This course is particularly suitable for technical officers employed in Environmental Health Departments and in private environmental consultancy companies who have limited or no previous experience in noise control. The course may also be useful for qualified staff requiring revision and updating in this field. Ethos may consider this short course as contributing to their Continuing Professional Development, and a certificate of attendance can be provided. Participants will be required to be able to use logarithms, manipulate formulae and use a scientific calculator.
The course will be a combination of theory, case studies and practicals, with the emphasis very much on the practical aspects of environmental noise assessment and control.
Examinations are set by the Institute of Acoustics and held at the University of Birmingham.
Course Tutor
Mr Alan Whitfield MSc AMIOA, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Health, University of Derby
Lecture sessions
All practical sessions will give the student the opportunity to practice the theory from the morning lectures and to practice calculations. Additional technical support will be available when needed to help students with the use and operation of the sound equipment.
Day 1 - am
10am - 12.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Introduction and welcome to course, to include overview of course objectives. Basic acoustical concepts and noise units, propagation of sound in air and use of barriers to control noise.
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Day 1 - pm
13.30 – 17.00 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Practical session to include:
Instrumentation for environmental noise
Introduction to the basic functions of the sound level meter (SLM).
Distance from source practical to demonstrate inverse square law with students to perform calculations
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Day 2 - am
09.30 - 12.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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The mechanism of hearing and the response of the human ear to sound. A-weighting and octave bands. Statistical and energy based measurement parameters and which to use.
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Day 2 - pm
13.30 - 16.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Practical session to include:
Road traffic noise monitoring exercise (The tick box practical).
Noise source monitoring to observe effects of A-weighting and use of octave band analysis.
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Day 3 - am
09.30 - 12.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Statutory control of environmental noise (excluding BS 4142 and PPG 24). (Particular emphasis on the control of construction site noise and use of relevant parts of BS 5228).
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Day 3 - pm
13.30 - 16.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Practical session to include:
Railway noise assessment with calculation of LAeq from the SEL.
Use of the SLM for evaluation of construction site noise and/or impulse noise.
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Day 4 - am
09.30 - 12.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Practical use of BS 4142 and PPG 24 and information needed for reports.
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Day 4 - pm
13.30 - 16.30 hrs
Lecturers: Alan Whitfield
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Practical session to include:
BS 4142 noise assessment of industrial noise source for a planning scenario.
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Day 5 - am
09.30 - 12.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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Noise generation and control, examination preparation and student evaluation.
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Day 5 - pm
13.30 - 16.30 hrs
Lecturer: Alan Whitfield
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The practical assessment will take place in the afternoon of the final day of the course.
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Friday 17th May 2013
14.00 - 16.30 hrs
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IOA Written Examination
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Related links
Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
£1,050 per candidate
The all-inclusive fee of £1050 includes the Registration and Examination fee for the IOA, a buffet lunch and tea/coffee in the morning and afternoon. (Please note accommodation is not included in this fee).
Please complete the registration form (13KB) and return it with the tuition fee by 23rd March 2013 to:
Valerie Walker, Short Courses Secretary
Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management
The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
Tel: 0212 414 3077
Fax: 0121 414 3078
Please note a limited number of 12 places are available and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.