Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I get an account, or get help?

    For all inquiries related to the HMDC RCE, please contact our support helpdesk.

    For fastest service, please email directly support@help.hmdc.harvard.edu. Or, you may also call 617-495-4734 (x54734) from 9AM-5PM weekdays.

    If your question is not answered here on our RCE support website, you may also find the information you need on our User Services website, which covers topics relating to the HMDC RCE and...

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    What is the cost to use the RCE?

    The RCE is free to use for qualified individuals in the pursuit of social science research, within certain limits.

    If your needs exceed the capacities of the shared RCE environment, we can work with you to establish dedicated RCE resources for your exclusive use. If you are planning a large project, please contact us prior to your grant application so that we can assist in budgetary estimation.

    The standard limits...

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    Will I be contacted to participate in other experiments?

    You will only be contacted via e-mail if you answer "Yes" to the question "May we contact you with requests to participate in research or to update you on projects ? (Note: We will not share your e-mail address with anyone.)" on any survey hosted on DLABSS.

    What courses are best for first-year students to take?

    Many students begin with one of our foundational courses -- WGS 1200 or WGS 1210 -- or with a Freshman Seminar related to gender and sexuality studies. Students can also begin with any General Education courses taught by WGS faculty. (Freshman Seminars and Gen Ed courses that count for WGS concentration credit are listed on our pre-approved courses page, which is updated every year.)...

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    What is a meteorite?

    Meteorites are extraterrestrial rocks that have fallen to Earth. They are the only geological samples that preserve records of the earliest events in the history of our solar system. Minerals such as pyroxene, olivine, nickel and iron are common components of many meteorites. Scientists classify meteorites based on their chemical composition and structure.

    Where do meteorites come from?

    Most meteorites were formed in the main Asteroid Belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids generally follow nearly circular orbits separated by millions of miles. Occasionally, outside forces such as the gravitational pulls of larger bodies lead to collisions with other asteroids, sending them into less stable orbits. For some asteroid fragments, orbital changes bring them into collision courses with larger bodies, including Earth.

    Are radioactive minerals on display?

    Due to safety concerns, we do not have radioactive minerals on display. However, the MGMH does have radioactive minerals in its collection, which are all stored in a thickly walled radioactive storage room designed to minimize potentially harmful exposure to radioactivity. Minerals in the radioactive collection include world famous uraninite crystals from the Swamp #1 Quarry in Topsham, Maine as well as other top specimens such as autunite from the Daybreak Mine in Washington, and torbernite from Cornwall, England and Katanga, Zaire.

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