of simple vibratory systems
- Explain the principles controlling basic vibration systems including forced vibratory systems, vibration isolation systems, and vibration absorbers
- Explain the modes and natural frequencies of simple, idealised continuous systems
- Explain the fundamentals of modelling complex continuous systems with discrete lumped-masses and springs
- Understand the fundamentals of signal processing/spectral analysis
- Understand the condition of a machine by analysing its vibration signature history to predict its performance and to diagnose faults from knowledge of characteristic "fault" vibration signatures
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.