Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Please note: Estates will be reviewing all departments access information via departmental administrators during michealmas 2010. If, in the meantime, you would like to update your information please contact disability@admin.ox.ac.uk. As some of the information is now out of date please use caution when refering to these webpages and contact the department direct for current Access information.

South Parks Road. Tel. (01865) 275400

Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory Website

The Physical Chemistry laboratories are accessed from South Parks Road via the road, which runs around the Science Area. There are three entrances, two of which are ramped and always locked but could be open if needed. These lead to the ground floor and the basement. The main entrance is +2 stairs, but a portable ramp has been constructed to fit the front door steps, which would allow wheelchair access from the street to ground floor level. This can be used if you phone in advance.

Entry is through a set of double doors, within specification. The enquiries office is to the right as you enter the building; there is a window for enquiries that meets specifications. There is a unisex accessible toilet on this level through double doors that also meets specifications.

The major problem in the chemistry department is that it was built on split-levels, with four steps separating the South and North sections of the building. There is access to the higher level of the ground floor through one of the ramped entrances, but this is kept locked. There are two lifts in this building, one on each section. However, the lift on the higher of the two ground floor levels is +4 stairs. Both the lifts are within the specifications.

Theoretical Chemistry is in the newer section of the building, and is accessed from the main entrance, with flat access from the lift to all three floors. Due to the nature of Theoretical Chemistry most of the work is done on computers and therefore could easily accommodate a wheelchair user. Physical Chemistry is more difficult as it is mainly housed in the higher part of the building.

First floor: The teaching laboratory (-4 stairs from the lift) is accessed through double doors. Despite having fixed benches, there is plenty of space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre. The lecture theatre (also -4 stairs from the lift) is through double doors. There is tiered seating but enough room for a wheelchair at the front. The lecturer's table has flat access. There is alternative access to the lecture theatre and teaching laboratory, through a steep ramp to the side of the building, assistance would probably be required, and in any case this door is usually kept locked. However, due to the nature of the split-level, if you are already in the building it would require leaving the building and entering from the side.

Second floor: Contains a teaching laboratory, which is +6 stairs to the lift and is entered through two double doors. This laboratory is also furnished with fixed benches, but again there is plenty of room to manoeuvre. The Common Room is +9 stairs from the lift but can also be entered from the laboratory side, in which case it is +3 stairs. It contains moveable low furniture. It is only open to graduates and Part II undergraduate students. There is, however, a coffee machine for general use on the ground floor opposite the accessible toilet, all controls are within reach. The library is accessible from the lift, but is only open to graduates and Part II students.

The Theoretical Chemistry part of the building has few obstacles; the Physical Chemistry department is difficult for a wheelchair user to move around independently. Staff are insured to lift people in manual chairs and there are a couple of technicians who will help if you let them know in advance of arrival; they are known as Lab Services (Rooms 10-15).