Semantics refers to the a. logical and methodical procedures for solving problems. b. orderly arrangement of words into grammatically correct sentences. c. simple thinking strategies that facilitate quick decision making. d. rules by which we derive meaning from sounds.

I believe the answer is: D. . rules by which we derive meaning from sounds.

In general, semantics is divided into two major categories.

The first one is Logical semantics, which include deriving meanings from words/sounds using the implications of those words/sounds.
The second one is lexical semantics, which include deriving meanings from words/sounds by analyzing the relationship beetween those words/sounds.