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[Introductory Pages
87-90]
The Australian Centre for the Arts and Technology is a centre for the
teaching, research, recording and publishing of music and dynamic
visual art made with new technology. The centre is the first
of its type in Australia and maintains links with similar centres
around the world. It provides a unique environment for the
study, research and artistic use of computers and is a focus for the
multidisciplinary education of composers and visual artists interested
in using new technologies as expressive tools.
ACAT is a constituent of the ANU Centre
for Information Science Research (CISR).
Students in the latter years of their
course participate in the various projects being undertaken at the
centre and are guided progressively into undertaking their own
research. Currently research is in the areas of sound
synthesis and analysis, digital signal processing, music and dynamic
image composition, software and hardware development, geometric
modelling and animation and realtime performance of both music and
graphics with computers.
Music and Visual Art students are encouraged to undertake joint
projects where applicable.
Courses
available at ACAT
ACAT conducts undergraduate teaching for the Schools of Art and Music
and offers graduate study through the following courses:
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Arts (Electronic A.,ts)
Graduate Diploma in Electronic Arts
Graduate Diploma in Music in Computer Music
Graduate Diploma in Art (Computer Animation)
Master
of Arts (Electronic Arts)
The aim of this course is to provide an opportunity for candidates to
undertake research and development on some aspect of the electronic
arts at a postgraduate level. The course is designed for
highly motivated individuals who wish to further develop their creative
and technical expertise in computer music and related digital audio
signal processing, computer animation and other electronic imaging, or
some mixed-media combination of these fields for fine arts, commercial
or scientific perceptualisation purposes.
The course is intended for those
candidates wishing to specialise in the electronic arts either for
artistic/aesthetic, technical or perceptualisation purposes. As this
field of study is interdisciplinary it may be appropriate for
candidates to access supervision and other expertise from more than one
of the ANU's Graduate Programs.
The degree has been developed as a
Master's course by coursework and research, according to the ANU Degree
of Master (Coursework and Research Course) Rules.
'Coursework' is defined as a unit of
study taught either by means of a series of classes or by means of
practical work, including individual lessons, masterclasses, laboratory
work, etc., or the production by candidates of reviews of literature,
essays, performance works, or the attendance at and participation in
seminars.
The course is offered full-time or
part-time, extending over not less than one year and not more than two
years full-time and not less than two years and not more than four
years part-time.
Applicants seeking admission to the
Master of Arts (Electronic Arts) must hold at least a Bachelor's degree
with Honours at the standard of at least second-class Honours (Division
A) or an appropriate Graduate Diploma, Master Qualifying course, or an
M.Litt. Appropriate Graduate Diplomas include those in Music, Art or
Electronic Arts or some other discipline related to the proposed course
of study.
For administrative purposes, ACAT's
graduate courses are administered through the Graduate Program in Music.
Structure
of the course
The structure of the M.A.(EA) course has been designed to allow maximum
flexibility so that the course components, coursework and research, may
be tailored to a student's individual needs both in terms of content
and relative weightings.
Students must nominate the relative
weighting of the course components at the commencement of the
course. The proportion of coursework in visual, sonic or
mixed media and the proportion of research, must be finalised no later
than six months after the commencement of the course.
Significant variations to the study program and mode of assessment must
be approved by the Prescribed Authority, following the recommendation
of the candidate's supervisors, and will not be accepted less than six
months before the date of examination.
Course
component options
The individual course components and requirements for assessment in
each of these areas are outlined below.
The course will be offered with four different component weightings:
| 80% |
A folio of
original work,
including
at least one of a substantial and sustained nature commensurate with
the weighting of this component of the course. |
| 20% |
A sub-thesis
of 8,000-10,000
words.
And: A 'Work in Progress' report to the Graduate Seminar. |
| 70% |
A folio of
original work,
including at least one of a substantial and
sustained nature commensurate with the weighting of this component of
the course. |
| 30% |
A sub-thesis
of 10,000-12,500
words And: One paper, undertaken in such
semester work as may be prescribed or approved in each individual case. |
| 60% |
A folio of
original work,
including
at least one of a substantial and sustained nature commensurate with
the weighting of this component of the course. |
| 40% |
A sub-thesis
of 12,500-15,000
words
And: One paper, undertaken in such semester work as may be prescribed
or approved in each individual case. |
| 50% |
A folio of
original work,
including
at least one of a substantial and sustained nature commensurate with
the weighting of this component of the course. |
| 50% |
A sub-thesis
of 15,000-20,000
words
And: One paper, undertaken in such semester work as may be prescribed
or approved in each individual case. |
Notes
(1) Folio work is defined as any work
that is not in the form of written text. It may include such
things as audio tape, video tape, photographs, sound sculptures, event
documentation and score manuscripts.
(2) It is expected that all
candidates will present at least one progress report on their work to a
Graduate Seminar.
Procedures
for admission
On application for admission, candidates must:
(a) indicate which course of study they
intend to pursue: visual, sonic or mixed-media combinations;
(b) submit an outline of their proposed
course Of study and/or research program. It should indicate
both the objectives of their study proposal and, where relevant, the
significant artistic and /or technical developments envisaged during
their candidacy;
(c) submit a folio of recent work which
in their opinion would assist the panel in its deliberations.
The Prescribed Authority may also
require an intending candidate to undertake additional tests or
interviews and may seek additional information about the candidate, as
is considered necessary to determine the applicant's suitability for
the course.
Candidates for the Master's degree will
be supervised by staff relevant to their field of study.
Arrangements for the selection of supervisors will be developed within
the Graduate School and submitted by the Prescribed Authority for
approval.
Transfer
of enrolment from Graduate Diplomas
In accordance with the Degree of Master (Coursework and Research
Course) Rules, Part 11 3A, students undertaking a Graduate Diploma may
seek a transfer of enrolment from the Graduate Diploma (Electronic
Arts) or from other appropriate Graduate Diplomas to the Master of Arts
(Electronic Arts). The commencement of that person's course
for that Diploma will be treated as the commencement of that person's
course for the Degree, and the candidate will be granted status in
relation to the Degree for as much work undertaken for the Graduate
Diploma, as the Prescribed Authority determines. Eligibility
for transfer will depend upon successful completion of all coursework
requirements at the level of merit or above.
Examinations
Examinations for the Master of Arts (Electronic Arts) will be conducted
in accordance with the ANU's Degree of Master (Coursework and Research
Course) Rules.
Graduate
Diploma in Electronic Arts
Aims
and objectives: This one-year
course provides training, by
coursework, in the use of new digital sound or image technologies for
artistic, commercial or scientific perceptualisation
purposes. In addition to some specifically graduate work, it
condenses the animation and music units relevant to the arts and
technology of ITA's Bachelor of Arts (Visual) and Bachelor of Music
(Composition) degrees into a single year of concentrated study It would
thus be inappropriate for ITA graduates holding these degrees with
specialisation in either composition or computer animation to undertake
this course. It would, however, be suitable for graduates
from ITA music and visual arts degrees with majors in other areas who
wish to gain expertise in the electronic arts.
As an entry-level electronic arts course the Grad.Dip. E.A. is thus
suitable for a candidate who:
–is a music or a visual arts graduate whose undergraduate
course did not include arts/technology components; or
–is experienced in the field, but has no undergraduate
qualification; or
–has already completed an undergraduate degree in another
field and can show aptitude in the nominated field; or
–is not available for interview before being accepted into
another course (an overseas applicant, for example).
Admission
requirements: Applicants to
the course will normally be
expected to have completed an undergraduate qualification and be able
to demonstrate creative, analytical and critical skills appropriate to
the objectives of the course. Professional experience and
standing in the field may be taken as equivalent qualification for
admission. There is no provision for advanced standing.
Application is to be made on the form
provided and must be accompanied by evidence of meeting the admission
requirements. An admissions panel will review applications
and may recommend a requirement of other specific preliminary or
concurrent study it deems necessary. Concurrent studies
cannot be undertaken without prior approval, nor can a full-time
candidate undertake concurrent full-time employment.
Assessment:
Upon acceptance into the
course a candidate will be assigned a supervisor whose role is to
provide guidance and advice on the candidate's progress in the
course. As this diploma is by coursework, candidates will be
required to present material for assessment as outlined in the
individual units of the course. It is necessary to pass all
units to be eligible for admission to the diploma which will be graded
at a pass, merit or distinction.
The result achieved will not be just a summation of grades but will
contain an overall judgment of performance in the course. A
pass with distinction will be awarded to candidates whose work fulfills
all the requirements of the course to a high level of competence and
demonstrates a high level of imaginative development and
innovation. A pass with credit Will be awarded to candidates
whose work demonstrates both a level of competence significantly beyond
the minimum requirements and a significant recognition of the
challenges of the course. A pass will be awarded to
candidates whose work satisfactorily fulfils the minimum requirements
of the course and which demonstrates an acceptable level of technical
competence.
Study program:
The study program for the Grad.Dip. E.A. appears below.
Whilst many of the units as outlined are quite technical, an underlying
principle of the course is the development of aesthetic sensibilities
together with technique. This principle ensures that in the
teaching the presentation of the material is moderated by artistic
rather than purely computational concerns. Specific content
and text details as outlined are subject to change. It is
advisable to contact the relevant staff before purchasing any materials
for the course.
Study program-Graduate
Diploma in Electronic Arts
| Code |
Unit |
Contact
hours
per week |
Load |
| Semester 1 |
|
|
|
| ACAT2002 |
Computer
Programming A |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT3003 |
Electronics A |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8004 |
Design
Structures A |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8010 |
Sampling,
Sequencing and Control |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8001 |
ACAT
Graduate Seminar |
2 |
075 |
| And either: |
|
|
|
| ACAT1003 |
Physics and
Psychophysics of Music |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8009 |
Graduate
Computer Music Practice |
1 |
050 |
| Or: |
|
|
|
| ACAT8002 |
Computer
Animation Theory A |
1 |
050 |
| ACAT8008 |
Graduate
Computer Animation
Practice |
2 |
075 |
|
Total for
Semester 1 |
13 |
500 |
| Semester 2 |
|
|
|
| ACAT2003 |
Computer
Programming B |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT3004 |
Electronics B |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8005 |
Design
Structures B |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8001 |
ACAT
Graduate Seminar |
2 |
075 |
| And either: |
|
|
|
| ACAT1006 |
Digital
Audio Signal Processing |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8007 |
Digital
Audio Synthesis |
2 |
075 |
| ACAT8009 |
Graduate
Computer Music Practice |
1 |
050 |
| Or: |
|
|
|
| ACAT8002 |
Computer
Animation Theory A |
1 |
050 |
| ACAT8003 |
Computer
Animation Theory B |
1 |
050 |
| ACAT8008 |
Graduate
Computer Animation
Practice |
3 |
075 |
|
Total for
Semester 2 |
13 |
500 |
Graduate
Diploma in Music (Computer Music)
The Australian Centre for the Arts and Technology, through the Canberra
School of Music, offers an advanced course in computer music for the
person who has already achieved a high level of technical and musical
skill, leading to a Graduate Diploma in Music. This diploma,
the first of its kind in Australia, has been oftered since 1987.
Study program
MUSM8004 Composition Graduate Diploma (semester load: 250)
MUSM8007 Literature Review Graduate Diploma (semester load: 050)
MUSM8001 Analysis Graduate Diploma (semester load: 200)
The areas of study will vary from student to student and the study
program for each student will be decided in consultation between the
student and the Co-ordinator and presented to the Board of Studies for
approval. The Board will appoint a supervisor for the
student's program.
Admission requirements
In determining an applicant's suitability for entry to the course,
account is taken of the nature and level of previous studies and/or
professional experience. A considerable compositional
technique is required. As a guide, the School will accept for
consideration applications from those who:
–hold a degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in music
from a recognised tertiary institution; and/or
–can show considerable experience and distinction in music
composition.
Admission procedures
Composition: Applicants are required to submit a folio of compositions
and any other materials (for example software design details) which may
help with their application.
Interview: Applicants are required to submit their application a brief
statement setting out the studies which they propose to undertake
during the course and to be prepared to discuss their proposal during
an interview.
Additional tests and information: The School ma require an applicant to
undertake additional tests, y and may seek additional information about
the applicant to enable it to determine the applicant's suitability for
the course.
Conditional admission
The School may require an applicant to undertake additional studies in
a specific area. Admission to the course is conditional on
the successful completion of those studies.
Course structure
Contact time: Under normal circumstances there will be an average
contact of three hours per week for tuition. However, the
arrangement of that time will depend on the student's study program.
Composition: The student will be required to compose and publicly
present two substantial compositions.
Analysis: The student will be required to analyse two compositions (one
of which is the student's own) which use computers.
Literature Review: The student will be required to become familiar with
the most recent trends in computing, psychoacoustics, timbral analysis,
and synthesis techniques as they apply to music.
Assessment
Composition: The two substantial
compositions and their public presentation will be formally assessed.
Analysis: The two analyses, each of which is not less than 3,000 words
or equivalent, will be assessed by a panel of which at least one member
has expertise in the topic, presented.
Literature Review: Evidence of familiarity with current trends will be
assessed on the presentation of a summary of the literature that has
been read.
Eligibility
for the award
To be eligible for the award a candidate must pass in all three
sections of the course: Composition, Analysis, and Literature Review.
The overall assessment for a successful
candidate will be graded as 'Pass', 'Pass with Merit' or 'Pass with
Distinction'.
Graduate
Diploma in Art (Computer Animation)
ACAT conducts the Graduate Diploma in Art (Studio Practice) in Computer
Animation for the Canberra School of Art. It can be
undertaken as a one-year full time or a two-year part-time study
Study
Proposal: Applicants are
required to submit a Studv Proposal. Priority will be given
to Study Proposals within the following categories:
–Computer Animated Film /Video Work
–Computer Animation performance Work
–Interactive Computer Animation Environment
As students will be required to
implement the sound component of their works, applicants are encouraged
to address this in their Study Proposal. Applicants should
discuss their Study Proposals with ACAT academic staff before they
submit their application.
Prerequisites:
Prospective applicants are normally expected to have an undergraduate
degree or other equivalent qualifications or experience. The
interdisciplinary nature of computer animation demands a wide range of
skills in both the arts and the sciences. As the current
specialisation of most undergraduate degrees precludes such diversity,
graduate students will have the opportunity to audit undergraduate
units taught within ACAT, and may be advised to do so.
Course
content: The one unit in the
course is Studio Practice, but the content will vary for individual
students.
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