What are some of the toughest classes at University of Iowa?

Hey folks, I'm looking into the University of Iowa and was wondering about the academic rigor. Can anybody share their experiences about the hardest classes they've taken or heard of at this university?

Hello!

It seems you are not only keen about getting to the University of Iowa but also ready to face its challenges head on, which is absolutely commendable. Universities can have a wide range of courses, and their difficulty can often depend heavily on the individual student's strengths, weaknesses, and interests.

That said, at the University of Iowa, students often mention that some classes in the Tippie College of Business, such as Financial Accounting (ACCT:2200) and Managerial Accounting (ACCT:2100), can be quite challenging due to their analytical nature and in-depth approach to finetuning financial decision-making skills. Many students speak of needing a good foundation in math to excel in these courses.

In the College of Engineering, students often point out that the course on Thermodynamics (ME:2301) can be pretty demanding. This course provides a rigorous understanding of energy, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics, using a mixture of mathematical equations and conceptual understanding.

At the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the organic chemistry series (CHEM:2210 and CHEM:2220) is often mentioned as a tough class, given the requirement for good memorization skills and the ability to apply complex concepts.

In the realm of humanities, the American Sign Language series (ASL:1501, ASL:1502, etc) involves not just learning an entirely new language but also understanding and interpreting the cultural nuances associated with it. Many students find it challenging but rewarding.

Of course, remember that this perception of difficulty can vary greatly from student to student, and individual experiences often differ. Some students might see a class as extremely challenging while others might actually enjoy the contents and thrive in that very class. And of course, don't let the difficulty of certain classes deter you. There are plenty of resources available at the university to support students—the key is to seek help when needed, keep your eyes on your goals, and remember that complex knowledge often comes with persistence and resilience!