What are the most challenging courses at University of South Florida?

Based on student ratings aggregated from across the web, the most challenging courses at University of South Florida include ECH3023 (Material and Energy Balances), PCB4234 (Principles of Immunology), LIS5020 (Foundations of Library and Information Science). 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 USF 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 USF: Most Challenging Courses

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

Registration for Spring 2027 at USF opens Mon, Nov 2. Registrar dates

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Most Challenging Courses

Top 25 · courses with the highest reported challenge levels

1
ECH3023Material and Energy BalancesChemical Engineering
91/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 58 ratings
91/100
2
PCB4234Principles of ImmunologyBiology
88/100 difficulty1.8 out of 5 stars1.8· 29 ratings
88/100
3
LIS5020Foundations of Library and Information ScienceLibrary Science
84/100 difficulty1.2 out of 5 stars1.2· 14 ratings
84/100
4
BCS2010Biology
83/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 78 ratings
83/100
5
HUM3241Central Medieval and Gothic EuropeHumanities
83/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 17 ratings
83/100
6
ZOO3713Biology
83/100 difficulty4.5 out of 5 stars4.5· 17 ratings
83/100
7
ENL3015British Literature to 1616English
83/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 17 ratings
83/100
8
PHY3220Classical MechanicsPhysics
83/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 12 ratings
83/100
9
APK3120Exercise PhysiologyPhysical Education
82/100 difficulty2.2 out of 5 stars2.2· 26 ratings
82/100
10
STA4321Mathematics
82/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 21 ratings
82/100
11
CHM2021Chemistry
82/100 difficulty1.6 out of 5 stars1.6· 15 ratings
82/100
12
EGN3311StaticsEngineering
81/100 difficulty4.4 out of 5 stars4.4· 96 ratings
81/100
13
ACG3113Intermediate Financial Accounting IIAccounting
81/100 difficulty3.5 out of 5 stars3.5· 31 ratings
81/100
14
CNT4419Secure CodingEngineering
81/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 18 ratings
81/100
15
AFA2380History and Theory of GenocideAfricana Studies
81/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 15 ratings
81/100
16
COT4210Automata Theory and Formal LanguagesEngineering
81/100 difficulty1.1 out of 5 stars1.1· 13 ratings
81/100
17
ACG3103Intermediate Financial Accounting IAccounting
80/100 difficulty3.7 out of 5 stars3.7· 160 ratings
80/100
18
PSB4004Psychology
80/100 difficulty2.9 out of 5 stars2.9· 49 ratings
80/100
19
BSC2010LCellular Processes LaboratoryBiology
80/100 difficulty1.4 out of 5 stars1.4· 41 ratings
80/100
20
TPP2110Acting ITheater
80/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 32 ratings
80/100
21
ACG3401Accounting Information SystemsAccounting
80/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 23 ratings
80/100
22
ZOO3713CComparative Vertebrate AnatomyBiology
80/100 difficulty4.5 out of 5 stars4.5· 12 ratings
80/100
23
BCH3023Introductory BiochemistryChemistry
79/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 106 ratings
79/100
24
ISM4212Database Design and AdministrationBusiness
79/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 103 ratings
79/100
25
ACG3341Cost Accounting and Control IAccounting
79/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 73 ratings
79/100

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Most Challenging Courses