NG1S856 - Introduction to Lighting Design and Technology 01 Jul 2017 - 31 Aug 2022 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG1S856
Module Title: Introduction to Lighting Design and Technology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Jack Elderfield
Module Team: Rob Locke, Philip Hughes, Ian Williams
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Jul 2017
Valid To 31 Aug 2022

Module Aims

To introduce students to the fundamental skills required of a lighting technician. Students will become familiar with a range of equipment currently available within the lighting industry. Safe practices will be developed, while lighting control is introduced to include basic operation of lighting control surfaces.

Creative and technical elements of lighting will be explored with students learning the language and terminology used in the lighting industry. The reasons for lighting and the basic concepts of designed lighting will be explored. This module will introduce students to lighting and lighting technology within a variety of sectors to include architectural, concert, theatrical and TV.

Content Summary

In the course of this module you will:
• Be introduced to the roles, duties and responsibilities of a lighting technician and designer.
• Study a variety of lighting equipment and accessories.
• Undertake basic maintenance of lighting equipment and first-line system fault-finding.
• Acquire knowledge of and skills in rigging and focusing lighting equipment.
• Learn the essential concepts of lighting programming.
• Develop a basic understanding of lighting control protocols.
• Learn about dimmers and power distribution.
• Plan, prepare set up and operate a simple rig of automated lighting fixtures.
• Effectively use design paperwork and plans as a technician.
• Be introduced to the attributes of light and the reasons for lighting.
• Explore lighting balance to create appropriate atmosphere, appearance or environment depending upon the medium.
• Understand the effect of colour in lighting design.
• Undertake a range of practical projects exploring the role of lighting in visual composition.
• Investigate the role of light in site-specific and installation art works.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 21
Practical classes and workshops 27
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of lighting design principles.
LO2 Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures in the use and operation of lighting equipment.
LO3 Understand the capabilities and operation of lighting equipment in use, including fault finding and first line maintenance.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Set Exercise - Not Time Constrained (CW) Classroom Test Not Time Constrained (CW) 1 End of year test 60 N/A 50 No 40
Portfolio Portfolio 1 Portfolio of work produced throughout the module 0 1000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Classroom Test Not Time Constrained (CW) 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Fitt, B and Thornley, J. (2001) Lighting Technology, Focal Press; 2 edition

Reid, F. (1998) Discovering Stage Lighting, Focal Press; 2 edition

Cadena, R. (2002), Focus on Lighting Technology, Entertainment Technology Press

Herper, J. and Hall, M. (2010) Gobos for Image Projection, Entertainment Technology Press 

Ruffel, E. and Hall, M. (2009) Light and Colour Filters, Entertainment Technology Press 

Dredge, J. (2014) Electric Illumination, Cambridge Library Collection - Technology 

Morgan, N. (2009), Stage Lighting Design in Britain: The Emergence of the Lighting Designer, 1881-1950, Entertainment Technology Press