They are called "bird" courses because they contrast to to "dog" courses. Those courses considered as "bird" do not require much effort, whereas those considered "dog" courses require a lot of effort to do well in. The word "dog" is used because of the notions of being beat/hunted down, which some people compare to heavy work and reading loads, as well as lower marks. More negatively, the term "dog" is used to refer to a course that is too demanding, much like a female partner. Thus, when someone says that a course is a a "dog" course they are saying that the course, which is considered feminine, is a bi*ch.
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