Bethann will make you read the text from cover to cover, and along with this, will assign weekly quizzes. If you don't like to read, do not take a class with her. The aspect of her class that hits the hardest is that she doesnt give study guides, so study hard. Although her classes are difficult, she would gladly set time aside just to help you.

Dr. Bierer is by far one of the best professors in the psychology department, if not the whole university. While she follows the book closely, she really makes you think about what you're reading and allows you to get as much out of the material as you possibly can. Classes maintain a relaxed environment, and she is super approachable!

Students serious about the subject get a lot from this Prof. Mastery of the subject requires discussion of reading material, so do not attend this class, or any other in this field, if you want a class with no reading, you can skip to the end and pull out on the final. Text and materials were current and class discussion was interesting, helpful.

Bierer is very relatable, informative, and articulate in her lectures. no dull never-ending powerpoints She is also a genuinely kind professor who wants her students to succeed and be able to apply the material to their life and major. Participation is a part of the grade, but unlike some classes, it isn't tedious... it's enjoyable.

My experience with Dr. Bierer in positive psych was excellent, but from the buzz in class it was clear the non-majors were struggling. They complained that the class required too much of them and they didn't understand expectations. But I read the syllabus, and it's all there. Dr. Bierer has always been available and willing to help.

I have taken five classes with Dr. B. I know several other majors who have, too. I found her to be not only a brilliant professor but also a warm and caring person and an inspirational role model. I am going on to graduate school in the field because of her. She makes you earn your grade by reading, and demonstrating mastery of the material.

This was a good course, for online. Prof puts a lot of effort into it, so it's more like in class than other online courses I've taken. You have to keep up with the readings and participate, but if you do the class is interesting and not hard. Prof does not give study guides. I have always done my own so it was no big deal for me - it's how I learn

History of Psychology is the capstone course. The way Dr. B teaches assures that you have mastered the material AND that you can show employers the kind of work ethic you're going to need when you graduate. She expects you to show up, on time, prepared for class: to meet work deadlines; and show a high quality product every time. She is outstanding

Bierer's class sizes have grown with her popularity, to the point where her sections of upper division courses commonly enroll 50% more than other sections of the same course. Yet, she hasn't lowered standards or cut back on assignments. She can have up to 170 students in a semester, each doing 3 papers (work for both student and prof). Work ethic?

Positive Psych is a great class, major or not. Dr. B teaches not only the theory and practice, but personal application. One of UC Denver's best profs.

"Structure" is a reference to scaffolding, an educational strategy that is appropriate in high school but not in an upper division university course. Dr. Bierer tells you that in her courses you are responsible for your own educational outcomes. For people who are not ready, this seems like chaos. For adults, it is learning paradise.

Dr. Bierer is an amazing teacher, she definitely loves her profession and teaching students about mental illnesses. Her tests aren't based off her lectures, they're mainly on the textbook readings. Don't recommend ditching this class since its not mandatory but she takes attendance. Also, class discussions are great... only if you read the book

This was a good course, partly because the class consisted of good students. Bierer doesn't lecture. She facilitates a discussion among students who are expected to be prepared for each class. Tests are not hard if you are prepared. She expects much more writing skill than other UCD profs. Not an easy A, but not a terror either. Helpful if you ask

Bierer is a pain. She has such unreasonable expectations! 6 to 9 hours of study a week! The due dates keep coming, your papers keep getting marked up! You have to read! You can't sleep in class 'cause she may call on you! No lectures, just Socratic dialog and stuff! Of course, I took three classes from her. My skills improved. What a pain! The best

I had a 7 Habits course in HS. Dr. B has implemented "Clean and Green" leadership principles - she sets the learning goals, defines responsibilities (hers AND yours), offers help, and accepts failure as part of a student's path to success. If you achieve the goals yourself without her help, it's all good. But if you need help, she's there for you.

I struggled a bit in Dr. B's course until I asked for help. She was very helpful, and the course was fine. I'm graduating, going on to grad school - with a recommendation from Dr. B. She has expectations, but she actually teaches. You have to ask for help, though.

Good class. Her tests are pretty difficult if you haven't really put in the study time. I bombed the first couple of quizzes and the first test. She lets you drop your lowest scores. She gave me some study tips, and I did fine after that. Her courses are more work than some students expect. But she made me a better student by waking me up.

Definitely not a course to take if you're just mildly interested, and looking to fill a spot on your schedule. To get an A you will put in 9 hours a week, or more. She's truly an expert in the field and the class is worthwhile, but you will be disappointed in your grade if you are trying to go to school full time and work a 40-hour week.

This was a good class, but a lot of material had to be packed in to a short summer session. It's not a class I'd take again in summer while working full time. I am not sure I did my best work, just because of the pace of this course. The prof was helpful tho, when I got stuck and needed it.

I had Dr. B for Positive Psych and I really enjoyed her! There was a lot of material to cover, and a lot of quizzes. I was slacking at the beginning but I realized I needed to step it up to get the A. She definitely outlines her expectations of you to get an A. She is very helpful, but you need to ask for it. Her class made me a better student.

Bierer's expectations in her upper division courses are appropriately high. She expects you to come to class prepared to discuss what you have read, and she will not tolerate bad behavior. She had to expel a guy for disrupting and I appreciated what she did. I learned a lot and improved my writing and presentation skills. But it's not high school.

I enjoyed the class and learned a lot. Prof is pretty obsessive about cheating and plagiarism - e.g. lots of use of Turnitin, even for exams. Just a headsup that if you rely on various forms of cheating - however sophisticated - you may get in some serious trouble with this prof. Two guys I know tempted fate, and lost big.

I took the Psychology of Mindfulness class during Maymester. The class was heavy on discussion and usually one or so activities in a day. Homework reading was heavy, about 3-5hours a day. Class itself, and the material made it worth it. The material covered is easily usable that day and beyond. Make sure you read before class, and have your details

Dr. B is an excellent professor. She is very knowledgeable of the topics and encourages discussions in class. Weekly quizzes and exams are online, both quite difficult, requiring you to read a lot. Definitely not an easy A.

Not sure why everyone is complaining. If you read the book you will do well. Some of her questions are tricky and deviate from the text book but overall it is a class in which you are expected to read the book, crazy I know. the text is amazing, very interesting topics to read. Her tests are online but only allow 1 hr. i got a 97%

I like this prof.. I definitely earned my grade in terms of the time I spent studying, but I retain what I learned in her course because she made me do the reading and use what I learned. To me, that's important because Abnormal Psych is a core subject in my major.

I enjoyed this course, and learned a lot.

This is a good course to take for self-improvement even if you are not a Psych major. There is a lot of reading, though, and you can hurt your participation grade if you fall behind. However, the professor is very helpful if you ask her for help, clarification, etc. She does have high expectations and challenges you to think but you learn from her

I enjoyed this class, even though there was a lot of reading. I had to use the Writing Center because the feedback on my first paper suggested I needed it. I got to drop the grade on that assignment, and I did better next time. The prof was helpful when I contacted her. Learned a lot, and improved my skills. That's what I came to UCD for.

I took the mindfulness course and it really changed my life. It sounds like a lightweight course but it's not. I didn't expect the level of reading and participation required. I was drawn in by the personal benefit, especially after realizing how comprehensively this prof understands and practices mindfulness - personally and professionally. Great!

This course was just great! Worth the work.

History of Psych was the "capstone course" for Psychology majors when I took it. Bierer is a professor who takes her responsibilities seriously, get ready to draw on all you have learned, integrate it into your own perspective, participate in class discussion, and bring your "A" writing game. Not a course to blow off.

Abnormal Psych online was very interesting and not overly difficult for a third year Psych major. Probably not a good choice for first and second year students and definitely not a course to take just for the credit hours.

This was a really good course. I'm not an A student generally, but I hang in there and I'm in my third year. I ran into a serious personal problem (not discipline!) that could have ended my academic career. Went to the prof with it, and we worked out a way for me to complete and pass the course. She was really kind.

This prof really knows the subject so the class discussion really helped me understand it. Participation is required, but it is SO worth the effort. I am not a confident speaker, but the prof encouraged me and I did OK. I grew more confident as we continued to discuss the subject. One of the better courses, I'd say.

This was a great online experience! The professor's responses to my frequent questions early on were prompt and helpful. Often the answers were actually in the instructions and the criteria, but I either didn't read them or keep them in mind. I learned to pay close attention and read more carefully what the professor said.

I took several courses from Dr. Bierer. I am a 4.0 student and I enjoyed the challenge of meeting her standard of excellence. There are easier ways to get through UCD, but you won't learn as much. A recommendation from Dr. B helped me get into the graduate program of my choice. She is AWESOME!

Great course! My tags say it all for me.

This is a good prof. Good students do very well with her. Grad school-bound students excel.

This class sounds easy but it isn't. Lots of reading. Assignments that aren't the usual stuff - they're more experiential and out of the ordinary. But the prof is exceptional.

Interesting woman. I enjoyed her course. She definitely has high standards and makes you work for your grade, but she can be very helpful if you ask. Passionate and very knowledgeable about her subject.

Bierer teaches a solid, upper division university course for UCD students who are confident in their writing and speaking skills. Probably not a good choice for first and second year students, and community college transfers in their first CU semester. Very clear expectations, but you have to pay very close attention and ask for help if needed.

This professor knows her subject so the course seems to be well designed and her feedback is good. She does more than some profs to make it hard to cheat. Turnitin for discussion posts as well as papers, switching out exam and quiz questions without notice, etc. So, don't count on shortcuts - you will spend 9-10 hours a week on this course, easy.

This was a real good class. Content was great. Weekly quizzes were easy if you read the chapter - multiple answer questions like the SAT/ACT. Feedback was relatively prompt and clear. She made helpful suggestions that I used to improve my written work. I started slow, but she lets you drop your lowest scores before computing the course grade.

I agree with the top three or four tags. She's respected, clear, accessible, and gives good feedback. Reading and participation are required, but isn't that what you expect from a university? I can see how some people are inspired, I'm just not that kind of person. But she's one of the best profs at UCD if you want a teacher and mentor.

Expand your mind. Take this class. With this prof. It's a lot of work (of course!) but you gain something that will change your life. Tune in to this prof and you will learn to value (and know the limits of) scientific research. You will begin to see humanity and the human experience very differently.

THIS WAS A GREAT CLASS! DR BIERER IS A GREAT PROFESSOR!

Psyc of mindfulness is the best class I have taken so far. I got out of this class things that I know I will actually use if not every day then almost. There was an incredible amount of reading, but honestly, if you're willing to do all the readings this class is a breeze because the content is all so interesting. I totally recommend this maymester

This was my second course with Dr. B. It's the Psych equivalent of Organic Chemistry. I would say, don't take if if you don't have to. I would also say, Dr. B takes some getting used to. I worked harder for my grades probably than any other course. But after I learned to read her standards and get her feedback, all my skills improved and I learned.

I really learned this essential and difficult subject from Dr B. Looking back, this was the best course I had as a Psychology major at UCD. If I had paid more attention at the time, I realize now how much more I could have gained. I am a good student now enrolled in a Ph.D. program. But this prof tried to take us much higher than most. TX Dr. B.

Her face to face classes are fantastic. She guided our class through the most compassionate, principled, well informed discussion of bipolar disorder I could imagine. One of my friends in class suffers from this condition, and she was over the moon with praise for how the subject was handled. I learned so much more than the science in that session.

I had Dr. B's 3305 fall semester, when she was challenged by a group of students who think tuition should buy them a degree without any effort or demonstration of real learning and skill on their part wanted her to lower academic standards and hand everyone As. She stood her ground and I am grateful she did. Her grades mean something and should.

I LOL'd at some of the comments below. Do you have to read the text? Um, yeah- it's a college course. You are graded by the amount of work that you put in this class, and it is really rewarding. I loved the assignments and Dr. B was always available. This course helped me significantly when I took the GRE and I'm a better writer- I recommend her!

I am told by a former TA that very few students fail Dr B's courses. Basically, if you put in the time to master the readings, do your own work, and show that you have paid attention to all the elements of her assignments and the accompanying rubrics, you pass. But students who get top grades have to earn it, and students who cheat have it rough.

This class had really intriguing and educational discussions in place of papers which I really liked because we got to communicate with our peers and share our thoughts with one another. The tests are not hard if you pay attention, take notes, and read the textbook. Dr. Bierer was super understanding as well when I had a personal problem come up.

I am a student, not a customer. I devote time and attention to acquiring academic knowledge and skill and I look to professors to evaluate how well I apply that knowledge and the degree of skill I have demonstrated. I want my degree and GPA to mean something in terms of knowledge. I have loved every class I took from Dr. B. Customers just want an A

This was a good course. Not too hard. I learned a lot.

Mindfulness sounds like a soft subject but don't delude yourself. This is a serious course and you'll need to budget significant time to do the readings and be prepared to use your imagination to design projects. That said, I really enjoyed the course and got a lot out of it.

I took Psychology of Women a while back and it's a great course. Dr. Bierer was very accessible and responsive. I would say, don't take any of Dr. B's courses before taking the prerequisites AT UCD. Especially, if you took Intro in HS or Community College, take the TWO SEMESTER Intro course at UCD. I knew a guy who was a 4.0 in CC and struggled IMO

I had some issues with the class and got hold of grade distributions for Bierer's courses. They are very consistent - almost no one fails, but only 20 percent earn A's. I've spent more time on this class than on the others I took this semester, but I am confident I'll get an A. More important, I will be able to use the information when I need it.

I took this class over the summer and honestly I was overwhelmed. Despite this, I did pass with flying colors, Dr. B makes you work for your grade, READ THE BOOK! She is a stickler for APA but it'll pay off in the long run. She is patient, always available, and gives great feedback. She wants to see you pass and she will help you get there.

I took this course online last spring. The text was long and tedious and we covered all of it, but the quizzes, tests and assignments were all pretty standard. I've had easier courses, and some that were more difficult.

Positive Psychology sounds like a soft, self-help course. Don't be fooled. Bierer's course is a rigorous exploration of the science. You will work as hard in this course as you will in any University course. But for me, it was worth it.

Abnormal Psychology is inherently interesting, but it's like Organic Chemistry in that there is a lot of information that requires serious study to be useful. I took it because I needed it for the career I hope to have. But I would say, don't take this course for fun. I did well, but I worked my fanny off!!

Dr. B forced me to do my own critical thinking, improve my writing, and improve my study skills. She doesn't lecture and gives no "study guide." Her class is Socratic dialog. She is a stickler for paragraphing, grammar, proper citation, etc. She will not accept bad data, wikipedia citations, or opinions not supported by rational thought. It's work!

Had 3 of her courses, aced every one.

Mindfulness is an awesome course. Life changing!

This was a great course, and I learned a lot, but there was so much to learn I wish it was a two part course. The prof was excellent, syllabus very clear and detailed, rubrics easy to follow. It was work, but I enjoyed the course.

Psychology of Women was an eye opener for me - I'm a man, and I'm glad I took this course. Professor Bierer was kind and patient with me, and ultimately I did very well. Not an easy course, but good.

This is a good course. Dr. Bierer is very knowledgeable in the subject, and creates a learning experience that begins to teach the practice of mindfulness and demonstrates its effect, as well as studying the scientific study and applications of mindfulness in psychology. It wasn't hard, for me.

Big subject, lots of reading. Dr. B makes you work with the material so you remember it and can use it in real life. For the people who need this course for a career, that's priceless.

I loved this course, and this professor! One of the best experiences in my academic career!

I think the current list of top comments is accurate. She's a respected scholar and teacher. She has very clear and detailed grading criteria. She gives good feedback. It's essential to read the text so that you can participate in class discussions, and that participation matters.

This professor has expectations of students:(1) read the syllabus, the assignments, the rubrics, and the writing guidelines CAREFULLY; (2) STUDY the text; (3) participate fully in discussions (4) don't cheat or cut corners; (5) if you want an A, do exceptional work. Many professors don't make us do these things to earn top grades. I'm glad of her.

I love this professor! This was a great course!

Students who see the course title Positive Psychology and think they'll be reading an easy self help book (if they read anything) and taking a few multiple choice tests are often disappointed in this course. It is a rigorous exploration of science, with significant reading and written assignments. Worth it, though. The prof is phenomenal.

Really excellent course in an area of psychology that hasn't been studied enough, IMO. Although the focus of Positive Psych is on individual and collective well being, this isn't a course to help you feel good. It delves into the research about the factors that produce a good, meaningful life and how character matters. Lots of reading, for sure.

Psychology of Mindfulness is a great course, especially with Dr. B. It's real work though, including a lot of reading. If you're taking an overload, working two jobs, raising a kid etc, etc. Dr. B's courses may not be for you.

She is very honest and gives useful feedback. I left the class much more knowledgable in Abnormal Psychology. She is a tough grader for written assignments, which I appreciated, because I grew a lot in communication and writing from her feedback. I would recommend taking her class in person, it was a great experience.

I've never learned so much in an online course! She structures it so that you have to study the materials to be successful. Weekly quizzes, scholarly online discussions that are like papers (including proper citation), tests that emphasize the essay and minimize opportunities to cut corners - you have to study to do this well. I did, and I'm glad!

I took Mindfulness during May-mester. The small class size and short term made it feel like a seminar. There was great interaction with classmates and with Dr. Bierer. I wish all classes were like this - small, face to face, and personal.

I would say, don't use AI with her unless you're a power user and a great proofreader. I could have had an A but I used AI for the first two assignments and received grades of D and C-. Her comments were fair, I earned the grades. But I did my own work and aced every assignment after that. The course isn't so hard that you need to use AI.

I took an online class from Dr. Bierer when I was second year. This class was a small F2F, and I preferred it. The discussions were lively, and made me think about the material and use it to communicate my views. Dr. Bierer's deep knowledge of the subject matter and long experience as a clinician enhanced the material and enriched the discussion.

Psych of Women is a great course. Dr, Bierer's insights gained from her clinical practice really enrich the discussions. Students contributed too. The class was small so the discussion was intimate and personal. Seemed like the students wanted to be learning together in a face to face setting. Everyone seemed to have read the material.

All I can say is that I enjoyed the course and learned a lot.