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The Science of Sound & Cinematography - TFT00007C

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Richard Kearns
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module looks at the scientific phenomena and technical processes underpinning digital film and television. Students examine how film and television technologies harness the way we experience the world through sight and sound. Through exploring the science behind the tools and systems with which we work, this module exposes the link between the aesthetic qualities of the media we produce and the processes at work during their production.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To provide an inter-disciplinary course structure in which students explore the evolution in design of sound and moving picture technologies
  • To provide a basic scientific foundation to facilitate understanding of electrical, acoustic and optical concepts related to sound and image systems
  • To provide the mathematical fundamentals to enable the exploration of basic analogue and digital image and sound processing utilised in moving picture and audio systems as well as the calculation of system requirements and associated parameters
  • To provide a basic foundation in human perception of sound and image as they relate to recorded moving images and sound

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module students are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of sound and moving image technologies and the scientific underpinning of that development
  • Demonstrate an ability to name specific audio, lighting, video and film production systems with their related components
  • Describe electrical concepts and physical concepts (including acoustics and optics) as they relate to audio systems, lighting systems and moving image camera systems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how sound and moving picture system design affects basic human perception
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyze and calculate specific technical requirements of sound and picture systems (such as power loads, bandwidth requirements, sampling rates, storage requirements, etc.)

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
The Science of Sound & Cinematography		 8 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
The Science of Sound & Cinematography		 8 hours 100

Module feedback

Answer sheet with clear breakdown of correct responses with all calculations shown

Indicative reading

Stump, D (2014) Digital Cinematography, Burlington: Focal Press.

Weise, M and Weynand, D (2007) How Video Works Second Edition, Burlington: Focal Press.

Bermingham, A (2003) Location Lighting for Television, Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Ibrahim, K.F. (2007) Newnes Guide to Television and Video Technology: The Guide for the Digital Age, Burlington: Elsevier.

Brown, B. (2002) Cinematography: Image Making for Cinematographers, Directors, and Videographers. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Box, H. (2003) Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, 3 rd Edition: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Elkins, D. (2009) The Camera Assistant s Manual, Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Howard, D. and Angus, J. (2009) Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 4th Edition. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Rumsey, F. and Mccormick, T. (2006) Sound and Recording An Introduction, 5th Edition. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Toole, F. (2008) Sound Reproduction, The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.

Everest, F. A. (2007) Critical listening skills for audio professionals, Boston, MA: Course Technology/ Cengage Learning.

Hunt, A. and Kirk, R. (1999) Digital Sound Processing for Music and Multimedia. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.