Unpacking Course Difficulty at the University of Iowa

Can someone give me a run-down of the 10 hardest classes at the University of Iowa? I've heard some info here and there, but I'd appreciate a comprehensive understanding. How demanding are the coursework, hours of study, etc?

Determining the top 10 hardest classes can be quite subjective and can vary depending on a student's strengths, interests, and major. That being said, there are certain classes that consistently show up in student discussions and surveys as being particularly challenging at the University of Iowa. These courses typically demand a high amount of reading, outside study, and conceptual understanding. However, please note that difficulty can also be influenced by factors such as the professor's teaching style, assignment intensity, and the individual student's background knowledge in the subject.

1. Organic Chemistry (CHEM:2210 and CHEM:2220): These courses are reputed for their challenging content, which involves understanding complex reactions and molecular structures. Extensive outside study is essential.

2. Anatomy and Physiology: These courses involve memorizing a large amount of complex information about the human body.

3. Principles of Microeconomics: This class can be rigorous due to the abstract nature of many of the concepts and the mathematical understanding it requires.

4. Physics classes: These calculus-based physics courses can be tough for those without a strong mathematical background.

5. Engineers Thermodynamics: This class is considered difficult due to the abstract concepts and complex mathematical applications needed.

6. Calculus: These courses move quickly and cover a lot of ground, demanding a strong arithmetic and algebra foundation.

7. Biochemistry: This course involves complex chemical processes happening in biological systems, requiring both a depth and breadth of knowledge.

8. Computer Science I: Fundamentals: This course can be difficult, particularly for those new to programming.

9. Human Genetics: It requires a thorough understanding of complex genetic concepts and principles.

10. Business Law: This course is often mentioned due to the large amount of reading and understanding law cases.

For all these courses, expect to put in a significant amount of time studying outside of class – many students report needing to study 2-3 hours per hour of class time. It's also beneficial to take advantage of professors' office hours, study groups, and the university's academic support resources if you're finding the material challenging. Don't be discouraged if you find these or any other classes difficult – it's part of the academic growth process. At the same time, don't shy away from subjects that interest you either!