Environmental Sciences, B.S.

Universal Curriculum Requirements

Program Requirements

1. Interested students should contact the department as soon as possible to get help with establishing a program quickly with appropriate adjustments for AP or transfer credits.

   Not resolved to a course
2. AP credits in related science or math are especially helpful, as is a strong performance on the foreign language placement exam to remove some of the obligation for these proficiency requirements to be completed upon arrival at the university.

   Not resolved to a course
3. The department requires one semester of each of the three basic sciences with their associated labs, such as:

   Not resolved to a course
4. BIOL 2100

   Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics
   4
5. CHEM 1410

   Introductory College Chemistry I
   3
6. CHEM 1411

   Introductory College Chemistry I Laboratory
   1
7. PHYS 1425

   Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers
   3
8. PHYS 1429

   Introductory Physics 1 Workshop
   1
9. NOTE: PHYS 2010/2020 is NOT acceptable for the B.S. Environmental Sciences Degree

   Not resolved to a course
10. Along with one year of Calculus, students must complete the following:

    Not resolved to a course
11. MATH 1310

    Calculus I
    4
12. MATH 1220

    A Survey of Calculus II

    or: MATH 1320 - Calculus II
    3
13. NOTE: Students should discuss the calculus requirement with their advisor before deciding on the appropriate option.

    Not resolved to a course
14. Additionally, two more semesters of related sciences or math are required, such as:

    Not resolved to a course
15. BIOL 2200

    Introduction to Biology w/Laboratory: Organismal & Evolutionary Biology
    4
16. CHEM 1420

    Introductory College Chemistry II
    3
17. CHEM 1421

    Introductory College Chemistry II Laboratory
    1
18. PHYS 2410

    Introductory Physics 2: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics
    3
19. PHYS 2419

    Introductory Physics 2 Workshop
    1
20. MATH 2310

    Calculus III
    4
21. STAT 2020

    Statistics for Biologists
    4
22. STAT 2120

    Introduction to Statistical Analysis
    4
23. The lectures and labs for any specific core course, like the following listed below, should (and in many cases must) be taken simultaneously.

    Not resolved to a course
24. EVSC 2800

    Fundamentals of Geology
    3
25. EVSC 3200

    Fundamentals of Ecology
    3
26. EVSC 3300

    Atmosphere and Weather
    3
27. EVSC 3600

    Physical Hydrology
    3
28. EVSC 2801

    Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory
    1
29. EVSC 3201

    Fundamentals of Ecology Laboratory
    1
30. EVSC 3301

    Atmosphere and Weather Laboratory
    1
31. EVSC 3601

    Physical Hydrology Laboratory
    1
32. In addition, students must take EVSC 4002 - Applications of Environmental Sciences Seminar

    Not resolved to a course
    1
33. An additional 24 credits of graded EVSC courses are required. Three of these credits may be taken below the 3000-level (i.e., 1000- or 2000-level), if they are completed prior to declaring the major. The remainder must be taken at or above the 3000-level, and at least one must meet the analytical course requirement.

    Not resolved to a course

Specialization in Environmental And Biological Conservation

1. The requirements for the Specialization are as follows: Related math and science courses, such as:

   Not resolved to a course
2. BIOL 2200

   Introduction to Biology w/Laboratory: Organismal & Evolutionary Biology
   4
3. MATH 1210

   A survey of Calculus I
   3
4. MATH 1310

   Calculus I
   4
5. CHEM 1410

   Introductory College Chemistry I
   3
6. CHEM 1411

   Introductory College Chemistry I Laboratory
   1
7. PHYS 2010

   Principles of Physics 1 for Pre-Health Students
   3
8. PHYS 2030

   Principles of Physics 1 Workshop
   1
9. PHYS 1425

   Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers
   3
10. PHYS 1429

    Introductory Physics 1 Workshop
    1
11. Two courses in environmental conservation and biodiversity:

    Not resolved to a course
12. EVSC 2220

    Conservation Ecology: Biodiversity and Beyond
    3
13. BIOL 3450

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    3
14. One course in Population Ecology:

    Not resolved to a course
15. BIOL 4130

    Population Ecology and Conservation Biology
    3
16. Students must complete a capstone seminar in environmental and biological conservation:

    Not resolved to a course
17. EVSC 4991

    The Theory and Practice of Biodiversity Conservation
    2
18. Students must take an additonal four uppper-level courses in either Environmental Sciences or Biology.

    Not resolved to a course
19. The courses must cover each of the following areas:

    Not resolved to a course
20. Biological Diversity – a course focused on a particular group of organisms (e.g., plants, birds, mammals)

    Not resolved to a course
21. Environmental Diversity – a course focused on a particular habitat (e.g. wetlands, oceans, forests, grasslands, tundra)

    Not resolved to a course
22. Techniques in Conservation – a course focused on policy, related chemical or physical sciences statistics, modeling, geospatial analysis or field methods

    Not resolved to a course
23. Field Experience – this can be fulfilled through any field-oriented class (e.g. Stream Watch Internship, Hydrological Field Methods)

    Not resolved to a course
24. A field-based independent study or Supervised Research with faculty in Environmental Sciences or Biology, a course at a University of Virginia field station (Mountain Lake Biological Station, Blandy Experimental Farm, the Anheuser Busch Coastal Research Center or an internship with a conservation agency.)

    Not resolved to a course
25. Substitutions for these classes can be approved by the Specialization faculty coordinator.

    Not resolved to a course
26. Students who are interested in this Specialization should consult with the Environmental Conservation Program Coordinator, preferably when declaring their major.

    Not resolved to a course

Distinction and Prizes

1. The Wallace-Poole Award to the most outstanding major.

   Not resolved to a course
2. The Wilbur A. Nelson Award, the Mahlon G. Kelly Award, the Michael Garstang Award and the Hydrology Award to students who are outstanding in the areas of geoscience, ecology, atmospheric sciences, and hydrology.

   Not resolved to a course
3. An Interdisciplinary Award to the student who has performed the most meritorious interdisciplinary research.

   Not resolved to a course
4. The Joseph K. Roberts Award to the student who delivered the best paper at a national conference.

   Not resolved to a course
5. The Trout Unlimited Award for excellence in aquatic ecology.

   Not resolved to a course

Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum Of Virginia

Research Opportunities

Environmental Sciences Organization

Additional Information