EVSC 2050

if you want an easy A and are just trying to knock off a natural science/method requirement with UVa, then this class is great to take. to be honest, i don't think you even have to show up to class--half the time Macko is talking about stuff that you're not even sure is relevant to the tests. if you do go to class, he does emphasize some things that you should pay attention to for the tests (as well as the labs--he often gives away answers or explains them during class), but, again, i don't think it's necessary to go. i recommend signing up for this class with some buddies so you can work on the labs together--to study, just skim the book.
overall, not a bad class--they just get really boring from time to time.

I thought Oceanography would be pretty interesting but man this class was boring. It's easy to do well (just read the textbook) but I was so bored that I only read about 1/3 of it and still ended up with a B. Lectures aren't really relevant, and are a poor substitute to just reading the book. If you find the book interesting, take this class. If you can't tolerate that, then avoid.

do NOT take this class.

easiest class i have taken at uva - with minimal work you can manage an 85 which is usually an A in this class

Good and interesting class. Macko is passionate about his subject. Not too hard.

This class was very odd. I expected something completely different. The lectures are completely worthless and any slide he shows in the lectures (which aren't even that helpful) are not posted online. Just read the book and pay attention to the minor details in the readings. Don't take this class for granted because the past test averages have been 69-73%. As for the labs he assigns in this class, they are extremely easy. They are more like busy work rather than something important.If you are trying to knock out your science requirement, turn away and find another class. There are plenty that are MUCH easier.

GET OUT OF THIS CLASS!!! There is a huge curve which makes the class GPA like it is, but the labs are hard and the exams are impossible. What he lectures about is not on the exam. It all comes from the book and the key terms he puts online. I worked my ass off on the labs and I still got an 80 average. Terrible lecturer. Really goofy and just seems like a really awkward guy.

Lectures are a big joke. Read the book, get an A.

I loved Macko and this class. He's an incredibly goofy guy and is clearly passionate about what he teaches. I found his lectures to be some of my favorite at UVa and he's super approachable. He gave out a study guide for all the tests and as long as you went through them, you were golden. Don't take the labs lightly though.

Class is NOT an easy A. Pick another class for your science requirement. The exams are a lot harder than they seem, and most people do not do well. Professor Macko is a really nice guy, but rambles on and on in class a lot. He can be pretty funny, and is really passionate about his research, but overall the class is just not worth the bad grades.