• EVSC 2900

    Beaches, Coasts and Rivers
     Rating

    2.73

     Difficulty

    2.71

     GPA

    2.88

    Last Taught

    Summer 2025

    Studies the geologic framework and biophysical processes of the coastal zone, and the role of the major river systems in modifying the coastal environment. Emphasizes human modifications, including case studies along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts.

  • EVSC 3020

    GIS Methods
     Rating

    3.45

     Difficulty

    2.71

     GPA

    3.56

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Explores the theory of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications in a range of disciplines using various GIS software packages. Example applications are from physical and social sciences, often with a focus on the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. For students interested in immediate applications of GIS in their work. Experience with word processing, file managers, and other computing skills is essential. Prerequisite: The equivalent of the College natural science/mathematics and social science area requirements.

  • EVSC 3060

    Biomechanics of Organisms
     Rating

    4.11

     Difficulty

    2.67

     GPA

    3.46

    Last Taught

    Spring 2024

    This course explores interactions between biology and the fluid within which terrestrial organisms (air) and aquatic organisms (water) function. Topics covered include locomotion, heat exchange, diffusion and mass exchange, bio-acoustics, and bio-optics in the two different fluids, as well as living at the interface between air and water. Prerequisite: MATH 1190 or MATH 1210 or MATH 1310 or APMA 1090.

  • EVSC 3200

    Fundamentals of Ecology
     Rating

    3.24

     Difficulty

    2.81

     GPA

    3.21

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Studies energy flow, nutrient cycling and allocation in natural ecosystems, organization of species at the population and community levels, and interaction between people and the biosphere. Prerequisite: One semester of calculus; recommended; at least one semester of college-level chemistry and biology with labs such as CHEM 1410, 1420, and BIOL 2020.

  • EVSC 3201

    Fundamentals of Ecology Laboratory
     Rating

    4.24

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.51

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Field and laboratory experimentation illustrative of ecological systems, and their checks, balances, and cycles. Corequisite: EVSC 3200.

  • EVSC 3300

    Atmosphere and Weather
     Rating

    3.68

     Difficulty

    3.29

     GPA

    3.07

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Introduces the physical laws governing atmospheric behavior and examines atmospheric variables and their role in the fluid environment of the earth. Prerequisite: MATH 1190 or MATH 1210 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1310 or MATH 1320 or MATH 2310 or APMA 1090 or APMA 1110 or APMA 2120.

  • EVSC 3301

    Atmosphere and Weather Laboratory
     Rating

    2.88

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.63

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Studies the principles of measurements, instrumentation for measuring atmospheric parameters, and methods of observing and calculating atmospheric variables. Corequisite: EVSC 3300.

  • EVSC 3559

    New Course in Environmental Science
     Rating

    2.50

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.66

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of environmental science.

  • EVSC 3600

    Physical Hydrology
     Rating

    3.97

     Difficulty

    2.65

     GPA

    3.00

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Studies the physical principles governing the flow of water on and beneath the earth's surface, including fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics applied to the description of open channel hydraulics, ground water hydraulics, and dynamics of soil moisture. Introduces elements of surface water and ground water hydrology and explores humanity's influence on its hydrological environment. Prerequisite: One semester of calculus.

  • EVSC 3601

    Physical Hydrology Laboratory
     Rating

    4.17

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.49

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Field and laboratory experimentation illustrative of the hydrological cycle, including energy and mass transfer in surface and ground water. Corequisite: EVSC 3600.