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However, some websites and other entities use different factors to measure course difficulty, such as the cumulative grade point average (GPA). A lower GPA among students in a particular course often indicates higher complexity. Additionally, the number of graduates can be a determining factor. Since most courses have an average duration of four to five years, those requiring more time for students to graduate are considered more complex and are ranked accordingly.
Medicine is widely regarded as one of the most complex fields of study due to its demanding curriculum, which encompasses a vast range of topics such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Aspiring medical professionals must be prepared to invest long hours in intensive study to thoroughly grasp these subjects.
In addition to the rigorous academic requirements, gaining admission to medical school is highly competitive. High acceptance rates at universities and the limited number of seats in medical programs contribute to this competitiveness.
For instance, during the 2022-2023 application period in the United States, acceptance rates for medical schools were notably low. Stanford Medicine, for example, had an acceptance rate of just 1.07%, with 8,407 applicants vying for only 90 seats. The University of Wisconsin had a slightly higher acceptance rate of 3.01%, while Mercer University School of Medicine had the highest acceptance rate at 8.07%.
Some may assume that nursing is an easy subject to study; however, it is actually one of the most challenging courses in the world. Nurses bear numerous responsibilities in their specialty field, requiring them to possess extensive knowledge in various healthcare aspects and a comprehensive understanding of related medical sciences. These sciences include, but are not limited to, physiology, pharmacology, patient care, nursing research, and health ethics.
Unlike fields where memorisation might suffice, nursing demands deep comprehension. Nursing students must be dedicated and persistent throughout their four years at university, often dedicating almost 40 hours per week to earnest study.
For instance, a nursing student learning about kidney failure must not only memorise facts and medical terms but also understand the kidney's working mechanism and its impact on other body organs. This holistic approach to learning is time-consuming and necessitates a thorough understanding, illustrating the demanding nature of nursing education.
Studying law requires not only understanding and memorising a vast amount of information but also applying it in practice while still in school. Law students must cultivate and develop skills such as analytical thinking, research proficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail to effectively defend others' rights.
Additionally, law students often need to read extensive legal texts, sometimes 100 pages or more, to extract or verify a single piece of information. This rigorous process can be considered challenging and exhausting by many.
A study involving millions of students conducted by Vitaliy Novik, a chemical engineer and doctoral candidate in economics, revealed that mathematics ranks among the most challenging courses in the world.
This difficulty likely stems from the nature of mathematical matters, which demand a high degree of reasoning, promptitude, and a clear understanding of calculations and mathematical proofs.
Furthermore, mathematics students must choose between two tracks: abstract or pure mathematics and applied mathematics. The abstract track focuses on the study and research of theoretical mathematical concepts without real-world applications. In contrast, the applied track involves using mathematical concepts to solve practical problems in fields like chemistry and physics.
Regardless of the chosen track, both require significant effort to achieve high grades. Despite the challenges, many people still find studying mathematics fascinating.
Physics demands the memorization of numerous concepts and laws, so students should possess several skills and a high level of intelligence before choosing to study it. Additionally, physics students must have a strong grasp of advanced mathematical subjects such as algebra and calculus, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle various physics problems.
Moreover, physics is a cumulative major, meaning success relies on diligent study, patience, and dedicating sufficient time to solving lengthy and often complex mathematical problems. A thorough understanding of all topics in detail is essential for mastering this field.
Chemistry students can shape their career path during their school years, deciding whether to become a chemist, laboratory specialist, scholar, or teacher. Regardless of the chosen path, patience and intelligence are crucial for connecting overlapping concepts. These concepts can not be understood all at once, so students need to study them within consecutive levels, requiring students to study them in consecutive levels, with each level building upon the previous one.
Additionally, chemistry students must possess good logical thinking skills and the ability to visualise dimensions to understand the three-dimensional structure of molecules, predict the outcomes of a chemical reaction, and solve mathematical problems. Diligence and dedication are also essential, as chemistry students need to study at least 18 hours a week to succeed.
Students interested in studying engineering should possess a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as these subjects are fundamental to pursuing any engineering degree, whether electrical, industrial, or civil engineering.
Engineering students must also develop problem-solving skills and effectively apply their knowledge to achieve optimal outcomes. Practical training and specialised courses during school years are essential alongside their assigned studies to earn the title of "engineer."
It is worth mentioning that engineering fields vary in complexity. As of 2023, the most challenging is electrical engineering, which requires an in-depth understanding of all aspects of electricity. Next is computer engineering, which demands a solid grasp of mathematics, computers’ software and hardware, and programming. Aerospace engineering follows, encompassing a vast amount of complex information.
Chemical engineering comes next, combining theoretical and practical knowledge with other sciences and integrating them into chemistry. Finally, biomedical engineering ranks last, integrating nature laws, mathematics, and biology.
Tip: University students should not view their major as a mere bridge to graduation; they should be enthusiastic and passionate about their field of study. Choosing a major that matches their skills and cognitive abilities will help them stand out in the business world and achieve better practical accomplishments.
[1] blog.prepscholar.com, The 13 Hardest College Majors to Challenge Yourself
[2] globaltree.in, Which is the hardest degree in India?
[3] tcglobal.com, The Hardest Degrees In The World [Updated for 2024]
[4] stepful.com, Is It Hard to Get Into Medical School?
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