Computer Policy

This policy is effective for all students entering graduate programs in the Department of Biostatistics.

1. All students must be in compliance with the University of Florida Computer Policy, effective the date of matriculation.

2. All students must have a GatorLink account

3. All students must have a computer to allow them to complete all coursework and curriculum requirements within their program. Students in on-campus programs must have a laptop computer. Professional success in today’s environment requires high levels of computer expertise. Having a computer throughout your graduate work will ensure that you develop these skills.

  • Minimum Hardware Requirements: All students must have a laptop computer that has the following minimum standards:

4. All students must have the specific software described below. Easy exchange of information between instructors and students or among students depends on common software.

  • Software Requirements
    • Please refer to the PHHP college minimum software policy.
    • For office suite software, Microsoft Office Professional with Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Note: The Small Business Edition is not sufficient. MS Office can be downloaded through UF.
    • For many biostatistics courses, students are required to have the latest version of R and SAS 9.4 or later. Students may also be required to purchase programs for specific classes.

5. Students are responsible for knowing how to operate their computer and its software. There are many software guides available to help students become more proficient with their software. The University of Florida Information Technology Department offers several training courses.

6. Students must have access to e-mail and a reliable internet connection with the ability to send and receive attachments such as electronic document or spreadsheet files.

7. Individual courses may require additional specialized software. In such a case, the faculty member is responsible for ensuring that the software requirements are clearly delineated on the course syllabus. Students are then responsible for acquiring access to the specialized software necessary to complete specific course requirements.

8. Campus students are responsible for providing faculty with appropriate hard copies of computer-generated materials if required as part of the course assignment and are responsible for the cost of printing these materials.

9. Students are responsible for any repair necessary to their computers and are expected to complete assignments in a timely manner regardless of the state of repair of their individual computers.

10. It is likely that over the course of a student’s program, computer upgrades will be necessary. Students are responsible for upgrades required for curriculum completion.

11. As is the case for non-computer-based assignments, all work completed on the computer must be the student’s original work. Students may not receive assistance in completing computer-based assignments unless specifically allowed as part of that assignment. Copying material from others, such as scanning in others’ work, copying others’ files or disks, and/or downloading materials from other sources, and claiming it as the student’s own work is strictly prohibited.

12. Students are forbidden from sharing material protected under HIPAA without appropriate encryption as required by Health Science Center policy. Peer-to-peer file sharing is not permitted as part of any course assignment.


Additional Requirements for Students Taking Online Courses

Hardware

Software

Internet Service

  • A computing device that meets or exceeds the minimum technical requirements of UF, the College of Public Health and Health Professions (as described above) and for e-Learning in Canvas and ProctorU (as described below)
    • Must have administration permissions on the device (particularly during exams)
  • A webcam
  • A headset with earphones and microphone
  • For certain courses, you may also need some form of video capture device
  • Software, browser, components, and privacy settings that meet or exceed the minimum requirements of UF, the College of Public Health and Health Professions (as described above) and for e-Learning in Canvas and ProctorU (as described below)
  • Acrobat Reader
  • A media player such as Microsoft Media Player
  • Antivirus protection
  • Some courses will require additional software downloads during the course
  • Internet service that meets or exceeds the minimum technical requirements of UF, the College of Public Health and Health Professions (as described above) and for e-Learning in Canvas and ProctorU (as described below)
  • Broadband is strongly recommended

e-Learning in Canvas Technical Requirements

What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?

Which browsers does Canvas support?

What accessibility options does Canvas support?

  • View supported browsers
    • Information about supported browsers, components and privacy settings are outlined at the link.
    • Along with the most recent version of a popular browser, you will need up-to-date versions of Flash and Java.
    • You may also need to adjust your browser privacy settings.

ProctorU (Online Proctoring Service) Technical Requirements

What are the basic computer specifications for ProctorU?

Which browsers does ProctorU support?

How can I test my system before an exam?