Computing Facilities

Both the Department and the University are well equipped with the latest computer equipment, and all undergraduates will have an opportunity to learn some basic computing skills during their time in Sheffield.

Two of the level 1 modules which all Geography students take include elements such as word processing, data analysis and GIS as part of the syllabus. There are also optional classes at levels 2 and 3 which cover more advanced uses of IT in Geography, such as Remote Sensing, GIS and Environmental Modelling.

The Department has a computer laboratory (room B4) equipped with 40 PCs and a laser printer. When not in use for teaching, this room is available for undergraduates to use for their own computing work.

With 1,300 study spaces, 500 PCs, printers and wireless networking throughout the building, Information Commons sets a new standard for learning and study environments and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/infocommons/

There are also several other staffed and unstaffed computer rooms around the University, some open in the evenings. More details at:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/studentcomputerrooms/

You will be assigned a computer username and password and thus you will acquire an email address for use throughout your time as an undergraduate student at Sheffield. During GEO163 you will be given training in basic and advanced IT skills relevant to Geography. You should not always use the same password, and it is not good practice to give any passwords to other people, even if they are a friend. Please note that the sending of offensive email messages is not allowed. They can be easily traced by CiCS (Corporate Information and Computing Services) and may lead to disciplinary action. Your attention is also drawn to the CiCS Regulations and IT Code of Practice:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/codeofpractice

CiCS provide a full range of documentation on all aspects of computing at Sheffield, which may be obtained via the main University website, from the locations above, or from the Computer Centre, Hounsfield Road. CiCS also provide an advisory service in the Computer Centre, Hounsfield Road and provide a helpdesk (helpdesk@Sheffield.ac.uk) which may be contacted about any problems with using the computers.

The best source of up to date information about computer facilities, documents and courses is the CiCS website (www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics). You should use this as a starting point when seeking further information about computer facilities at Sheffield.