Maths helpdesk
The aim of the Predictive Life Sciences Maths helpdesk is to offer informal, face-to-face and friendly advice to life scientists at the University of Bristol, on mathematical modelling, data processing, bioinformatics, statistical analysis or basic software queries.
For further information about how to access the service, please read the frequently asked questions below or contact: maths-helpdesk@bristol.ac.uk
Frequently asked questions
- What is the helpdesk?
- Can I access the helpdesk?
- What can I get advice on at the helpdesk?
- When and where is the helpdesk?
- What does it cost to use the helpdesk?
- What do I need to bring to the helpdesk?
- What happens if the helpdesk consultants can't help?
- How do I book an appointment at the helpdesk?
1. What is the helpdesk?
The PLS Maths helpdesk is a consultancy service that has been set up to address some of the mathematical needs of life scientists across the University. It has the support of the University Research Committee, and the Faculties of Engineering, Science, Medical and Veterinary Sciences and Medicine and Dentistry.
2. Can I access the helpdesk?
Staff, post-doctoral researchers and students registered for a PhD or a Masters degree in the life sciences at University of Bristol may all access the helpdesk.
3. What can I get advice on at the helpdesk?
The helpdesk consultants are PhD students from the Bristol Centre for Complexity Sciences, who are good mathematical generalists. The helpdesk consultants may be able to offer advice on mathematical modelling, data processing, bioinformatics or statistical analysis. Additionally, issues associated with basic software and data handling may also be addressed.
4. When and where is the helpdesk?
The helpdesk currently operates on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00pm – 5:00pm in room PC 1, School of Mathematics, University Walk.
5. What does it cost to use the helpdesk?
The initial 30 minute consultation and one further follow-up consultation will automatically be provided free of charge.
6. What do I need to bring to the helpdesk?
For some types of analyses, it may be necessary to bring a USB memory drive with the appropriate data files. Background information, such as journal articles with key figures, schematics and equations, may also be useful to the helpdesk consultants.7. What happens if the helpdesk consultants can't help?
The helpdesk consultants will operate a triage system. There may be some queries that can be fully addressed in the initial 30 minute consultation. Other queries may require the helpdesk consultants to do some background research prior to a follow-up consultation. The helpdesk consultants may also be able to pass suitable problems up the chain to appropriate members of academic staff within the Departments of Mathematics, Engineering Mathematics and Computer Science. It is hoped that some consultations may seed future inter-disciplinary collaborations.8. How do I book an appointment at the helpdesk?
Helpdesk appointments may be booked through Google documents by following this link: booking calendar. There are six slots available and each appointment takes 30 minutes. To book a slot you need to fill out your name, department, email and brief description of problem. Please note that by entering information into the booking form, boxes will change colour from green to red.
There are two consultants per appointment and if demand is high more appointments will become available. If you are unable to use the booking calendar in Google documents, or are experiencing trouble booking, please email the helpdesk at maths-helpdesk@bristol.ac.uk