Program Overview

Course Overview

The Marine Acoustics course, designated as TTT4175, is a 7.5-credit course offered at the second degree level. It commences in the autumn of 2025 and spans one semester. The language of instruction is English, and the course is located in Trondheim.

Course Content

The aim of the course is to provide a basic introduction to underwater acoustics. It covers:

• Acoustic wave propagation, reflection, and transmission in fluid media
• Ray tracing and normal modes methods for solving wave equations
• The principle of designing underwater acoustic systems, including electroacoustic transducers for generating and receiving sound, sonar, and echo sounder
• The use of sonar for detecting and localizing objects in the sea
• Signal processing in sonar systems and sonar equations and their applications
• Basic concepts and practical designs for acoustic communication underwater

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course, students will have:

• Good knowledge of the basic principles of establishing acoustic wave equations
• In-depth knowledge of techniques for modeling wave propagation underwater
• Detailed understanding of sonar systems for sound generation and reception, detection, and localization of objects
• Good knowledge of basic theory and signal processing tools for underwater communication and navigation, and for acoustic remote sensing Students will be able to:
• Model and analyze wave propagation in underwater environments using theoretical and numerical models
• Analyze sonar systems for detection and location of objects
• Use acoustic remote sensing of the seabed structure and composition, and of oceanographic conditions
• Apply mathematical and theoretical knowledge to solve practical tasks related to sonar and seismic applications and underwater acoustic communications

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures, compulsory and optional homework problems, and computer exercises in Matlab.

Compulsory Assignments

• Exercises

Evaluation

The grade is based on a final written exam. In the event of a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Knowledge in mathematics and physics corresponding to the 1st and 2nd year of the study program for electronics or equivalent knowledge is recommended.

Course Materials

The primary course material is "Marine Acoustics, The Physics of Sound in Underwater Environments" by Jens M. Hovem, specifically chapters 1-11.

Credit Reductions

This course has academic overlap with SIE2065. If both courses are taken, a credit reduction will be applied to the course with the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Technological subjects

Examination Arrangement

The examination is a school exam, with a weighting of 100/100. Examination aids are allowed, as specified by code A. The exam duration is 4 hours, and the exam system is paper-based. The location and room for the school exam will be specified, with the possibility of change. The final location will be announced no later than 3 days before the exam.

Re-sit Examination

The re-sit examination will be a school exam, with the same weighting and duration as the ordinary examination. The exam system may be Inspera Assessment, and the place and room will be announced later.