* More hours per week: Expect to spend considerably more time on reading, assignments, projects, and studying for a 5-credit course compared to a 3-credit course. It's not just a simple 2/3 increase; the intensity often scales non-linearly.
* More demanding assignments: Larger projects, more complex papers, potentially more exams, or a greater volume of smaller assignments are common.
* Faster pace: The material will likely be covered at a faster pace, leaving less time to absorb and process information.
* Higher expectations: Instructors often expect a deeper level of understanding and engagement from students in higher-credit courses.
It's not simply "50% harder," as the added workload might feel much more than that due to the increased intensity and pressure. Think of it as a difference in magnitude, not just addition. Taking one 5-credit course alongside other courses could feel as demanding, or even more so, than taking several 3-credit courses. The difficulty also depends heavily on the subject matter and the instructor's teaching style.