Hardest Courses in Universities General Discussion

Hello. My college decision process is leaning towards attending a highly academic institution and I'd really love to challenge myself. Could anyone share some insights about the hardest class they've ever encountered in their university experience, regardless of the university? What made these courses so difficult?

From my experience and interacting with many students, two courses frequently pop up when discussing rigorous college classes: Organic Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics.

Organic Chemistry, often called O-Chem for short, is reputed to be very challenging due to its abstract nature and the demands placed upon memory recall. It goes beyond the basic chemistry principles in high school and delves into the rigorous understanding of how atoms and molecules behave, specifically carbon atoms. You'll be expected to recollect and apply various reactions and conditions, including knowing the structure of molecules in three dimensions.

Quantum Mechanics, on the other hand, is often a beast for Physics or Engineering students. It introduces students to concepts that completely differ from what you encounter in a classical physics course. The mathematical rigor and abstract nature of the material often make it a challenging course. Entities exist in states of probability rather than absolutes, which requires a non-trivial amount of mental gymnastics to fully comprehend.

Keep in mind these are traditionally labeled as difficult due to the abstract concepts and extensive detail required, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find them hard! It's a good reminder that learning is a highly individual process and what one person might struggle with, you might find intriguing and manageable. It also largely depends on the specific teaching style of the professor and the resources available. Any class can be mastered with focus, consistent study habits, and taking advantage of all resources such as office hours, study groups, and supplemental material. Good luck as you head into this challenging and rewarding stage of your academic journey!