4.7

Harry Birkmann

Geology - Paradise Valley Community College

4.7
Quality
1.6
Difficulty
84%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
4.7
Quality
1.6
Difficulty
4.8
Helpful
4.7
Clarity

84%

Would Retake

95

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
95 total ratings

5

81

4

9

3

2

2

1

1

1

What Students Say

Makes geology interesting

GLG101 - 5.0 rating

He walked me to a school counselor

GLG110 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

81%

Textbook Required

92%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 39 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (22)
A (12)
B (3)
Grade Distribution
A(34)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 39 reported grades
A+: 22
A: 12
B: 3
B+: 1
Common Tags
Clear grading criteria (7)
Caring (4)
Respected (4)
Amazing lectures (3)
EXTRA CREDIT (3)
Participation matters (3)
Graded by few things (3)
Lots of homework (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.17 avg change
May
Nov
Sep
Feb
Nov
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

10432

5.0

(1)

GEOLOGY101

5.0

(3)

GEO103

5.0

(5)

GLG101102

5.0

(1)

GLG101GLG103

5.0

(3)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GLG103

3.0

GLG3361

2.5

GLG102

2.2

GEO110

2.0

GEOLOGY101

1.7

Reviews (93)
5.0
2.0
GLG101
Mar 15, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
GLG
Jan 19, 2005

Nice and cool guy. Easy!

5.0
1.0
GEOLOGY101
Aug 24, 2005

Hes an awesome little German guy. Very good teacher.

5.0
1.0
GEO103
Aug 26, 2005

Birkmann is very disarming and makes you feel comfortable in his class, he understands what most professors dont and tells you ahead of time that he wants you to have fun in the class instead of stressing out about passing a class that you are just taking to fill a requirement, which it has nothing to do with your major. Very helpful.

5.0
1.0
GEOLOGY
Aug 30, 2005

Excellent Teacher to have! He knows how to make Geology and Geologic Distasters very interesting!

4.0
3.0
GEOLOGY
Aug 30, 2005

Great teacher!!!!

5.0
1.0
GLG101102
Sep 1, 2005

Great lecturer! He inspired my major to be geology!

5.0
1.0
GEOLOGY
Grade: A
Sep 2, 2005

Mr. Birkmann is one of the best teachers I have ever had at PVCC. He made Geologic Disasters and Geology 101 very interesting. He is also a very helpful teacher if you have any questions or don't understand something.

5.0
1.0
GEOLOGY
Sep 13, 2005

This class Kicked A$$

5.0
1.0
GEOLOGY
Sep 17, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
GEOLOGY
Oct 14, 2005

great teacher. Always friendly, and relates to students as much as possible. EASY FINAL if you do all your work and pay attantion.

5.0
2.0
GEOLOGY
Jan 6, 2006

I had a blast in his class. He is one amazing teacher. If you study and work hard you will get at least a B in his class. He is always willing to help and has a great sence of humor. Thank you for making science so much fun.

5.0
1.0
GLG101GLG103
Apr 19, 2006

He knows his stuff very well. Very easy just pay attention that class is a breeze.

5.0
1.0
GEO101
Oct 11, 2006

Nice guy that really loves his job. His excitement is humerous at times. If you fail his class, learn the phrase, "would you like fries with that?" You will need it!

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Nov 2, 2006

He is excellent at what he does. He is one of the best teachers I ever had during my college experiance. It is impossible not to pass his class (unless you just don't care that is).

5.0
1.0
GEO103
May 8, 2007

Awsome teacher. His accent keeps the class intresting. He's fun and very hepful at the same time. Great Guy, hope to have again.

5.0
1.0
GEO103
Aug 27, 2007

I thought that he was great and very cute in a groundskeeper willy kind of way. Very nice and completely helpful.

5.0
1.0
GEO101
Oct 23, 2007

Very good teacher. Very organized.

5.0
1.0
GEO101
Apr 6, 2008

Great teacher. I hate any kind of science but he kept it entertaining. Loved his stories. Lecture exams were easy, but lab exams were a bit more difficult.

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Oct 31, 2008

Harry is one of the smartest people I have ever met. I feel blessed to have him as a teacher. If you want to learn about geology in an easy, comfortable environment, then take class with Harry! :)

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Nov 4, 2008

Harry Birkmann is a great teacher! One of the best I've taken yet, extremely helpful and easy to talk to and understand. I'd really recommend this class to anyone.

5.0
1.0
GLG111
Nov 5, 2008

"I love the fluffy rocks" He is speaking of granit, a continental rock which is much less dense than a basalt or other oceanic rock. Of course its not really fluffy, but its just one of the classic things he says. He really does Love rocks. Great teacher, great accent, great class.

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Dec 11, 2008

GEE WIZZ! I'm taking another class with him. He is awesome. TAKE HIS CLASS.

5.0
1.0
GEO101
Mar 17, 2009

This professor is da Bomb! Fun class , makes it interesting. Overal Fun and Enjoyable

5.0
2.0
GLG102
May 15, 2009

Harry Burkmann is definitely one if the SMARTEST people I have ever had the opportunity to meet. His class comes with very little stress and a LOT of important information about our planet! I say take Harry's GLG110 (disasters & the environment) whether you need the credits or not. You will be glad you did!!!! :]]

5.0
2.0
GEO110
Oct 13, 2009

Great teacher, take his classes!

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Nov 3, 2009

awesome class! Attendance gets you more points. I missed a few classes and i'm doing good still! but it's worth going! he's an amazing teacher and one of the only classes i take away and remember things because of his stories and humor. he's amazing!

4.0
2.0
GLG101
Dec 14, 2009

Easiest class I have ever taken and he is such a funny guy. Loved him.

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Mar 2, 2010

Makes the subject fun, doesn't require ridiculous hour of homework. Understands 99.9% aren't geology majors and are taking the class as a requirement. As a result, I learned a lot about geology, the physical earth, and even connected social issues.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Apr 5, 2010

He is so easy and he makes the class interesting. He also doesn't take attendance often.

5.0
3.0
GLG101
May 4, 2010

I took geology and natural disasters with Birkman.He is an AMAZING instructor!He is very intelligent, traveled, well spoken, considerate and helpful.He is fun with a humorous attitude.He wants to see his students succeed and is enthusiastic about his lectures to ensure a prolonged attention span.would greatly benefit from taking a course with him!

4.0
1.0
GLG111
Jun 6, 2010

Hes a pretty easy teacher but just kind of rants about geology. I took natural disasters with him and I didn't learn anything in his class. If you want an easy grade, this would probably be the class to take. His exams are all take-home except for the labs. Hes definitely funny and entertaining.

5.0
2.0
GLG102
Jun 18, 2010

Best professor I've had. Very intelligent and well-traveled. Extremely knowledgeable in the subjects he teaches. Loved listening to his lectures; he is very enthusiastic and passionate about what he teaches, and helpful. I chose him for classes because of his great reputation, and I am so glad I did.

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Aug 3, 2010

Mr. Birkmann was the best teacher Ive had. His class is very interesting and fun. As long as you copy the notes he puts on the board, and study them, the tests are easy. I enjoyed this class very much

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Aug 19, 2010

This teacher has been my favorite teacher to date. His class is so easy, and he is a very interesting person. Leaves you with a life lesson sometimes, which is more important than some geological facts.

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Aug 26, 2010

once you take a geology clalss with prof. birkmann you will come out of that class with some knowledge of geology. He brings geology down to our level his lecture is easy as long as you attend class and pay attention, his labs are some what harder but they are open book and open notes, overall he is an awesome intructor and we are lucky to have him

5.0
2.0
GLG102
Dec 20, 2010

Awesum professor, this semester he had take home test open note test on lab exams and no homework just go to class to get points he does take attendance also his lectures are pretty interesting

5.0
3.0
GLG102
Dec 29, 2010

Excellent learning experience. He brings a passion to the subject.

5.0
2.0
GLG110
Jan 12, 2011

Took Harrys GLG lab, attendance is crucial in this class. No textbook, only a packet which you can use on all 3 exams. Each day you come to class you do a section of the packet with your group at your table. If you have trouble the answers are always opened on his desk!! He is very helpful if you need it and his accent is cute :)

4.0
1.0
GLG110
Mar 3, 2011

Tragic happenings took place in my life which required me to miss over two weeks of classes and I lost hope in continuing with the class since I was already so far behind.He walked me to a school counselor.Now I have a better grip on the chaos taking place and we are working together to make up my missed work. He is the most caring teacher I've had

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Apr 27, 2011

He is the most awesome teacher I have taken in my life. His class is soo fun, and the lectures, show you a new perspective. It's a pleasure sitting in his class, and he is here to make college a fun experience :)!

5.0
1.0
GEO101
Sep 15, 2011

Fun teacher does not make this class a big deal he realizes off the bat that this is just a science class most of us in our classes needed. Three tests easy straight forward teacher.

5.0
1.0
GLG3361
May 5, 2012

Nicest guy on the PVCC campus, understands that not everyone is there to be a geologist but is able to work with those that want to learn and pass the class. If you want to learn easy..take his classes.

5.0
1.0
GLG102
May 21, 2012

Took both Historical geology lecture and lab with Harry. Open book, Open notes, Take home tests. He makes the subject fun so if your looking for an easy A beware: you may fnd that you will actually learn something out of this.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Feb 21, 2013

I LOVE HIM! He's so nice and really makes the subject interesing. He's laid back, funny, and has a very easy class. He's my favorite professor yet:)

5.0
3.0
GLG102
May 15, 2013

I saw a professor in real mean of knowledge.

5.0
1.0
GLG103
Aug 3, 2013

BEST PROFESSER EVERRRR!!!. Literally sept through class and got a 98 . dont get me wrong though i learned A lot .. taught me that only lazy ppl are unorganized, which is very much True.

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Aug 14, 2013

He is one of the nicest teachers I have ever had. Always willing to help. As long as you show up to review days and study the material he gives you that day, tests should be easy. Showing up to class isn't mandatory but it is helpful.

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Aug 15, 2013

He was AWESOME! He is super laid back just show up and listen and he does awesome reviews before the test. He will help in any way that he can and he makes it actually interesting. He is a super cool teacher.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A
Aug 21, 2013

AMAZING professor. The only one I know at PVCC whom is passionate about what they do, and knows every little in out of their job. SUPER informative and easy going. He gave credit for attendance. Final is optional if you want a better grade. I took it and got an overall A instead of a B. I definitely see the world different now. I DEF. RECOMMEND!

5.0
1.0
GLG
Grade: A
Aug 24, 2013

His Great Instructor. His info is very detailed. Easy exams.

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Oct 22, 2013

I have had the pleasure of having Mr. Birkmann for both intro and historical. While I am no geology major I learned a lot that I could apply outside of my life. Birkmann is straight foward with his tests and lectures as well. He is a fun guy he enjoys his yellow and reindeer sweaters during the winters!

5.0
1.0
GLG111
Dec 5, 2013

Show up and do the labs. Do the labs correctly if you want good grades on the 2 tests for the semester. Professor Birkmann is kind and very helpful.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: B+
Jan 14, 2014

He is the BEST professor! I suck at science and I got an A! So helpful. He gives u all question & answers to test. Lets you review for a few days. Only used the book to do review questions. He's pretty funny too! He WANTS you to pass so if your for some reason struggling he will help! But super easy don't see how u would need it! TAKE HIM!

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Mar 20, 2014

Amazing professor!!! He is the best professor I've ever had. I'm really bad at science, but still got an A.

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Grade: A+
Apr 29, 2014

Harry is one of the coolest teachers ever. His classes are easy and not stressful, however his lectures are long and boring. This class is an easy A if you are looking for a non stressful way to achieve a science credit. Don't buy the book, you won't even touch it once. Tests are take home and solely based off of your own opinion.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A
May 26, 2014

Harry is a great professor. He's a little strange, but overall a great teacher. His tests are all the EXACT same questions as his review so pay attention and take good notes. If you do well on the first 3 tests the final is optional. I didn't even take it and still got an A. Bring him a shiny rock and you'll make his day!

5.0
1.0
101
Grade: A+
Mar 12, 2015

You will learn just by showing up. Class is very easy.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Apr 28, 2015

If you're looking for an easy A and an entertaining teacher, take this class. He is a cute old German man who loves Geology. He tells stories and gives a lot of life advice. I don't particularly enjoy geology, but he makes the lectures interesting. Plus, there are only 3 assignments. They're all tests. They all come directly out of the review!

5.0
1.0
10432
May 4, 2015

He is the best teacher I have ever had teach me in my whole life. He is inspirational, helpful, has a review day for every exam. He has most of his students in his classroom from STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS. GLG101103 if you need an SQ. His GLG 102&104 or 110&111 classes are an SG. GLG102 is a historical class and GLG110 is a Global class.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
May 5, 2015

Great class! Very enjoyable!

5.0
2.0
GEOLOGY101
Grade: A
May 5, 2015

Birkmann is an awesome teacher. So much that I came here to write my first review. He has a great sense of humor and makes his lectures really interesting. His tests are straight forward and does not try to throw any curve balls at you. If you show up to lectures, study the exam review, you will get an A.

4.0
2.0
101
May 13, 2015

Prof. Birkmann was pretty chill and funny, If theres anything you don't understand, he'll be willing to help, the final exam for his class was optional if you were happy with your grade or not, if you take geology i highly recommend him

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Jul 1, 2015

AMAZING TEACHER. I still recall info about rock formations when I go hiking. Show up and you will learn. He loves his job and very easy A

4.0
2.0
GLG
Grade: A-
Jul 20, 2015

Harry is a very good teacher, very helpful and makes class interesting.

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Grade: A
Oct 25, 2015

Participation matters, especially since this is a science. Harry is understanding, just don't take him for granted, or give attitude, fall asleep in class or chat with a bff during class. It's rude! He's such a great teacher he deserves the utmost respect anyway! I really enjoyed learning more about geology to be a more conscious individual.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Jan 21, 2016

Geology is a very boring subject to me but Mr. Birkmann makes it fun. He's very passionate about this subject which makes the class more interesting. Tests are easy. I didn't show up to most of the classes and I took the final and still passed the class with a 96%. Very good overview of Geology.

5.0
1.0
GLG110
Grade: A+
May 4, 2016

Took 3 classes with Dr. Birkmann. He can go off on strange tangents from time to time, but he is an awesome teacher. Great material in the lectures, great study guides for the tests, well written tests with clear instructions. Always has time for students to ask him questions. Has infectious enthusiasm.

5.0
2.0
GEO101
Grade: B
Jul 21, 2016
Would take again

Harry was a great instructor. All around great person.

5.0
2.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Aug 3, 2016
Would take again

Loved this class. I was dreading taking a science course, but this man changed that. Makes geology interesting. He makes you want to learn more. One of my favorite professors ever. Very funny and friendly. Had a lot of fun conversations with him during labs.

5.0
2.0
GLG101GLG103
Grade: A+
Feb 7, 2017
Would take again

He's so awesome! You truly learn from this class. I love his grading methods, he gives you the questions that will be on the test before hand so truly all you need to do is study those!

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Caring
5.0
1.0
GEO101
Apr 30, 2017
Would take again

By far the best professor in my opinion. Clear and very interesting topics. makes you feel very welcomes and comfortable to his class. Every day I went in I learned something new. Would recommend him to anyone. Again TAKE THIS CLASS!!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
May 10, 2017
Would take again

This class was very well presented and was enjoyable - made a topic I'm already interested in come to life. Prof. Birkman loves his topic and does his best to make it easy to understand going out of his way to answer questions. He also makes sure to be available to his students! Definitely a favorite instructor!

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
2.0
GEO101
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2017
Would take again

EASY MODE CLASS.. teacher grades extremely quickly. If your looking for a easy science general hes your guy.

EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
1.0
GEO101
Grade: A+
Oct 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

His 101 class is amazingly easy. As long as you study for the tests, you WILL get an A. The reason I am not giving a 5/5 is because the class is so boring. I have literally been bored to tears in this class. The class is straight lecture. You sit for 75 mins and get talked to. That's it. There's no need to take notes, no homework, nothing. Boring.

LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
GLG101GLG103
Grade: A+
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

By far my favorite professor! He's gives great lectures and his tests are easy if you go to the review days (and his lab is open note). I am not a geology major, but he made it so interesting that I plan on signing up for more classes. He tells a lot of dad-like jokes, too!

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
2.0
GEO101
Grade: B
Jan 17, 2019
Would take again

Great professor, definitely realizes he isn't teaching any Geology majors and tries to make it enjoyable for everybody. Classes are very lecture heavy and can sometimes be boring. You are only graded on your 3 tests, mid term, and final, which he goes over every question in the review.

TEST HEAVY
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
GEO101
Grade: A
May 6, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Birkman is amazing. Took time to answer all my questions. Took class because required, but then became my favorite class. After his class, I wanted to learn more, I'm constantly looking up websites he recommended. Thank you Dr. Birkman!

5.0
2.0
GLG110
Grade: A+
May 11, 2019
Would take again

Harry Birkman is a wonderful teacher. He has been instrumental in changing my life for the better .

Respected
Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
GEO101
Grade: A+
May 22, 2019
Would take again

Honestly the best professor I've ever taken for Geology. SUPER EASY online class. He is professional and patient. The work is not hard at all. There are just discussions, quizzes, and three exams. You do have to read the textbook but it should be fine. You can also do the extra credit paper. Take him or you'll regret it.

Graded by few things
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
GEOLOGY101
Grade: A
Jun 2, 2019
Would take again

I enjoyed this class so much that instead of taking Astrology like I originally planned, as my second science class, I took his GLG111 course instead. Pay attention, regular attendance, ask questions, be ready to answer his questions or he will give pop quizzes. The textbook was not really needed, but at times it is useful to have.

Respected
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Jun 2, 2020
Would take again

Dr Harry is so helpful ,knowledge and respond For any questions and concerns immediately and I would appreciate his ability to respond with best answer to make sure the student get the right comprehension

2.0
4.0
GLG3361
Grade: A+
Jun 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I can't believe I'm the only person to rate him poorly. He's such a nice person, but as a professor, he's terrible. Take his geology class? SUPER easy. Take his geology LAB? You'll have 8 quizzes in one week (multiple choice, essay questions, short answer). In order to succeed in his lab, you learn about the fundamentals of chemistry. Tough grader

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
GLG101
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class was for lecture only. I found the lecture class to be fairly easy. Every week you are given quizzes, and there are 3 exams total. I didn't have to try too hard. Although, this professor expects you every week to watch a long video and also read the chapter. The videos didn't really help, and neither did reading the whole chapter.

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
GLG103
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

(This class is for the lab). I struggled so hard every week to get a good grade in this lab. Every week, you have to take a multiple choice quiz. There are about ten questions on multiple choice which are in lab manual. But, u must answer all questions in lab manual because you aren't told which ones to answer. I spent hours trying to complete it.

Lots of homework
5.0
2.0
GEO101
Grade: A+
Feb 2, 2021
Would take again

Super easy assignments. A discussion and quiz weekly about each chapter. If you have the book, the quiz and exams are EXACTLY what the practice tests are at the end of each chapter in the book. He's also super easy to communicate with and very understanding. I took the lecture.

5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A
May 2, 2022
Would take again

Professor Birkmann is a really kind and generous person. This class is beyond easy if you are looking to just fill a science requirement. I will say that the lab is a bit more difficult but even at that, it's super easy.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
GEO101
Grade: A+
Nov 26, 2022
Would take again

Harry is super kind and understanding! Attendance is worth 5 points per day and isn't taken often. the only other thing that he grades is the exams which he gives you the answers for (literally word for word) on review day. if you miss the review the answers are in the book but other than that you will never use it!

Amazing lectures
Caring
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
GEO103
Grade: A
Nov 26, 2022
Would take again

You will have upwards of 4 lab partners & each lab is pass or fail. you just check your answer/ correct them based on the key he gives you and tell him you've finished & you get full points. The exams are kinda tricky but he will help you out a ton!

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Sep 18, 2023
Would take again

he's awesome! 10/10 recommend

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Respected
5.0
1.0
GEO101
Grade: A+
Feb 21, 2024
Would take again

His Labs are easy now. Looking at previous ratings, he no longer does quizzes in Labs and his Lectures/Exams are easy. Just pay attention and show up and DONT MISS REVIEW DAY.

5.0
1.0
GEO103
Grade: B
Nov 26, 2024
Would take again

Really good professor, took one of his online Geology classes. I missed several quizzes // assignments with no valid excuse & he opened them up for me for 2 weeks to get full credit. Definitely not a Professor that takes his job to seriously & to me has been very kind. His class is mostly easy as well.

Participation matters
5.0
3.0
GLG101
Grade: A+
Jan 11, 2025
Would take again

This was a great class, lots of information.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

81%

Textbook Required

92%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 39 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (22)
A (12)
B (3)
Grade Distribution
A(34)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 39 reported grades
A+: 22
A: 12
B: 3
B+: 1
Common Tags
Clear grading criteria (7)
Caring (4)
Respected (4)
Amazing lectures (3)
EXTRA CREDIT (3)
Participation matters (3)
Graded by few things (3)
Lots of homework (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.17 avg change
May
Nov
Sep
Feb
Nov
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

10432

5.0

(1)

GEOLOGY101

5.0

(3)

GEO103

5.0

(5)

GLG101102

5.0

(1)

GLG101GLG103

5.0

(3)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GLG103

3.0

GLG3361

2.5

GLG102

2.2

GEO110

2.0

GEOLOGY101

1.7

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