What are the most challenging courses at University of Colorado Boulder?

Based on student ratings aggregated from across the web, the most challenging courses at University of Colorado Boulder include HIST2561, FNCE3010 (Corporate Finance), BCHM4611 (Principles of Biochemistry). Courses with the highest reported challenge levels. See the full ranked list above and open any course for the detailed breakdown.

How are the most challenging courses at CU Boulder determined?

Each course is scored on difficulty, a 0–100 measure built from student ratings and sentiment aggregated across the web, and ranked accordingly. Courses with the highest reported challenge levels. Students can also add their own reviews on each course page.

Is this ranking based on real student feedback?

Yes. The ratings aggregate real student feedback, so each score reflects many data points rather than one opinion. We show how many ratings back each course so you can gauge confidence, and written student reviews add firsthand detail on top.

Hardest Classes at CU Boulder: Most Challenging Courses

The hardest classes at University of Colorado Boulder, ranked by student-reported difficulty. Plan your schedule around the most challenging courses before registration.

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Most Challenging Courses

Top 25 · courses with the highest reported challenge levels

1
HIST2561History
90/100 difficulty1.7 out of 5 stars1.7· 28 ratings
90/100
2
FNCE3010Corporate FinanceFinance
88/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 74 ratings
88/100
3
BCHM4611Principles of BiochemistryChemistry
87/100 difficulty3.4 out of 5 stars3.4· 46 ratings
87/100
4
ECON4626The Economics of Inequality and DiscriminationEconomics
87/100 difficulty3.8 out of 5 stars3.8· 25 ratings
87/100
5
ASEN3700Orbital Mechanics/Attitude Dynamics and ControlAerospace Engineering
87/100 difficulty1.0 out of 5 stars1.0· 19 ratings
87/100
6
CSCI3753Design and Analysis of Operating SystemsComputer Science
86/100 difficulty2.7 out of 5 stars2.7· 54 ratings
86/100
7
BUSM2021Principles of FinanceFinance
85/100 difficulty2.1 out of 5 stars2.1· 54 ratings
85/100
8
ACCT3230Corporate Financial Reporting 2Accounting & Business Law
85/100 difficulty2.7 out of 5 stars2.7· 34 ratings
85/100
9
IPHY1600Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology For Non-MajorsIntegrative Physiology
85/100 difficulty1.6 out of 5 stars1.6· 22 ratings
85/100
10
FNCE3030Investment and Portfolio ManagementFinance
84/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 76 ratings
84/100
11
CSCI3155Principles of Programming LanguagesComputer Science
84/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 61 ratings
84/100
12
IPHY3415Human Anatomy LaboratoryIntegrative Physiology
84/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 22 ratings
84/100
13
ASEN3713Thermodynamics and Heat TransferAerospace Engineering
84/100 difficulty3.4 out of 5 stars3.4· 16 ratings
84/100
14
IPHY3430Human PhysiologyIntegrative Physiology
83/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 108 ratings
83/100
15
ECON3070Intermediate Microeconomic TheoryEconomics
83/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 55 ratings
83/100
16
MCDB3145Cell BiologyMolecularCellularDev Biology
83/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 33 ratings
83/100
17
IPHY3435Physiology LabIntegrative Physiology
83/100 difficulty2.1 out of 5 stars2.1· 17 ratings
83/100
18
ASEN2402ThermodynamicsAerospace Engineering
83/100 difficulty2.8 out of 5 stars2.8· 14 ratings
83/100
19
ASEN2002Aerospace Engineering
82/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 43 ratings
82/100
20
IPHY4600ImmunologyIntegrative Physiology
82/100 difficulty3.6 out of 5 stars3.6· 40 ratings
82/100
21
ORGN3040Business
81/100 difficulty4.2 out of 5 stars4.2· 22 ratings
81/100
22
PHIL4260Philosophy of LawPhilosophy
81/100 difficulty3.9 out of 5 stars3.9· 11 ratings
81/100
23
CSCI2400Computer SystemsComputer Science
80/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 84 ratings
80/100
24
CHEN4521Physical Chemistry for EngineersChemical Biological Engin.
80/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 20 ratings
80/100
25
PHIL2440Symbolic LogicPhilosophy
80/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 19 ratings
80/100

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Most Challenging Courses