Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MI

Science 211 The Science of Music 1 credit

Fall Semester 2016
Instructor: Dr. Ned Keller
Office: 95 Daverman Hall-Science Wing

Email: ned.keller@cornerstone.edu
Phone: 616-254-1650 Ext: 1379
Office Hours: 9-10am MWF; 10-11am TR; 1:30-2:30 pm TRF;

Class Times: Lecture & Lab 12:15-2:15 M

Prerequisite: Mathematics Core Competency

Class Room: 104EDH

Texts:
1) Good vibrations: the physics of music; by B. Parker ; The Johns Hopkins University Press (November 17, 2009); .
ISBN: 9780801892646
Our mission is to glorify God by learning more about Him through the wonderful universe He has created,
and by applying unchanging biblical principles in a complex and changing world. .
Psalm 111:2 Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them.
Course Description:
This one credit laboratory course is designed to introduce students in the B. Music degree program to the methods and
limitations of science as a means of inquiry in the context of music and sound. Topics include general wave
phenomena such as propagation, Doppler shifts, interference and resonance, specific sound phenomena and
applications, elementary acoustics, and numerous applications to music and musical instruments.
This course satisfies the core lab science elective for B. Music students and serves as the required prerequisite course for
them to register for SCI311 Science in Culture. This course is simply an elective course for any other students.
Integration of Faith & Content:
Graduates of Cornerstone University need to possess knowledge and skill to correctly analyze scientific information and
arguments. A large number of current issues in government, business, and economics are either directly related to scientific
issues or are argued using scientific analysis. Science gives students the tools to use empirical evidence to examine
whether or not many of the universally accepted ideas do reflect the reality of our universe. Historically science has been
the most widely used means to develop technology in order to help mankind fulfill our mandate to subdue the creation.
In addition, science has been used to help Christians more successfully obey Gods commands to help the sick, hungry, and
poor. Using inquiry-based lecture and labs, students will develop and practice acquisitive, organizational, creative,
manipulative, and communicative skills needed by all citizens to interact with their culture.
The objectives of this course are for the student to be able to:
Comprehend terms and ideas describing science and its methodologies especially in regards to wave motion, sound,
and music production & perception.
Explain the assumptions, appropriate areas of application, as well as the limitations of the scientific method.
In the laboratory sessions analyze problems, propose and evaluate potential solutions, demonstrate accuracy and
precision in work, and clearly and appropriately report his/her work.
Recognize and correctly use reliable sources of scientific information;
Research and communicate accurately his or her understanding of scientific principles related to select musical and
acoustical instruments.
Appreciate the role of the sciences in understanding the empirical aspects of God's multi-faceted Creation.
Desire as a Christian to increase in basic scientific literacy and awareness.

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Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance: The university will make reasonable accommodations for students with
disabilities, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990. The purpose of accommodation process is to provide equal access to educational opportunities to students affected
by disabilities, and the university does not intend that the standards be altered, nor that the essential elements of programs
or courses be changed. Students having documented disabilities may apply for accommodations through Student Disability
Services (SDS), which is part of the Cornerstone University Center for Student Success, located in Miller Hall on the main
Grand Rapids campus. In the event that students have questions regarding whether they are eligible for accommodations,
how they might provide appropriate documentation of disabilities, or how they might handle a disagreement with a
professor over accommodation or disability questions, please contact the Director of Student Success (Dr. Shannon
Pothoven) or Accommodations Officer/Coordinator (Dr. Nicole McDonald) immediately at (616) 222-1596 or via email at
student.success@cornerstone.edu. Further information about applying for and utilizing accommodations is provided in the
Student Handbook and on the universitys website at https://www.cornerstone.edu/academics/student-disability-services/.
Rev: 8/16 Students seeking disability accommodation must identify themselves to the professor at the semesters
beginning.
COPYRIGHT VIOLATION and PLAGIARISM have serious ramifications for Cornerstone students, both legally (the
former) and ethically (the latter). Unauthorized copying or use of copyrighted materials, including downloaded files of
various kinds, can result in criminal charges and fines. Plagiarizing anothers words or ideas (passing them off as your
own) can result in loss of grade or failure. For a fuller explanation of these issues or of CUs copyright policy, see Miller
Librarys website (under Help/FAQ)see the FAQ concerning Copyright, Fair Use, & Plagiarism:
http://library.cornerstone.edu/content.php?pid=125720&sid=1079827 Rev: August, 2013.

To view the full list of academic policies go to:

CUPortal/UndergradDivisions/AcademicOffice/documents policies
Attendance & Tardiness: Students are expected to punctually attend all regularly scheduled sessions of this course.
Excused absences must have proper validating documents presented to the course instructor within one week of the
students return from the absence. Students who arrive later than 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of the class
are recorded as absent. Any student who misses one-third or more of the scheduled meetings of a class automatically
fails the course. Students are expected to remain in the classroom throughout the class session except for breaks given
for the whole group or for emergencies.
Late Coursework: Work turned in later than the beginning of class on the date it is due may receive a grade reduced by 5%
(of the total mark) per weekday by which it is late, beginning on the date it is due.
Other Resources: If you feel that you are having difficulty in understanding the course material, please make arrangements
to talk with me privately so that we can arrange for help outside of class.
Please contact the Center for Student Success (CSS) for further information about such services as: 1) One-on-one
tutoring (request tutoring at the CSS) 2) Proctored tests 3) CLC 100 Learning Strategies (2 sem. hr. course) 4) ESL
support (ESL students apply at the CSS) 5) Accommodation support for Student Disability Services registered students
(SDS application available at the CSS) Rev: Aug,2016.
Use of Technology: Computers are welcome in the classroom and laboratory for use in taking notes or interacting with the
internet as directed by the instructor.
Love and respect for oneself, ones colleagues and the instructor precludes using any form of technology e. g., paper
notes, instant messaging, electronic mail, phoning concurrent with classroom lecture or discussion. Those who engage
in private conversations, electronically or otherwise during class, may, during subsequent class sessions, lose his or her
access to any devices aiding in such behavior.
Any assignments submitted electronically must be Microsoft Office Suite documents and must include the students name
in the assignment itself, not simply in the email containing the attached document. Rev. August, 2013
Statement of Academic Expectations: Cornerstone is committed to academic excellence as a Christian calling. As a
student, you can expect to be challenged to understand complex content, work with demanding ideas, and continue
maturing your academic skills. Such work will require you to devote significant time and effort to your academic courses.
This course has been designed with the expectation that students will actively engage in preparation for each class. In this
course , an A or a B grade will signify not merely completion of assignments, but a demonstration of exceptional
academic achievement shown by a high level of effort, competence, and critical thinking.
Fall, 2016

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Grading Algorithm:
Homework Assignments & Quizzes
Class Attendance & Participation
How It Works Project
Class Examination
Course Project
Comprehensive Final Examination

20%
10%
15%
15%
20%
20%

Significant Dates During the Fall 2016 Semester

First Day of Classes September 7th
Fall Break October 10th-11th
Last Day for withdrawal (w/out WP/WE) - November 15th
Last Day for withdrawal (w/out WE) Dec 6th

Thanksgiving Break November 23rd 27th

Final Examinations December 12th 15th
Last Day of Fall Semester December 15th, 2016

Tentative Schedule For Fall 2016

Wk
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Sep 12th
Sep 19th
Sep 26th
Oct 3rd
Oct 10th
Oct 17th
Oct 24th
Oct 31st
Nov 7th
Nov 14th
Nov 21st
23-27 Nov
Nov 28th
Dec 5th
Dec 14th

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Planed Topics
How Sound is Made; Simple Harmonic Motion
How Sound is Perceived The Ear
Wave Motion Basics, Interference
Wave Motion Standing Waves, Beats, Doppler Effect,
FALL BREAK
Wave Motion - Resonance & Forced Vibrations; Fouriers Theorem, Timber
The Well Tempered Scale, Class Examination
Chords & Chord Sequences, Rhythm;
Piano Physics, Stringed Instruments
Brass and Woodwinds How-It-Works Presentations
The Singing Voice
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Introduction to Acoustics of Concert Halls and Studios
Project Presentations; Exam Review
Wednesday Dec 14th
Final Exam 10:00AM 12 noon