Galloway is a great guy, very easy going and open to questions. He knows his stuff. That being said, this is a verrrry difficult class if you don't have a strong science background. He goes over a ton of information each class with a generous amount of chemistry involved. Exams are pretty hard as most comments allude to. The information is interesting enough, but I would not take this unless you are really interested in environmental science.

I love this professor. He is the man. However, AVOID THIS COURSE AT ALL COSTS. The subject matter is dry and the exams are much more difficult than one would expect from lecture. This class is not an easy way to knock out a general education requirement. Only take if you have a genuine interest in the environment (Nitrogen).

Honestly wouldn't recommend if you're just looking for an easy A. It's a lot more chem-heavy than I imagined it would be ... you'll learn a LOT more about Nitrogen or Sulfur than you probs thought you would... haha. Other than that, the lectures are not terrible and Prof. Galloway is a phenomenal professor and great man.

It's really hard to take these kinds of subjects and turn it into a fun subject, but Mr. Galloway does it!
If you're taking this as a science class, it's nice because he goes into the science, but not so deep that it gets boring. He only touches enough science to understand what the environmental implications are and makes it very interesting by always highlighting how this science connects to sustainability. The science you really touch on that might be challenging is just chemistry, but it's very basic chemistry so don't let that scare you unless chemistry and you really don't get along.

If you're interested in how your daily life and industrial society connects to the environment, this is the class for you! Out of all the EVSC classes I've seen (not taken), this seems to be the most broad for introducing a wide-range of topics just to understand how sustainability works in the real world.
I got an A in the class without doing the extra-credit project, but before the final exam I was at the tipping point of an A- so I think this class might be curved.
To succeed, do not take everything he says TOO SERIOUSLY when you're studying and only note his broader point. Like if he introduces statistical information to prove his point, don't pay attention to those statistics. A lot of people in the class made the mistake of studying too in depth of these kinds of things. Doing the readings isn't worth it - it's always worth maybe 1-3 questions on the exams but that's it. It's true like in the comments below that everything is in the slides.

Professor Galloway is incredible! He is so approachable, funny, and passionate about his subject (especially nitrogen). Classes are enjoyable and packed with information. However, exams can prove difficult and long - they require a lot of preparation. However, he provides all the info needed to succeed, and he gives extra credit. I absolutely loved this class!

This class is awesome. I had no background in environmental science or chemistry going in and was very nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up because of this courses reputation for being very difficult. While it is challenging, it is possible to do well if you are willing to put in the effort (that being said you don't have to do the readings) and if you go to Galloway's office hours to ask questions. He's extremely helpful with anything that you don't understand and even gave me helpful advice about majoring in env sci. Overall, I'm so glad that I took this class and I can confidently say that I now have a fundamental understanding of how some major chemicals interact with the environment.

Galloway is a really funny, cute, and intelligent guy. He always brings in personal anecdotes that always makes the class laugh. The information is very relevant but for an intro class, the tests are hard especially if you don't have any background in envi sci. I recommend you take this though because it really isn't that hard and it's pretty easy to study!

Favorite professor at UVA! He is so, so passionate and extremely knowledge about the matter he is teaching. He served on the International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) which includes the best scientists around the world. He is extremely modest, and my classmate and I just looked him up to see the extent of what he has done, and it's amazing. The subject material is a little dry if you have any sort of background in env. sci., but if you go to and pay attention in class and you'll do fine. His review sessions before the exam are very helpful. We had an exam the day of Halloween, so in the next class after the exam, he and his wife came to class dressed in gorilla suits and brought candy for the entire 150 person lecture. Awesome man, great professor!

This is a really great class! I loved Galloway, he is adorable. There is a textbook for the class but you do NOT need to read it. Unless you really want some more background or something, the tests only contain material from the lectures. I recommend just renting one. Pay attention in class and study the powerpoints he uses (he posts them), and you'll do well on the tests. Also, if you go to class on Friday he usually gives out a test question and passes out candy. There were only 2 graded homework assignments that he graded very leniently and were pretty easy.

Galloway has inspired me to major in the EVSC field. His class is well organized and engaging. He is an absolutely phenomenal professor. I made the mistake of doing all the readings the first half of the semester. His tests are almost entirely based off of his lecture power-points AND comments. However, his tests are very difficult. They're almost all free response, and many people felt the grading was unfair. So, go to class, take good notes, and be prepared to power study for his two exams and final, and you'll get an A. TAKE THIS CLASS!