The word ecology is derived from the Greek word oikos, meaning "house". Literally taken, ecology is the study of organisms in their home. More often, ecology is defined as the study of organisms and the abiotic (physical environment). Within the Department, ecology covers a wide range of topics from nutrient cycling to ecological energetics. Specialties include terrestrial, aquatic, marine, and population ecology; resource conservation; and management of ecosystem resources. Fields of application within ecology include: aquatic ecology; fisheries consulting; forestry and agricultural management; parks and recreation; planning and management; resource conservation; toxic soil and water pollution research.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 120 Elements of Ecology
EVSC 215 Introduction to Oceanography
EVSC 222 Conservation Ecology

Advanced Courses

EVSC 320 Fundamentals of Ecology
EVSC 413 Population Ecology
EVSC 415 Topics in Oceanography
EVSC 420 Ecology of Coastal Wetlands
EVSC 423 Marine Environments
EVSC 425 Ecosystem Ecology
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 428 Environmental Microbiology
EVSC 430 Management of Forest Ecosystems
EVSC 431 Methods in Aquatic Ecology
EVSC 432 Aquatic Plant Ecology
EVSC 466 GIS and Arc/Info
EVSC 503 Applied Statistics
EVSC 511 Systems Analysis
EVEC 521 Aquatic Ecology
EVEC 522 Terrestrial Ecology
EVEC 523 Microbiol Ecology
EVEC 525 Ecological Issue In Global Change
EVSC 493, 494 Special Topics in Ecology -- The name and subject of these classes vary semester to semester, as well as the number offered. In the past they have covered topics such as:
             Mammalian Ecology
             Fish Ecology
             Estuarine Ecology
             Ecology of Grasslands and Tundra
             Ecological-Atmospherical Monitoring

Complementary Courses Outside the Department

MATH 131, 132 Calculus
MATH 351 Elementary Linear Algebra
STAT 112 Statistics
BIOL 201, 202 Introductory Biology
BIOL 311 Genetics
BIOL 401 Evolutionary Biology
BIOL 404 Biology of Plants
BIOL 409 Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 410 Vertebrate Zoology
CHEM 141, 142 Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 241, 242 Organic Chemistry
PHYS 231, 232 Classical & Modern Physics and Labs
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Science
 
 

Geosciences is the study of earth and other solid bodies in space. Areas of expertise within the Department include: studies on arid land geomorphology; shoreline erosion and structure of barrier islands; systematic mineralogy and petrology; tectonic history of the Appalachians and other mountain belts; volcanology; estuarine water quality and sediment geochemistry; the effects of acid precipitation on biogeochemical cycles of metals in small watersheds and lakes; the solution chemistry of carbonate groundwaters, the kinetics of geochemical reactions; and the occupance of trace metals in groundwaters in Virginia. Fields of application within geosciences include: coastal process consulting; engineering geology; land use planning and management; groundwater pollution research and consulting; and sedimentary process modeling.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 148 Resources and the Environment
EVSC 181 Climate Change: Past and Future
EVSC 210 Beaches, Coasts, and Rivers
EVSC 215 Introduction to Oceanography

Advanced Courses

EVSC 280 Physical Geology
EVSC 384 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
EVSC 385 Geodynamics
EVSC 386 Introduction to Geochemistry
EVSC 415 Topics in Oceanography
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 466 GIS and Arc/Info
EVSC 478 Groundwater Geology
EVSC 480 Mineralogy
EVSC 481 Petrology
EVSC 482 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
EVSC 483 Earth's Climatic History
EVSC 484 Engineering Geology
EVSC 485 Coastal Processes
EVSC 487 Global Biogeochemical Cycles
EVSC 488 Planetary Geology
EVSC 489 Structural Geology
EVGE 504 Geochemistry
EVGE 507 Aqueous Geochemistry
EVGE 582 Geomorphology
EVGE 584 Sediment Processes and Environments
EVHY 578 Groundwater Hydrology
EVSC 493, 494 Special Topics in Geoscience -- The name and subject of these classes vary semester to semester, as well as the number offered. In the past they have covered topics such as:
             Geology of Virginia
             Geological Disposal of Radioactive Materials
             Rocks & Minerals
             Contaminant Hydrogeology
             Catchment Hydrogeochemistry

Complementary Courses Outside the Department

MATH131, 132 Calculus
PHYS 231, 232 Classical & Modern Physics and Labs
CHEM 141, 142 Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 222 Solutions Chemistry
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 
Summer Geology Field Camp

Hydrology can be defined as the study of the waters of the earth on and below the surface of the planet. Hydrology also involves the study of the various properties of water and its relationship with the living and nonliving environment. Areas of specialization within the Department include: surface and groundwater hydrology; watershed dynamics; hydrogeology; and ecosystem hydrology. Fields of application with hydrology include groundwater management and consulting; water pollution research and regulation; and hydrologic modeling and analysis.

Introductory Courses
EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 210 Beaches, Coasts, and Rivers
EVSC 215 Introduction to Oceanography

Advanced Courses

EVSC 340 Physical Hydrology
EVSC 415 Topics in Oceanography
EVSC 443 Statistical Hydrology
EVSC 444 Applied Hydrology
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 466 GIS and Arc/Info
EVSC 478 Groundwater Geology
EVSC 487 Global Biogeochemical Cycles
EVSC 544 Physical Oceanography
EVGE 584 Sediment Processes and Environments
EVHY 544 Catchment Hydrology
EVHY 545 Hydrological Transport Processes
EVHY 547 Environmental Fluid Mechanics
EVHY 578 Groundwater Hydrology
EVSC 493, 494 Special Topics in Hydrology -- The name and subject of these classes vary semester to semester, as well as the number offered. In the past they have covered topics such as:
             Contaminant Hydrogeology
             Catchment Hydrogeochemistry

Complementary Courses Outside the Department

MATH 131, 132 Calculus
MATH 325 Differential Equations
MATH 351 Elementary Linear Algebra
PHYS 231, 232 Classical & Modern Physics and Labs
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 
CE 315 Fluid Mechanics
CE 336 Water Resource Engineering
CE 430 Environmental Engineering
 

Atmospheric Sciences is the study of the Earth's atmospheric system and other planetary atmospheric systems. The most discussed areas of atmospheric sciences are weather and climate, especially global climate. The atmospheric sciences program at U.Va. focuses on relationships between atmospheric processes and the Earth's biosphere and hydrosphere on a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Areas of specialization within the Department include: synoptic and dynamic climatology; air quality and visibility; atmospheric chemistry; modeling of acid depositions and trace gas transport; mesoscale meteorology and climatology; convective storms; and coastal processes. Fields of application within atmospheric sciences include: air pollution; bioclimatology and agricultural management; and meteorology and climatology research consulting.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 148 Resources and the Environment
EVSC 181 Climate Change: Past and Future
EVSC 250 Man's Atmospheric Environment

Advanced Courses

EVSC 350 Atmosphere and Weather
EVSC 447 Introduction to Climatological Analysis
EVSC 455 Synoptic Climatology
EVSC 457 Microclimatology
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 466 GIS and Arc/Info
EVSC 483 Earth's Climatic History
EVSC 521 Air Quality Planning
EVSC 544 Physical Oceanography
EVAT 541 Atmospheric Dynamics
EVAT 542 Microclimate
EVHY 547 Environmental Fluid Mechanics
EVAT 550 Environmental Climatology
EVSC 493, 494 Special Topics in Atmospheric Science -- The name and subject of these classes vary semester to semester, as well as the number offered. In the past they have covered topics such as:
             Climate & History of Human Culture
             Ecological-Atmospherical Monitoring
             Climate of Engineered Landscapes

Complementary Courses Outside the Department

MATH 131, 132 Calculus
MATH 325 Differential Equations
MATH 351 Elementary Linear Algebra
STAT 112 & MATH 312 Statistics
PHYS 231, 232 Classical & Modern Physics and Labs
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Science 

The following courses provide the types of specialized experience on which to base graduate training and research, as well as to prepare for professional entry-level jobs in Natural Resources and Land Use Management.

Introductory Courses

Any of the 100- through the 300-level courses can be selected for introduction to specific physical processes involving resources and land usage.

Advanced Courses

EVSC 362 GIS Methods
EVSC 413 Population Ecology
EVSC 425 Ecosystem Ecology
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 430 Management of Forest Ecosystems
EVSC 444 Applied Hydrology
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 465 Environmental Policymaking in the U.S.
EVSC 484 Engineering Geology
EVSC 485 Coastal Processes
EVSC 503 Applied Statistics
EVSC 511 Systems Analysis in Environmental Science
EVSC 521 Air Quality Planning
EVSC 560 Land Use Policies
EVEC 525 Ecological Issues in Global Change

Complementary Courses Outside the Department

STAT 112 Introduction to Statistics
ECON 201, 202 Micro, Macro Economics
PLAN 306 Land, Law, and the Environment
GFAP 361 Intro Public Administration
SOC 461 Population Analysis
 

The following courses provide the types of specialization experience on which to base graduate training and research, as well as professional entry-level jobs in Environmental Chemistry.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 148 Resources and the Environment

Advanced Courses

EVSC 425 Ecosystem Ecology
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 480 Mineralogy
EVSC 481 Petrology
EVSC 487 Global Biogeochemical Cycles
EVSC 523 Microbial Ecology
EVHY 578 Groundwater Hydrology

Complementary Courses

MATH 231 Calculus III
MATH 351 Linear Algebra
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 361 Physical Chemistry
CHEM 551 Instrumental Methods
PHYS 231, 232 Classical & Modern Physics, and Labs
CS 101 Introduction to Computer Science
 

The following courses provide considerable direct experience in various methods and strategies of research. They each present techniques in an introductory fashion. A good science and math background should allow one to be competitive in any of these courses.

Field Methods, Observation, Data Acquisition

EVSC 280L, 320L, 340L, and 350L (Labs)
EVSC 444 Applied Hydrology

Laboratory Analytical Techniques, Instrumentation, and Observation
EVSC 280L, 320L, 340L, and 350L (Labs)
EVSC 470 Instrumental Methods for Analysis
EVSC 480 Mineralogy
EVSC 481 Petrology
EVSC 523 Microbial Ecology

Mathematical Models, Statistics, Computing and Research Design
EVSC 320L and 340L (Labs)
EVSC 362 GIS Methods
EVSC 413 Population Ecology
EVSC 443 Statistical Hydrology
EVSC 444 Applied Hydrology
EVSC 447 Introduction to Climatological Analysis
EVSC 455 Synoptic Climatology
EVSC 464 Land Use and Environmental Models
EVSC 466 GIS and Arc/Info
EVSC 503 Applied Statistics-Environmental Science
EVAT 541 Atmospheric Dynamics
 

Each of these courses provide a basic introduction to the concepts and terms of specific areas of Environmental Sciences. For interests in science writing, either a set of courses from this list or a major with detailed specialization in one area is a good approach.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 120 Elements of Ecology
EVSC 161 Land Use and Environmental Impact
EVSC 181 Climate Change: Past and Future
EVSC 201 Materials That Shape Civilization
EVSC 210 Beaches, Coasts and Rivers
EVSC 215 Introduction to Oceanography
EVSC 222 Conservation Ecology
EVSC 230 Introduction to Environmental Policy
EVSC 250 Man's Atmospheric Environment

Advanced Courses

EVSC 362 GIS Methods
EVSC 415 Topics in Oceanography
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 430 Management of Forest Ecosystems
EVSC 447 Introduction to Climatological Analysis
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 465 Environmental Policymaking in the U.S.
EVSC 484 Engineering Geology
EVSC 485 Coastal Processes
EVSC 521 Air Quality Planning
EVEC 525 Ecological Issues in Global Change

For greater detail in physical processes, the DepartmentĘs core courses are recommended:

EVSC 280, Physical Geology
EVSC 320, Fundamentals of Ecology
EVSC 340, Physical Hydrology
EVSC 350, Atmosphere and Weather
 

Each of the courses listed below contain considerable legal or planning content, or clearly explain the processes which are frequently the subject of litigation, legislation, planning, and regulation. Material is presented in an introductory fashion.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 120 Elements of Ecology
EVSC 148 Resources & the Environment
EVSC 161 Land Use and Environmental Impact
EVSC 181 Climate Change: Past and Future
EVSC 201 Materials That Shape Civilization
EVSC 210 Beaches, Coasts and Rivers
EVSC 215 Introduction to Oceanography
EVSC 222 Conservation Ecology
EVSC 230 Introduction to Environmental Policy
EVSC 250 Man's Atmospheric Environment

Advanced Courses

EVSC 362 GIS Methods
EVSC 415 Topics in Oceanography
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 430 Management of Forest Ecosystems
EVSC 447 Introduction to Climatological Analysis
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 465 Environmental Policymaking in the U.S.
EVSC 484 Engineering Geology
EVSC 485 Coastal Processes
EVSC 521 Air Quality Planning
EVSC 560 Land Use Policies
EVEC 525 Ecological Issues in Global Change

Complementary Courses

The 300-level core courses provide the first level of advanced work in specific processes.
 

The following courses deal directly with human evolution, human health, plant and animal population, or with toxins and other pollutants in the environment that influence short- and long-term health.

Introductory Courses

EVSC 120 Elements of Ecology
EVSC 148 Resources & the Environment
EVSC 222 Conservation Ecology

Advanced Courses

EVSC 320 Fundamentals of Ecology
EVSC 413 Population Ecology
EVSC 425 Ecosystem Ecology
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 428 Environmental Microbiology
EVSC 447 Introduction to Climatological Analysis
EVSC 521 Air Quality Planning
EVSC 523 Microbial Ecology

Complementary Courses

The core courses provide the first level of advanced work in specific processes.
 

The following courses deal with the basic natural processes and applied aspects of materials, water, air and biological activity, which are managed, financed, regulated and analyzed by business. Materials are presented in an introductory fashion.

Introductory Courses
EVSC 101 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSC 120 Elements of Ecology
EVSC 148 Resources & the Environment
EVSC 161 Land Use and Environmental Impact
EVSC 201 Materials That Shape Civilization
EVSC 210 Beaches, Coasts and Rivers
EVSC 215 Introduction to Oceanography
EVSC 222 Conservation Ecology
EVSC 230 Introduction to Environmental Policy
EVSC 250 Man's Atmospheric Environment

Advanced Courses

EVSC 362 GIS Methods
EVSC 415 Topics in Oceanography
EVSC 427 Soil Science
EVSC 430 Management of Forest Ecosystems
EVSC 447 Introduction to Climatological Analysis
EVSC 462 Land Use Management
EVSC 465 Environmental Policymaking in the U.S.
EVSC 483 Earth's Climatic History
EVEC 525 Ecological Issues in Global Change
EVSC 484 Engineering Geology
EVSC 485 Coastal Processes
EVSC 560 Land Use Policies
 
 

Environmental Sciences Department 291 McCormick Rd Charlottesville, Virginia (434) 924-7761