Looking for a challenging course this term? We’ve combed through the Q Guide and compiled a list of some of the hardest courses at the College this spring.

Social Studies 10b: "Introduction to Social Studies"

Although 76 percent of students enrolled in this course last spring rated it as "difficult" or "very difficult," 94 percent of them would recommend it. Their recommendations, however, don't really matter: Social Studies 10b is required of all social studies concentrators, one of the most popular concentrations at the College.

Chemistry 161: "Statistical Thermodynamics"

Ninety-four percent of students enrolled in this class last spring rated the course as "difficult" or "very difficult," and 95 percent of them would "definitely not recommend" or are "unlikely to recommend" this course. Here's a bit of advice from one Q Guide student comment: "If you have to take it, take it pass/fail."

Philosophy 151z: "Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics"

Although 75 percent of students rated this course as "difficult" or "very difficult" the last term it was offered, which was in the fall of 2009, 85 percent of students indicated they were "likely to recommend" it or would recommend it "with enthusiasm." One student comment in the Q Guide seems to reflect the general consensus of students who completed the course: "Tons of work, but totally worth it if you’re interested in the subject matter."

Applied Mathematics 120: "Applicable Linear Algebra"

One comment in the Q Guide urges potential students to "be prepared to work hard. Real hard," but as this is an applied mathematics course, we'll let the numbers speak for themselves: 81 percent of students rated this course as "difficult" or "very difficult" the last term it was offered, which was in the fall of 2009.

Economics 1126: "Quantitative Methods in Economics"

Seventy-two percent of students enrolled in this course last spring rated this course as either "difficult" or "very difficult," and only 23 percent would recommend this course without "reservations." Student comments were unavailable in the Q Guide as "no student responses were submitted or the course head opted to not display the text responses."

Physics 123: "Laboratory Electronics"