Welcome to the Department of Computer Science. This document aims to give you some essential information about the department, which you will need throughout your time here. Please read it carefully and preserve it, as some of the information may not be repeated to you in any other form and the consequences of ignorance could be serious!

1. Finding your way around

2. Things to do during the first week

3. Safety and Security

4. Use of Computers

5. Departmental Guidelines

6. Who to go to for Help and Advice

The Department of Computer Science (CS) is part of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and is housed in the Malet Place Engineering Building (MPEB), located between the Roberts Building and the DMS Watson Library at the south end of the main campus.

Whilst you are getting your bearings, it is helpful to know that the first digit of a room number indicates the floor it is on. For example, 1.02 is on the First floor, while 5.22 is on the fifth floor. The building entrance is on the Ground Floor (level 0), the main access to the 1^st floor is up one flight of stairs. The reception desk for CS is on the 5^th floor and you should go there if you have any queries, need to see a member of staff or to hand in coursework.

Academic staff offices are located on floors 5-8 whilst the computer labs are on floors 1 and 4. Please note that floors 6, 7 & 8 and some other parts of the building have restricted access. If you need to see someone in a restricted area please go to the 5^th floor reception desk first. Alternatively, if you know the telephone extension number for the person you are visiting, you can use the access phones which are located by the entrance of the respective corridors.

There are public lifts providing access to all floors in the building, except for level 1 for which you must use the stairs from the building lobby. If you are unable to use the stairs to the first floor please go to the reception desk and ask about alternative access.

Most floors are connected by bridges to the equivalent floors in the adjacent Roberts Building. This gives access to another set of lifts and stairs.

The normal lecture timetable for CS modules does not begin until the second week of term (Monday 1st October 2012).  However, there are a number of important things to do during the first week:

• Sign Up with the Department. 
• Consult the information that has been forwarded to you and check the notices posted in the department for any additional information.
• You will be given a full timetable of the first week's events when you Sign Up with the Department. 
• Collect for your Computer Science account. 
• Attend the introductory lectures on using UNIX and the CS computers.
• Attend any other introductory lectures required for your specific degree programme.
  This is all done within the Department at MPEB; look for the signs directing you to the correct room. 
• If you are a postgraduate student, there may also be Graduate School events to attend.
• Enrol officially with UCL at the time specified in your Opening of Session documentation. Come to the main gates of UCL in Gower Street and follow the signs.  This is the formal Enrolment with UCL and will enable you to obtain your UCL Student Identity Card (ID card) and password for the main computing accounts.
• Spend some time looking round UCL and locate all your lecture rooms (as listed on your timetable). UCL is spread over quite a large area and is a lot bigger than it might first appear. You may well find you have lectures in rooms spread throughout the UCL campus, not just within the main buildings. Do take care when you have to cross the local roads as they can be busy. If possible use pedestrian or zebra crossings.

The departmental Safety Officer is Dave Twisleton (email d.twisleton@cs.ucl.ac.uk, x33667). Safety problems may be notified to him via electronic mail or via the helpdesk.  In particular, report fire doors that do not close properly, blocked fire exits, misplaced fire extinguishers and any other safety hazards. In the case of urgent safety problems the assistance of any member of staff should be sought.

The UCL emergency phone number is 222 (do not confuse with the UK national emergency number 999). Phones are located in all teaching rooms, labs, offices and in most corridors. Dialing 222 is the quickest way to get help in the event of an emergency. If possible give your location; the Department of Computer Science is in the Malet Place Engineering Building. The UCL front lodge at the main gate is continually staffed if no other help can be obtained. The security office at the entrance to the Roberts Building next door is also staffed until 20:00.

Simple first-aid, and items such as sticking plasters, can be obtained via the 5^th floor reception desk or the helpdesk on the 4^th floor. The departmental staff who are trainied in First Aid are Tracy Williams.

Note that UCL has its own internal phone system, which is why 222 is used as the emergency number. Where you see a phone number like x12345 in this document, it refers to an internal phone number. Just dial the number given in order to make a call (don't try to dial the x!)

3.1 Emergency Exits

Emergency exits and escape routes are marked by green signs with white arrows and lettering. If the fire alarm rings leave the building by the nearest emergency exit route and do NOT use the lifts. Do not simply head for the main entrance if there is a closer emergency exit. Open any emergency exit doors necessary (push the opening bar). Note that you can cross the bridges into the Roberts building as well as use the stairs in the MPEB - this may well be a quicker way of exiting the building safely.

3.2 Fire Alarms

If you discover a fire raise the alarm using the nearest fire alarm button (small red box on the wall, break the glass to push the button). Then immediately leave the building via the nearest emergency exit. Do NOT attempt to fight the fire yourself.

Evacuate the building calmly but quickly, making sure all fire doors are closed after you pass through (and no one else is following).  Do NOT stop to collect personal possessions, do NOT use the lift.  Once outside, move away from the building and go to the official assembly point, which is at the South Junction - turn left when exiting the building from the main entrance and go past the DMS Watson library and through the tunnel.  Do NOT stand by the building.

Fire marshals wearing yellow safety vests will be on hand to assist with the evacuation. The rooms on each floor should be checked by a fire marshal but this may not always be possible. Follow their instructions and inform them if you believe someone has been left behind or may be trapped. It is up to you to act responsibly, so under no circumstances remain in the building. You must go to the assembly point, so that you can be accounted for if reported missing.

Do not return to the building until you have been told it is safe to do so. The fire alarm may stop ringing but you are not permitted to re-enter the building until the UCL fire officer or safety officer gives permission.

3.3 Security

UCL is in a central London location so security has to be taken seriously. Please make sure that doors with swipe-card or automatic locks are properly closed. Use the emergency phone (222) to report any suspicious behaviour. Make sure that you keep personal possessions safe, especially mobile phones and laptop computers.

3.4 Access to the department

CS is normally open to students from 08:30 until 19:00 each weekday.  Safety regulations dictate that taught students cannot be left in UCL premises at times when there are no members of staff at hand to deal with an emergency situation.  In the interests of personal safety, you should also always try to work in a room with other students if you are working out of hours and try to avoid being left in the building on your own.

In an emergency, dial 222 on any telephone.  All emergency services, together with UCL security can be contacted in this way.  Please be sure to inform the Departmental Tutor if you are an undergraduate, or your Programme Director if you are an MSc student, if you suffer from a condition such as epilepsy that might cause particular problems.

You will have access to computers from two sources: the CS department and Information Systems Division (ISD).

CS has its own computers and you will be given an account on these systems.  The CS computers are mainly UNIX workstations and these are the principal computers you will use for completing coursework, reading electronic mail, etc.  Additionally, ISD has a large pool of computers located in workrooms across the campus.  These are mainly PCs and are useful for running popular PC packages such as Microsoft Office. See http://www.ucl.ac.uk/isd/students/workrooms/locations for details of locations and opening times.

4.1 CS Computer Accounts

For CS computer accounts register in the Department during the first week (see the first week timetable for precise location and timings).  It is very important that you get an account as soon as possible so that you can do the introductory practical work.

4.2 IS Computer Accounts

All new students will be pre-registered with automatically generated passwords that will be printed on folded and sealed Computer Registration Slips, these will be issued at enrolment.  

However, should you miss gaining your password at enrolment there will also be another opportunity, for ISD computer accounts; go to the helpdesk on the ground floor of the DMS Watson Library building during the first two weeks of term.  The DMS Watson Library building is the next block along, on the right hand side as you face this building.  For access you will need your Studnet ID.

4.3 Conditions of Computer Use

When you register for an account on Departmental Computers, you will be given a copy of the "Conditions of Use".  You will also be required to sign a copy.  Please read these conditions carefully, as they are very important.  Any breach of these conditions will be treated seriously, and offenders may be subject to Departmental and/or UCL disciplinary procedures.

Examples of unacceptable use include the following, but please note this list is NOT exhaustive.

• possession or use of software intended to subvert the security of any computer system, or seek vulnerabilities (e.g., "portscanners").
• possession or use of software intended to compromise any user's password or system password.
• possession or use of software intended to intercept network traffic.
• possession or use of software which has been obtained illegally or in breach of any licence agreement.
• use or attempted use of any other user's account (with or without their permission), or allowing any other person to access your own account.
• sending electronic mail that may cause offence or nuisance, or mail in conjunction with commercial activities.
• possession, propagation or display of any material likely to cause offence (e.g., pornographic, racist or sexist text or images).
• the use of P2P software, or any software that causes unacceptable loads on the network.

There are separate but similar conditions for use of main UCL computers.  Users are at all times bound by both sets of regulations.

Please note that the ultimate penalty that can be (and has been) applied for misuse of computing facilities is permanent dismissal from UCL.

4.4 Electronic mail

CS computers and the UCL computer facilities both provide efficient electronic mail (e-mail) systems.  You will be shown what the Departmental system is and how to use it in your first week.  E-mail will be our main means of written communication so youmust read your e-mail regularly, preferably every day.

E-mail makes communication easy and convenient but must be used sensibly.  In particular, beware of electronic mailing lists that make it very easy to send a message to a large group of people.  The people who receive your message will find electronic junk mail at least as irritating as they do the paper sort.  Think very carefully therefore before sending mail to a list and be sure that your message really is of interest to everyone who will receive it.  If you misuse the e-mail facilities you run the risk of having your computer account disabled.

In addition, the power and immediacy of e-mail also occasionally seems to stimulate some people to send the sort of abusive messages that they would never dare deliver face-to-face.  Again, the Department will not tolerate such anti-social usage of the e-mail system.

There are separate mailing lists for each of the CS programmes and for many of the individual taught modules.  It is up to you to make sure that your name is on the list for each of the modules you study.  This is very important.  If you are not on the list you may miss vital information concerning coursework etc.  Adding yourself to a list is simple.  The mechanism will be explained during the introductory lectures.

4.5 The World Wide Web

The "World Wide Web" (WWW) is a powerful system for sharing information across the Internet. CS has adopted a policy of using the web as a means of presenting information to students and for many other purposes.  Thus, there are entries describing each of the Department's degree programmes, entries about our members of staff, our main areas of research, and so on (see http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/students.html). You will be told more about using the web during the introductory lectures.

Documents on the web are usually identified by a "Universal Resource Locator" (URL) for example, the URL for the on-line version of this document is http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/survival.html.  A web browser (e.g., Mozilla) is a program, which displays web documents and makes it easy to move between documents to find the information you need.

4.6 Faulty Equipment etc.

Faults in computer equipment are usually best handled via e-mail but you can also visit the helpdesk in on the 4th floor. In most cases a message should be sent to request@cs.ucl.ac.uk.  Faults in the fabric of the building should be sent to building-faults@cs.ucl.ac.uk.  If the fault occurs in a specific piece of research equipment belonging to the group with whom you are doing a project, you should inform members of the group and group leader.

4.7 Computer Labs

There are a number of computer labs in the building on the 1st and 4th floors, which are exclusively available for use by students of the CS Department.  In general you are free to use any machine in any lab but note that some will be marked for special use and certain groups of students have priority use of these machines.

You should note:

• Labs are quiet areas, like a library — please be considerate to other users. 
• Eating or drinking is NOT ALLOWED in any of the labs at any time.
• For security reasons, labs are monitored by CCTV.

Please see http://tsg.cs.ucl.ac.uk/services/ for details of the services available.

4.8 Using your Laptop in a Lab

You may use your own laptop in the labs and can connect to the network at allocated network points (marked clearly in yellow) in the labs. Do not use any other sockets or unplug network cables to use a socket. To connect, your laptop needs an ethernet port and be set up with an IP address. Most laptops built-in ethernet port, if not you will need to buy an ethernet card (PCMCIA or PCcard). To get an IP address and other configuration information visit the helpdesk. A check will be made that your laptop is not infected with any viruses. Free anti-virus software is available.

Details can be found at: http://tsg.cs.ucl.ac.uk/basics/connectivity/connecting_your_laptop/

The use of P2P software is strictly prohibited. Laptops must not be used to download any material in contravention of licensing or copyright rules. Copyright must always be respected.

4.9 The Helpdesk

For information, advice, and assistance please contact the CS Helpdesk.  You can do this in one of 3 ways:

• go in person to the helpdesk room on the 4th floor,
• or send an email to request@cs.ucl.ac.uk,
• or telephone extension x37280.

(or call the mobile from an internal phone using "#6439" if you cannot find a member of staff or if it is urgent, e.g., dripping water, electrical fault, etc.)

The Helpdesk is staffed from 9.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday, although staff may temporarily be away from the helpdesk if they are attending to a problem elsewhere.  A note to indicate this will normally be written on the whiteboard on the door.

4.10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There may be a simple and quick answer to your question.  Please see:

http://tsg.cs.ucl.ac.uk/index/

If you cannot find the answer to your question or still have problems please contact the Helpdesk.

4.11 Working with PCs

If you have access to a PC at home or in halls you may need advice as to how best to use it in conjunction with the CS workstations.  Dr. Graham Roberts (Departmental Tutor, room 5.07a, email g.roberts@cs.ucl.ac.uk) is the "PC enabler" and will probably be able to help.  However, if you have more general questions about PCs these should be directed to the IS helpdesk and not to Graham.

In general the department works well with few rules, but the following are important and failure to observe them will be taken seriously. The majority of rules and regulations concern assessment and the management and awarding of degrees. The rest are to ensure that the department and college operates as a fair and open community.

5.1 Smoking

Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Department or building.  Furthermore, UCL policy prohibits smoking at all times in the public areas of all buildings. Do NOT smoke outside the building entrance or on the bridges between MPEB and the Roberts Building.

5.2 Food and drink

You must NOT bring food or drink into computer rooms or lecture theatres.  Accidents have happened in the past and have caused great inconvenience.  If you break the rules of the department and misuse the equipment you run the risk of having your account on the machines suspended for a time determined by the system manager.

5.3 Data Protection Act

UCL has a Data Protection Policy that deals with the rights and obligations of students under the general requirements of the Data Protection Act. This policy is published on the web pages of the Human Resources division. The policy requires the agreement of both staff and students that UCL should hold personal data about them for the purpose of administering their academic career. Under the Act an individual has the right to see any personal information held about them by the organisation and to stop information about them being published without their permission. Photographs of students are classed as personal data, as defined by the Act, and may not be displayed in a public place without the specific consent of the subject.

To comply with the Act, the department will ask you to sign a disclaimer agreeing to the ways the department can use and publish your personal information, in particular, the display of individual photographs. If you do not agree to this practice, this is your opportunity to 'opt out'.

5.4 Paper Mail

Post received for you in CS will be collected at Reception on the 5th Floor.  You are discouraged from using the departmental address for general correspondence.  No goods may be sent to the department on your behalf.

5.5 ID cards

Security is important in an "open" building such as ours.  You must carry your UCL ID Card at all times to prove your current status.  Ideally, you should wear them so they are visible.  Anyone who cannot produce a valid ID card may be asked to leave the building.

To enter most buildings within the UCL campus, you must show your ID card, so it is important to carry it with you at all times. Your ID card also acts as your library card. If you lose your card, get a replacement as soon as possible by going to the Access security office in Andrew Huxley building (near the South Junction). You get one replacement for free but subsequent replacements cost £15 each. Avoid losing your card in the first place!

5.6 Certificates of Attendance

Students often need some official document to prove their student status — a "certificate of attendance". CS cannot supply these.  They must be obtained from the Registrar's offices. (Student Centre - Chadwick Building to the right hand side of the main UCL front gate).

There is a great deal of information for students on the main UCL website (http://www.ucl.ac.uk). A good starting point is http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/.

6.1 Student Welfare

6.1.1 The Undergraduate Departmental Tutor

The Departmental Tutor looks after all aspects of undergraduate student welfare, so if you have any problems make an appointment to see the tutor. Appointments are usually made by email for one of the tutor's office hours, which will be advertised when at the start of term.

The current tutor is Dr. Graham Roberts, room 5.07a, email g.roberts@cs.ucl.ac.uk, phone 020 767 3711 (x33711). For minor issues or when Graham is not in his office you should see the Undergraduate Administrator in room 5.22. The Administrator may be able to deal directly with your problem and can tell you the best way to proceed.

6.1.2 Postgraduates

MSc students should contact their respective programme director in the first instance, or the Postgraduate Programme Administrator in room 5.22 if the director is not available.

6.2 Curriculum Issues

For any issues about the modules you are taking, your first port of call should be the module lecturer. If that person is not able to help then make an appointment to see the Year Coordinator or programme director for your programme of study.  For first year undergraduate students this is Dr. Kevin Bryson (email k.bryson@cs.ucl.ac.uk, room 8.04).

6.3 Equal Opportunity Issues

The Departmental Equal Opportunities Liaison Officers (DEOLO) are:

Lynette Hothi
JJ Giwa
Graham Roberts

These people:

• are the first point of contact for personal equal opportunities issues within your department;
• are a local resource within your department to whom staff and students can come for information and advice, distributing and drawing attention to new equality developments and legislative change and ensuring staff and students are conversant with UCL's EO policies and procedures;
• help the Head of Department with the implementation of UCLs Equal Opportunities Policies and practice at a departmental level;
• liaise with the Head of Department about implementation of equal opportunity good practice within the department and corporately;
• provide valuable feedback about equal opportunity implementation at a departmental level, on any specific issues, problems or successes within your department;
• are good listeners, with flexible, non judgemental attitudes to differing perspectives;
• will respect your confidentiality.

6.4 General Departmental Administration

The Reception Desk and Departmental office in room 5.25 deal with most issues to do with the day-to-day running of the department; JJ Giwa is in charge of the Departmental Office, and can be contacted on x37214.