Syllabus
Course Information⌗
- Course: DAD 492 - Sound Forensics
- Credits: 3
- Term: Spring 2026
- Meeting Time: Tuesday / Thursday 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
- Location: TCB 209
Instructor Information⌗
- Instructor: Tate Carson
- Office: TCB 305
- Phone: 605-681-6183
- Email: Tate.carson@dsu.edu
- Office Hours: Mondays and Fridays 10:00-12:00; Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-2:00; Tuesdays 2:30-3:30; additional meetings available by appointment.
Course Description⌗
This course is an introduction to audio forensics, a branch of forensic science. Audio forensics is the application of the science of digital audio to legal matters. This niche field of forensics has grown exponentially in recent years due to the near ubiquity of devices capable of producing audio forensic evidence, such as smartphones and surveillance cameras. Some recordings captured every day will inevitably be considered valid evidence in an investigation.
Prerequisites⌗
- Course Prerequisites: None
- Technology Skills: Basic audio editing knowledge
Student Learning Outcomes⌗
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and accurately use core terminology, concepts, and historical precedents in forensic audio analysis, including authenticity principles, chain of custody, and landmark case studies.
- Explain how physical acoustics, psychoacoustics, and digital audio systems influence the capture, perception, and interpretation of forensic sound evidence.
- Apply standard forensic audio tools and methods to examine recordings for authenticity, integrity, and evidentiary relevance.
- Analyze and interpret audio evidence by integrating signal analysis, environmental acoustics, and probabilistic reasoning to assess competing hypotheses.
- Produce professionally structured forensic audio reports and oral explanations that meet scientific, technical, and legal standards for expert testimony.
Course Materials⌗
Required Textbook: Digital Audio Forensics Fundamentals (Available as an eBook in the DSU Library)
Optional Materials: Principles of Forensic Audio Analysis by Robert C. Maher
Course Delivery⌗
This is a Discussion/Recitation course. Topics are explored through short lectures, class discussion, instructor guided activities, individual student projects, and collaborative work. Students must come prepared to discuss the assigned material, which could be a reading, podcast, or YouTube video.
Assessments⌗
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Attendance and In-Class Participation | 20% |
| Laboratory Exercises and Technical Assignments | 30% |
| Case Studies and Written Analyses | 20% |
| Midterm Project and Examination | 20% |
| Final Forensic Expert Report | 10% |
Grading Scale⌗
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90% and above |
| B | 80% - 89% |
| C | 70% - 79% |
| D | 60% - 69% |
| F | 59% or below |
Communication and Feedback⌗
- Email Response Time: Within 48 hours when class is in session
- Feedback on Assignments: Within one week of the assignment due date
Attendance Policy⌗
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. After three absences, 10 points will be deducted from the attendance grade for each additional absence.
Late work will only be accepted with a documented excuse. Students may redo work they received an undesirable grade on once, but only if they turned in something by the original due date. The deadline for redoing work is a week after the original due date. After this time, no late work will be accepted.
Important Dates⌗
- Last date to Drop and receive 100% refund: January 21, 2026
- Last date to Withdraw and earn a grade of ‘W’: April 7, 2026