Introduction to Lighting

    Welcome to Introduction to Lighting!

    Introduction to Lighting was developed by Dan Blitzer, Principal of The Practical Lighting Workshop, and the Illuminating Engineering Society education team to provide a fast-paced and practical understanding of lighting vocabulary, equipment, regulations, and practices. No prior lighting experience is required.

    Why learn about light? 
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    Learning Objectives

    The overall objective of the course is a broad introduction to the technology and practice of lighting with emphasis on recognizing and applying lighting principles and technical terminology. 

    1. Explore the physics and interaction of light and human vision.
    2. Explain the key terminology and attributes of light source families and types.
    3. Describe the attributes and applications of luminaires.
    4. Describe the attributes and applications of lighting controls.
    5. Identify the codes, regulations, and standards that govern and guide lighting practice.
    6. Survey lighting economics and maintenance strategies.

    Seven Modules: 

    1: How We See

    2: Light Generation

    3: Light Sources

    4: Directing Light

    5: Controlling Light

    6: Lighting Codes and Standards

    7: Maintaining Lighting Systems

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    Course structure:      

    This course is comprised of seven themed modules. Each module must be completed in order because the information you learn is cumulative, later concepts in the course do call upon previously learned vocabulary and ideas. As you watch the videos, each lasting between 17 min and 35 min. Each video contains a tremendous amount of information, so pause to take notes as you need to. You can also rewatch videos as you need to. Once you've watched a video in its entirety, the corresponding quiz will unlock within each module. Use your notes to take each quiz; you have unlimited attempts to pass them. Upon successful completion of each quiz the next module will unlock. You can complete one or two modules in a sitting - and come back later - or complete all seven at once. You may revisit this course any time by visiting My eLearning Dashboard in the menu to the left. There is no minimum time frame to complete this course, your registration will never expire. 

    Expect to spend 4 hours on this course from start to finish (including the quizzes). Once you pass the last module (Module 7), a certificate of completion is available for immediate download. Due to the introductory level of the information presented in Introduction to Lighting, this course does not qualify for IES CEUs. 

    Completing this course:     

    1. Activate the Introduction and watch the video. Module 1 will then unlock.
    2. Activate Module 1. Watch the video in its entirety, and pass the quiz.
    3. After each completed (passed) quiz, move on to the next module by clicking BACK TO PACKAGE and activating the next module.
    4. Repeat the process of activating the Module, viewing the videos, and completing the quiz.
    5. After passing the last quiz in Module 7, take a brief 3-question survey. The Certificate of Completion will then unlock for download.

    What's next? 

    If you love what you learn in Introduction to Lighting we recommend getting in touch with your local IES Section (you can search for your local section by zip code) to see if they offer Fundamentals of Lighting. Fundamentals of Lighting (commonly abbreviated as FOL) is a 10-module course that provides an in-depth introduction to lighting taught in person by sections around North America.

    • Module 1: How We See
      Contains 3 Component(s)

      First, watch a brief introduction. Then, in Module 1, you will learn the basics of human vision, and the role light plays in how we see.

      Welcome to Module 1. 

      Watch the video in its entirety pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched all the way through, begin the quiz. Pass the quiz to move on to Module 2, Light Generation. 

      What to expect in How We See:
      1. A Brief History
      2. Basic vision 
      3. Light and Color
      4. Key Vocabulary

    • Module 2: Light Generation
      Contains 2 Component(s)

      In Module 2, you will learn the attributes of light sources such as brightness (output), life, and color.

      Welcome to Module 2.

      Watch the video in its entirety pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched all the way through, begin the quiz. Pass the quiz to move on to Module 3, Light Sources.  

       What to expect in Light Generation:
      1. Attributes of Light Sources 
      2. Key metrics

    • Module 3: Light Sources
      Contains 2 Component(s)

      In Module 3, you will learn about general luminaire categories like fluorescent and incandescent, and get an in-depth look into LED technology.

      Welcome to Module 3. 

      Watch the video in its entirety pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched all the way through, begin the quiz. Pass the quiz to move on to Module 4, Directing Light. 

      What to expect in Light Sources:
      1. Traditional Sources
      2. LED 
      3. Other Solid State Sources

    • Module 4: Directing Light
      Contains 3 Component(s)

      Module 4 is divided into two parts. In Part A, you will learn about optics, and how luminaires (light fixtures) are classified. In Part B you will learn about luminaires in different applications in a space.

      Welcome to Module 4.

      Watch the videos in their entirety, pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched each part all the way through, there will be two short quizzes. Pass the quizzes to move on to Module 5, Controlling Light. 

      What to expect in Directing Light, Part A:
      1. Basic optics
      2. Luminaire classifications 
      What to expect in Directing Light, Part B:
      1. Types of Luminaires
      2. Typical Applications 

    • Module 5: Controlling Light
      Contains 2 Component(s)

      In Module 5, you will learn about the devices that control light output, from basic dimming to wireless lighting controls.

      Welcome to Module 5. 

      Watch the video in its entirety pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched all the way through, begin the quiz. Pass the quiz to move on to Module 6, Lighting Codes and Standards. 

      What to expect in Controlling Light:
      1. Controls Basics
      2. Dimming
      3. Sensors

    • Module 6: Lighting Codes and Standards
      Contains 2 Component(s)

      In Module 6, you will learn about the energy and safety motivators behind lighting design for public spaces, and the role of different organizations - both locally, and nationally - in the decision making progress that leads to an installed lighting system.

      Welcome to Module 6. 

      Watch the video in its entirety pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched all the way through, begin the quiz. Pass the quiz to move on to Module 7, Maintaining Lighting Systems. 

      What to expect in Lighting Codes & Standards:
      1. Building and Energy Codes
      2. Recommended Practice
      3. Other Guidelines

    • Module 7: Maintaining Lighting Systems
      Contains 4 Component(s)

      In our final Module, you will learn strategies of maintaining lighting systems, including the technical and economic considerations over the life of a lighting system.

      Welcome to Module 7.

      Watch the video in its entirety pausing and taking notes as you need to. After you've watched all the way through, begin the quiz. Pass the quiz to unlock your Certification of Completion for Introduction to Lighting!  

       What to expect in Maintaining Lighting Systems:
      1. Depreciation
      2. Maintenance Strategies
      3. Lighting Economics