Frequently asked questions
This page contains a variety of information that should be of use when planning your visit to the department of Chemistry. If you have a specific question which is not covered, please email chem.schools@sheffield.ac.uk.
Location of events
Laboratory classes and spectroscopic workshops start in the main entrance of the Dainton Building. School lectures are generally held in the auditorium of the Richard Roberts Building; entrance to the auditorium is either directly from Brook Hill or by turning right at the main entrance of the Dainton Building and descending the steps. It is not possible to enter the Richard Roberts Building directly from the Dainton Building.
Note: Before being renamed after Richard Roberts, Nobel Laureate and University graduate, the Richard Roberts Building was called the Dainton Building East Wing; this old name may still appear in some University material.
Lunch
There is a clean area available to students and staff for morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. The department will also supply tea and coffee, but we do not provide food, and so advise students to bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, the Students Union has a number of very reasonably priced food outlets that can be easily reached.
Parking
Parking in the University precincts is always very difficult. However the department can request a parking permit for a specific date but there is no guarantee that Room and Parking Services will issue a permit. If you would like to apply for a parking permit please indicate on the booking form and in the Additional Information section please enter the following information:
- Approximate time of arrival
- Approximate time of departure
- Type of vehicle: car or minibus as this influences the type of car park
Please allow two weeks for the processing of the parking request and for the car parking authorisation to be sent to you.
Photography
The department of Chemistry has its own photographer. We would like to take photographs of students participating in events organised by the department for use by the school or college and by the department of Chemistry for publicity purposes.
If you would like to take advantage of this free service, please indicate on the booking form. We will, of course, abide by the school or colleges regulations regarding photographing students. You and your students may also take your own photographs.
Start and finish times
Laboratory classes
Laboratory classes generally start at 10.00am and finish at 3.45pm. The start and finish times are approximate and can be tailored to fit into the normal school or college day.
Spectroscopic workshops
Spectroscopic workshops are generally held on Wednesday afternoons starting at 1.30pm and finishing at 3.45pm. Again, the start and finish times are approximate and can be tailored to fit into the normal school or college day.
Student numbers
It is very important to know the number of students taking part in laboratory classes; producing sets of apparatus is very time consuming for our technical staff. When booking a laboratory class please try and give a realistic estimate of numbers. We appreciate that this can be difficult as laboratory classes generally take place between the end of AS and the start of A2, so it would be very helpful if you could confirm a week before your visit the number of students you expect to take part.