Acousticians specialize in the study of sound and can work in various fields, including bioacoustics, acoustic engineering, and research. They can receive training at universities worldwide and have a diverse range of job opportunities.
An acoustician is someone who specializes in the study of sound. There are many applications for acoustics, from concert hall design to studying whales, and acousticians can be found working in all types of environments, with all types of people. People interested in careers in acoustics can take advantage of training at colleges and universities around the world, including postgraduate work in specific areas of acoustics.
One branch of acoustics that an acoustician might be involved in is bioacoustics, the study of sound in animals and the natural environment. This field of study may include research into animal communication, the role of sound in animal environments, and the ways in which animal and plant life can be disrupted by sound. For example, an acoustician might survey bird populations to determine whether noise from a large human community interrupts them, or study the mechanics of speech and hearing in humans.
Acoustics can also be involved in acoustic engineering. An acoustic architect, for example, is skilled at designing buildings and spaces to minimize or maximize sound. An opera house, for example, needs a very specific design for good acoustics so that people in the audience can enjoy the music. On the other hand, a huge commercial building needs special measures to keep sound levels low so that people are not overwhelmed by the noise. Acoustical engineers are familiar with issues such as sound transmission, interference, absorption and reflection, using this information to organize spaces and design devices that will perform as intended. An acoustician may also choose to work in the recording industry, providing advice on how to organize recording booths and acting as a consultant to film and television production.
Other work for an acoustician might include research work designed to explore the basic properties of sound. This can include underwater acoustics, the study of ultrasound and infrasound, and the study of sound in a wide variety of environments, from thin mountain air to subway tunnels. These acoustics generate valuable information that can be used for everything from developing new medical imaging equipment to inventing sound deadening systems for trains.
Working as an acoustician can be quite varied. The pay rate can be high, especially for people with extremely specialized skills, and acoustics jobs can include research opportunities, fieldwork, and lab work. Sound is an important part of society, whether you’re an acoustician developing warning devices for the blind or researching the way sound travels underwater.
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