What are the most challenging courses at University of Texas at Austin?

Based on student ratings aggregated from across the web, the most challenging courses at University of Texas at Austin include ECO420S (Mathematical Microeconomic Theory with Advanced Applications), CS439 (Principles of Computer Systems), BIO326M. 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 UT Austin 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 UT Austin: Most Challenging Courses

The hardest classes at University of Texas at Austin, 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
ECO420SMathematical Microeconomic Theory with Advanced ApplicationsEconomics
95/100 difficulty1.8 out of 5 stars1.8· 96 ratings
95/100
2
CS439Principles of Computer SystemsComputer Science
89/100 difficulty3.1 out of 5 stars3.1· 185 ratings
89/100
3
BIO326MBiology
88/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 93 ratings
88/100
4
ECE302HIntroduction to Electrical Engineering: HonorsEngineering
88/100 difficulty4.2 out of 5 stars4.2· 39 ratings
88/100
5
BCH339JChemical and Synthetic BiologyChemistry
88/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 30 ratings
88/100
6
CS429Computer Organization and ArchitectureComputer Science
87/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 128 ratings
87/100
7
CS439HPrinciples of Computer Systems: HonorsComputer Science
87/100 difficulty4.4 out of 5 stars4.4· 24 ratings
87/100
8
INB165UHuman Systems Physiology LaboratoryBiology
86/100 difficulty1.1 out of 5 stars1.1· 49 ratings
86/100
9
CHE319Transport PhenomenaEngineering
86/100 difficulty3.5 out of 5 stars3.5· 21 ratings
86/100
10
FIN367Investment ManagementFinance
86/100 difficulty1.3 out of 5 stars1.3· 19 ratings
86/100
11
ME353Engineering FinanceEngineering
85/100 difficulty1.4 out of 5 stars1.4· 37 ratings
85/100
12
EE501Engineering
85/100 difficulty1.0 out of 5 stars1.0· 13 ratings
85/100
13
M408LIntegral CalculusMathematics
84/100 difficulty2.4 out of 5 stars2.4· 220 ratings
84/100
14
BIO446LBiology
84/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 77 ratings
84/100
15
BIO365SBiology
83/100 difficulty3.5 out of 5 stars3.5· 123 ratings
83/100
16
BIO344Biology
83/100 difficulty2.9 out of 5 stars2.9· 50 ratings
83/100
17
GOV339LResearch Methods in GovernmentGovernment
83/100 difficulty1.3 out of 5 stars1.3· 10 ratings
83/100
18
NEU330Neural Systems INeuroscience
81/100 difficulty2.8 out of 5 stars2.8· 209 ratings
81/100
19
MBS326RGeneral MicrobiologyBiology
81/100 difficulty3.1 out of 5 stars3.1· 106 ratings
81/100
20
FIN372Economics
81/100 difficulty1.3 out of 5 stars1.3· 19 ratings
81/100
21
FIN321KIntermediate Microeconomics for BusinessEconomics
81/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 11 ratings
81/100
22
BCH339FFoundations of BiochemistryBiology
80/100 difficulty3.2 out of 5 stars3.2· 106 ratings
80/100
23
ECE312Software Design and Implementation IComputer Science
80/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 31 ratings
80/100
24
ACC356Financial Accounting Concepts and ResearchAccounting
80/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 29 ratings
80/100
25
ECO333KDevelopment EconomicsEconomics
80/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 25 ratings
80/100

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Most Challenging Courses