Learning and study
Compare courses using their syllabuses
Paste the text of each syllabus and say what you are trying to decide. Catalog summaries and memory leave out the details that matter, such as how much of the grade rests on exams versus projects and whether a listed prerequisite is actually enforced.
A text to start with
I am deciding between [Course A] and [Course B]. Here are their syllabuses: [paste syllabus A] and [paste syllabus B]. My goal is [e.g., to prepare for a graduate program in statistics, or to fill a gap in my data analysis skills at work]. Compare them on prerequisites, weekly time commitment, assessment methods, and fit with my goal. Say which workload figures come from the syllabus and which you inferred, and list anything the syllabuses leave unclear.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.What to check
The comparison can be no more accurate than the documents you give it. If one syllabus is outdated or a draft, the result will reflect that. Check which workload figures are stated in the syllabus and which were inferred, and treat the inferred ones cautiously. A listed prerequisite may not match what the department enforces, so confirm with the institution before you rely on it.
What to do next
Turn the unclear points into specific questions for the instructor or an adviser. Someone who has taken the course can also tell you how the real workload compares with the one on paper.