<p>UVa looking at spending billion or more to compete as a major research university. That's what it would take to compete as a top research school.</p>
<p>DailyProgress.com | Can UVa compete in research?</p>
<p>Report has an interesting dept by dept analysis of UVa that was the basis of the article.</p>
<p>well... it does say some mighty nice things about my department. </p>
<p>"Environmental Sciences is an example of a highly ranked, well-financed department that knows how to raise research funds and allocate them effectively." </p>
<p>and "Environmental Sciences is an active and highly ranked department based on interdisciplinary teaching and research. Unlike many other universities with environmental programs, centers, or departments, it has strong programs in the basic sciences in physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as environmental policy studies. This is an aggressive, competitive, go-getter faculty with several high profile multidisciplinary programs in ecology, hydrology, geosciences and atmospheric sciences. "</p>
<p>although it isn't quite so kind on other departments. I might have to hold onto this report just so the next time I get asked in a job interview what are the advantages of an environmental science major from UVa versus a traditional environmental policy major from other school. I've always spouted off that its our extremely strong physical science core instead of policy background, but this states it so eloquently.</p>
<p>There has been some dissension on grounds about the creation of the new "environmental sciences school" at UVa, but I think it could seriously enhance our small, but strong department. Especially in our geosciences area, where courses like mineralogy and structural geology (both required for Masters in Geology programs across the US) haven't be offered in years.</p>
<p>First link to Daily Progress did not work. Here it is.</p>