<p>In my e-mail it said that Hopkins had a "top ranked environmental engineering program." I was wondering about the validity of this statement and how highly ranked/known it is for environmental engineering. Also, how are the Biology and Chemistry departments are Hopkins? Are they ranked highly and known by those who matter?</p>
<p>The chem and env. engineering departments are excellent. Relatively few people major in chemistry, which I think is another plus. Biology depends on your interest; JHU only focuses on molecular biology/neurobiology (very good program), completely neglecting ecology/evolutionary biology. I liked the natural sciences major, integrating many sciences.</p>
<p>Hmm... its very disappointing that they neglect ecology/evolutionary biology :[</p>
<p>How are Hopkins' Earth and Planetary Sciences/Environmental Earth Sciences departments?</p>
<p>I wouldn't say that ecology and evolutionary biology are neglected at all. Professor Teaford, who is also a member of the medical school faculty, teaches several courses a year on evolution, biological anthropology, and evolutionary biology. I sat in on a biological anthropology class. Though it's not my field of interest, the lecture on bipedalism kept my full attention for an hour and a half: it was informative, Dr. Teaford incorporated technology into the class very well, and he seemed really interested in both the material and the students.
As for ecology, I know that it's taught, and I know that the classes receive high marks in the ACE (Academic Course Evaluation) guide.</p>
<p>Yes, but the main focus is on molecular biology, etc. Compared to similar schools (like Duke), its ecology offerings are very limited. They do offer some courses, though. JHU offers a concentration in biophysics- not one in ecology like many other colleges. That's why I want to major in Natural Sciences-more flexibility! That said, JHU is an awesome science school. Period. :)</p>
<p>The new guide with this year's Engineering rankings (for 2006) ranks Engineering specialties. JHU is #1 for Bio-engineering. JHU also cracked the top 10 list for Environmental Engineering specialty this year! The same professors who teach graduate students, teach undergraduates at JHU. Engineering at Hopkins is stronger than it is at most Ivy Leagues.</p>