Many students who enter university to take a science course do not complete it. Instead, a majority of them drop out of the program in second year because the science lessons are complex. The difficulty of the courses comes from the abstract and dynamic nature of the concepts covered. Additionally, the more difficult science courses have a lot of content and require teacher-centered training and learner time.
Source: UGC
The most difficult science courses are also the most rewarding when choosing a career path. Science is also an ever-expanding field with a web of possibilities for future growth and development.
When you study for a science degree, you align yourself with a career filled with many opportunities and discoveries. In addition, science learning enables students to think critically, analyze situations, assess problems and find solutions.
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The hardest science courses to study in 2021
The difficulty of a course depends on what you find fascinating and easier to do. However, some courses require more time for research and assignments, which makes them more difficult than others. Here is a list of the ten most difficult science courses in the world in 2021.
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1. Physics
Physics is the most difficult undergraduate degree in the world to obtain from any university. One of the reasons for this is that it relies heavily on conceptual understanding of the topic. But another factor that makes it even more difficult is that it is the basis of many other sciences, including astronomy and chemistry.
Before a student can apply for a degree in physics, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or an average grade of B (ordinary) or better in high school. In addition, a student must have obtained at least a B (plain) in physics and mathematics. After graduation, a person can work in many fields as a physics teacher, astronomer, researcher, sound engineer, or nanotechnologist.
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2. Chemistry
Chemistry is one of the most difficult science courses because it is a central science. In other words, it brings together biology and medicine, physics and mathematics, and environmental science. Moreover, the abstract nature of the chemical concepts involved makes it complex. Therefore, study requires time, dedication, understanding of the subject, and motivation to learn.
A requires a minimum GPA of at least 3.1 or an average grade of B (ordinary) to enroll. They must also be successful in math and chemistry as well as physics or biology. But once a person graduates, they can work as a chemistry teacher, chemical engineer, toxicologist, water chemist, analytical chemist, or synthetic chemist.
3. Computing
Computer Science is the most difficult science degree to study as it requires a deep understanding of difficult subjects such as computer software, technology, algorithms, statistics, and learning programming languages. All of these subjects require students to devote a lot of time and have enough motivation to perform well.
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You can register to study computer science if you have a 3.2 GPA or B + average grade in high school. Some institutions also require students to pass 70% in four subjects, including math and physics. A student can work as a software engineer, data and application analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or game developer after graduation.
Source: UGC
4. Biology
Biology is a difficult science course to study because it is broad and focuses on the study of life from different angles. It has many branches and sub-disciplines that a student must learn and understand. In addition, the program has highly focused areas that require a lot of time to study, research, and prepare for exams.
To study for a degree in biology, a student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or an average grade of B (plain). It is also necessary to have passed in Biology, English and Mathematics or Physics and Chemistry. After graduation, the degree can help a person become a biology teacher, pharmacologist, researcher, health educator, or genetic counselor.
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5. Nursing
Nursing is the most difficult major in science as students study scientific subjects including chemistry, psychology, anatomy, and physiology. In addition, the courses are long and complex as they involve a lot of lab work, hospital visits, and working with patients.
A student can study a nursing degree if they have a GPA of at least 3.0 or an average grade of B (plain). In addition, they must have passed in biology, chemistry, English and mathematics. After obtaining a nursing degree, one can work as a nurse, paramedic, midwife or associate physician.
6. Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the most difficult course in the world because it takes a lot of memorization and terminology. Additionally, its core courses consist of advanced subjects like math, chemistry, and biology.
Before enrolling for a college neuroscience degree, a student must have a solid background in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and the English language. The advantage of a degree in neuroscience is that it provides an excellent starting point for a career in research science, psychology, and medicine. For example, you can become a dentist, chiropractor, neuropsychologist or food scientist.
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7. Astrophysics
Astrophysics is a branch of physics. But what makes the course more difficult is that it involves a lot of math and physics at an advanced level. In addition, the subject requires a lot of memorization, calculations and late-night studies.
A student who wants to do astrophysics in college must have a solid background in math and physics. In other words, they must have passed both subjects with at least 80%. But once they graduate, they can work as an astrophysicist, professor of physics, astronomer, astronaut, or aerospace researcher.
8. Biomedical engineering
Source: UGC
Biomedical engineering presents itself as the most difficult science because it combines biology with engineering. It teaches students to design medical devices and therapies, plan experiments, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering principles to develop solutions. So, a student needs a lot of motivation, focus and time to be successful.
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As a student, you must have a GPA of at least 3.2 to study Biomedical Engineering or an average grade of B +, with a higher score in Math, Biology, English or Physics and Chemistry. After graduation, the degree can help you become a biomaterials engineer, biomedical researcher, or medical imaging consultant.
9. Molecular engineering
Molecular engineering is a difficult course to study as it is an emerging field of study. In addition, the degree is highly interdisciplinary as it combines many aspects of chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials science and bioengineering. So a student has to study all these subjects which can be difficult.
Since this is an engineering course, a student must have a GPA of at least 3.0 to study Molecular Engineering. They must also have higher marks in all compulsory subjects of mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics. After graduation, a person can work as a mechanical engineer, nanotechnologist, researcher, or robotics expert.
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10. Mathematics
Mathematics is the most difficult science in the world and is probably the science with the most applications in other fields. The course is more demanding because it requires logical reasoning and constant training, which many people do not have the time to do.
You can pursue a major in math if you have a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, you must have passed math with at least 75% to enroll in the program. After you graduate, the degree will help you become a math teacher, accountant, statistician, economist, or market researcher.
The most difficult science lessons are also the most rewarding. When you complete a science major, it opens up opportunities for high paying jobs in different fields. But degree programs like computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, molecular engineering, biomedical engineering, and nursing require a lot of time and motivation to be completed at the university level.
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Tuko.co.ke shared an article on the 15 Most Marketable Courses in Kenya in 2021. Many people who join higher education institutions often think that all courses are equal. This is not the case. Some once popular fields are no longer in demand in the job market these days due to technological advancements or the number of graduates exceeding the available positions.
The most marketable courses in Kenya are based on growing economies and the availability of professionals. This doesn’t mean that these are the only courses you can take. Additionally, the choice of an institution may vary from person to person, but doing a background check is vital.
Source: Tuko Kenya