4.2
Quality4.5
Difficulty86%
Would Retake164
Reviews86%
Would Retake
164
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
102
4
29
3
17
2
11
1
5
What Students Say
“Best professor at Georgia State by FAR”
BIOL2300 - 5.0 rating“Beirne is a great professor and is also a very interesting person”
BIO2300 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
25%
Textbook Required
13%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOL4428
5.0
(4)BIOTR8
5.0
(1)BIO2700
5.0
(1)BIO6460
5.0
(1)BIO3880
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
BIO1110
5.0
BIOL2300005
5.0
BIO6460
5.0
BIO3880
5.0
2300
4.9
Reviews (164)
RECOMMENDED for BIOLOGY MAJOR ONLY. If it your first time taking bio, not a guy for you. It useless to attend the class. Make sure to READ EVERY SINGLE WORDS from the textbook and know it by heart. Test is extremely hard, 100 questions, 150+ for final. However, he did try his best to help in any ways he can. You get to drop the lowest grade out of
Don't take Dr. Beirne.
His tests are absolutely ridiculous. Do not take his class if you are not a Biology major. He should stick to one profession, which should not be teaching!
Very nice and helpful guy. However, gives ridiculously detailed tests over the little things. Does not accurately tells you what to study AT ALL. Must read book and attend classes to get a good grade.
Make no mistake, you will know your microorganisms when you leave this class. These will be some of the toughest tests you'll ever take but don't get discouraged. They will make you study and know the subject. Dr Beirne will work with you and is very helpful. You MUST come to class and you MUST read the book.
He is a good teacher. He gives extra credit and tries to make sure everyone gets it. He posts his slides and has review sheets online. Great teacher.
Dr. B is a very nice professor. I had him for microbiology and he went over material numerous times to make sure we understood it. He also curves tests, his quizzes are bonus points on tests, you can drop or lowest test grade, and you can opt out of taking the final sometimes. Highly recommended!!
READ EVERY PAGE OF THE 1000 PAGE TEXT BOOK! He is a sweet guy & knows his stuff but rushes through it in class. He says his test are level 1 test and they are like level 4. He asks questions from the examples in the book! Class average was a 60 first test 65 second test. Your life will CONSIST of BIO the WHOLE SEMESTER! Be prepared to have no life!
Dr. Beirne is great for students that actually read the book and don't just show up to lecture. He also offers a lot of office hours to answer questions and clarify. Dr. Beirne is very personable and approachable and genuinely wants to help students.
do not take him! he will trick you in the beginng of the semester by trying to make you feel like his class is manageable for an A. once you take the 1st test you def. should drop the class. trust me you will understand. he has 5 tests each have a new surprise w/ k-type, short answers, and tricky questions. suffered through his class bc it was my f
Just don't it. He's not a bad teacher, but it's just way too difficult.
One of the best! A highly intelligent, friendly professor. Just do what he tells you to do(read the book and do the quizzes at the end and online) and you will make an A. Had him for micro. Never boring, you won't sleep in his class! Can't say enough, he's awesome. Just do your part and he does his and it works out for both parties.
DONT"T TAKE HIM. Look at the other comments. He scares you the first class by showing you his rating on this site. I know he really justs wants you to study...but do not be under the illusion that you can get an A. His tests are ridiculous. GET OUT NOW while you can still drop/add!
You can make a A if you try. All he ask is that you put forth effort and work, which is what alot of people don't like to do. I was older than anybody in the class, including Dr.Beirne, and I was able to get a A. If you don't want to learn take basket-weaving.
I wish every prof were as fantastic as Dr. Beirne. He is an excellent professor that loves to teach; he makes every lecture interesting. He does expect his students to keep up with the readings and to study hard for his tests. However, his quizzes are bonus points on his tests! This means you get to look forward to them instead of dread them.
Dr. Beirne is fantastic! Had him for 1101 and 2300. He made the course very interesting, although it is very challenging. Work hard and pay attention and you will be rewarded. Highly recommended.
Best teacher I have had in my two years of college! The class IS hard, but you must keep up with the lecture, read the book,and attend class. The quizzes are bonus points that are added to the tests.
Wow!!! umm, hard and extremely demanding!! READ, READ, READ!! Great sense of humor though. Tests are super hard but achieving an a is possible, know those details!!! He is a MD so he really i mean really knows his stuff which is very inspiring. I made a B and I would prolly take him again.
Dr.Beirne ROCKS! FUNNY! Not a science major and looking for an easy class? this isnt it but if you ARE, definately take him. He will tell you up front what is expected. In fact, he's probably reading these ratings to you in class now. Read the assignments, pay attention in class, study the sections he tells you for the test and you will do great!
What everyone else wrote is true. Yes, it's quite hard. Yes, hes funny. Yes, he gives extra credit. Yes, it is VERY detail-oriented. It boils down to: do you like learning or not? If so, you will learn a ton and love Bierne. If you are trying to squeak by w/o learning, dont take him. As far as whether or not you can get an A? I got a 100.
Dr. B is the most fabulous, caring and enthusiastic teacher I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Yes his class is work, but his high expectations are what help you to more thoroughly learn the material. Do not take his class if you do not intend to be lazy and not read from the textbook! However if you are eager or willing to learn, TAKE HIM!
Wonderful professor!!!! This is one of those classes that invloves basically remembering every detail of about 50 diseases. He is in bariatrics and focuses on the medical side so for ppl like me who want to be teachers who arent premed, the class sucked lol. I thought I was going to make a D and got a C and i was like YES!!
Nice guy BUT....makes the class wayyyyyy harder then it has to be!! Told us to buy the newer version of the book but uses chapters and page numbers from the older one. Makes it extremely hard to follow. THE CLASS IS HARD. period!
Take El Mayas. She is much easier.
dynamic and confusing
Dr. Beirne is very difficult, to say the least. His exams are unexpected & they will knock you on your ass. On your first exam expect between 50% to 60%. He will tell you the first day of class just how difficult he is & HE WILL SHOW YOU THIS WEBSITE of how awful his reviews are! If you can help it.. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS! Seriously!If your smart!!
Dr. B is a great teacher. His examples and his energy makes the class exciting. If you don't like to study 7 days a week, please don't even think of signing up. His exams and quizzes are torture, but if you study every little detail you should definitely pass.He wants for you to come to him for help. Please don't sit in class and don't ask question
It's true, this is a difficult class, but it's not impossible. As long as you attend each class and fill in the power points and highlight what he emphasizes you will be fine. I used the book minimally, as he is a very helpful teacher. He provides extra credit for every test, it's not always easy, but it's free points! Mr. B is a great teacher!
Extremely helpful if you ask for it. Office hours are a must! He will help direct your studying which you will need help! He will ask about every minute and large detail in the book. HINT: If he says you don't need to know then that means you need to know the basics don't just skip it completely. And if u can go to his other class, GO! He will explain other concepts that he will forget to say in your class. This happens without fail!!! But overall he is a great teacher if you want to learn.
I've never enjoyed a class so much that I didn't do well in. I loved taking this guy but I didn't have the time to put in the study hours that I should have and got a B. He's hilarious and definitely pushes the boundaries of "appropriate," which I find highly entertaining. An A is definitely possible but you have to work for it!
He is an awesome guy, but his class is way to difficult for an intro (Biol 2300) class. He will show you this sight on the first day of class with comments like this, the way he does it made me shrug it off. If you take this class you will probably waste a Withdrawel. Out of 120 students their were 15 left in the class. Don't screw up your GPA.
Dr. Beirne is by no means an "easy" professor! However, he's awesome! He'll push you very hard on his exams and require you to know a lot of material, but it will help you out in the long run on any standardized test( MCAT, DAT, OAT, etc). He's very helpful, knowledgeable, and funny! I've taken multiple times : )
Dr. Beirne is the MOST DIFFICULT PROFESSOR TEACHING THE MOST DIFFICULT COURSE! So with that being said if you want to put in average study time please do not waste your time or money. AGAIN DIFFICULT PROFESSOR TEACHING THE MOST DIFFICULT COURSE. Now with that being said I never had so much fun in a class I did so terrible in. AWESOME Professor. Kno
Dr. B is an extremely difficult yet awesome teacher. He really knows his stuff. This class requires A LOT of studying. If you do not want to put/have the time it takes to study for this class, DO NOT take it. His tests are like a hard punch in the face. He will make you work for your grade! Test avgs are generally low, but he gives extra credit.
Other reviews are accurate for the most part, but just to reiterate, this is an awesome class. Yes, it is hard. I studied more for this class then all my other classes combined, but it paid off. Dr. B is a great teacher and you will learn a ton of really interesting stuff. Make sure you read the textbook A LOT. Made me want to be a microbiologist!
Dr. Beirne is a very nice teacher who really knows his stuff, however, he makes the class too hard. For only being a 2300 class, his tests are extremely difficult and borderline ridiculous. His "extra credit" quizzes are a joke like his tests. Do not take his class, it will significantly drop your GPA.
If you are not premed, drop. If you are, STICK TO IT! Dr. B makes this class VERY challenging, but it is incredible preparation for the MCATs. Requires A LOT of work, but it is not impossible... I made an A. I recommend office hours, thorough class notes, outlines for every chapter, and SI sessions.Don't take if you're a wuss. LOVE LOVE this prof.
He makes sure that you will leave this class knowing your stuff. The nature of this clas is very demanding. Has multiple choice tests that were usually around level 3 questions. Know your stuff! But he's a pretty good teacher, very nice, and has a sense of humor. And he curves final grades :). I was expecting a C but got a B-.
Dr. Beirne is a very nice person. He is very funny! very easy to get along with but his class is EXTREMELY HARD! his test are multiple choice level 3 questions. His quizzes are HARD but they are only towards extra credit. wouldn't recommend taking in summer. curves test a lot. though i was going to get a D but i got a C+.
Dr. Beirne is the hardest teacher I've ever had - but my favorite so far! He said that if we was teaching microbiology to a medical school class, this is how he would do it. You will study your ass off and still get a C on the test - then still get an A in the class. He curves bigtime and definitely notices if you improve throughout the semester
The lowest grade I have ever received at GSU, a C+ but it was by far the BEST class ever! He is so enthusiastic and helpful. I would take this class over again if I could.
I took it as a freshmen, extremely hard but prepares you for the real stuff. You think you are going to fail by the grades, but curves by how well the class is doing. Extremely enthusiastic, makes you laugh during class.. Does not want you to fail. Awesome guy, knows his biology. It wont be easy, but its definitely worth the outcome! Recommend!!
Dr.B is one of the best professors I have ever had at GSU. He prepares you for the real world. You have to thoroughly read the book as well as pay attention in the class. Dr.B keeps the class very active and does provide study guides.His class is worth the time and experience. He is just Brilliant.
Dr. Beirne is an amazing teacher. Warning: he is VERY tough. But, everyday you leave the class you feel like you have really learned something. He really knows how to relate to the students. His tests are very difficult and detailed, so STUDY LIKE CRAZY. He is also really good at answering your questions, so ask away.
Hardest class I have taken in my life!!!! His test are very,very hard, but you do learn things. He curves in the end depending how much effort you show!
One of the nicest Professors I have ever had. Also the hardest class I have ever taken at GSU. For the first few weeks I was certain I would fail the class, but I ended the class with a B. There is alot of info to learn but if you just go to class and study you will be totally fine (there is also a very helpful curve). DONT BE SCARED!
The Best Professor Ive ever had at GSU. Dr. Beirne is a very smart man and knows his microbiology backwards & forward. He wants you to know your micro like the back of your hand too but he wants his student to do well too. Dont drop if you feel like you might fail bc he curves and he's bid on improvement throughout the semester. Youll learn a lot!
By far the hardest class I've ever taken, but incredibly rewarding. Dr. B is so knowledgeable & very helpful. Go to class! He's a funny guy. I feel like his class prepared me for the rest of my college career and showed me how to excel (though I still ended up with a B). Don't take the easy profs-- Dr. B is super tough, but undeniably the best.
Very hard class! Be prepared to study!! He will tell you straight up what things are important to know for the test. He is very helpful and knows what he's doing! The tests are insane, but he focuses more on your progression throughout semester. Stick with it, it has definitely prepared me for upper level science courses
Dr. B is a phenomenal teacher and seems to really enjoy what he does. He is passionate about the field and does well to explain the content. Keep in mind, his class is by no means easy. Reading the textbook is mandatory as there is far too much content to go over in class. He is always willing to answer questions and is overall a great teacher!
Dr. B was a great professor. He is very helpful. He does not let you take your exams but however he does allow you to come during his office hours and view them. I made a B+ and if I would have studied for the first test I would have made an A. His ppt are very informative. In his class, ppt, textbook, and study sessions are your best friends.
This classwas the hardest class ive taken in my entire college career, but it was probably my favorite.he knows so much about the subject and wants you to know it too. i failed his first test and still came out with an A. he is the kind of professional i want to be someday
He is the best teacher I ever had so far. He is physician and treat you like medical student thats why you have to be ready. he is very hard on exams but fair if you study. It is really hard to get a good grade in his class. He is very friendly with students. He cares about you learning the class material rather than getting easy A for his finals.
Great teacher Very helpful. He is very hard but put in work he will Notice do not get intimidated by the reviews breath, and work hard
Dr. Beirne is the hardest professor ever teaching Microbiology. He makes the class harder than what it has to be and he does not speaking in simple english at all. If you want to pass the class, get a good grade or and maintain a good GPA DO NOT TAKE DR. BEIRNE. His class is hard and the class average always prove it. Bad choice of professor.
VERY HARD CLASS, WITH AN EVEN HARDER PROFESSOR. IF YOU WANT AN A TAKE ANOTHER PROFESSOR. DON'T SET YOURSELF UP FOR FAILURE.
Might as well be 4000 level but he knows he's difficult and adjusts his grading scale to that. I'd think 3 times before taking but at least he's a great professor.
Very hard class, but an amazing teacher. Do NOT take if you aren't willing to work hard. I studied more for this class than the rest of my classes combined and still didn't do as well as I wanted. However, Dr. Beirne is amazing. He will really help you if you need it.
Online connect quizzes are an easy grade. D2L quizzes assigned almost every week. Tests are sooooo HARD! This class takes so much commitment but thank goodness he curves the grade. If you show that you work hard, he will see it.
Test are insane but if you work hard(study) you will do fine.
Mr. Beirne is a great professor and is also a very interesting person. His classes are difficult, but you'll learn more in his classes than anywhere else, and you'll be humbled by his humor and his professionalism.
Awesome teacher. He has to be one of my favorite teachers here at Georgia State. Yes his tests are extremely hard and so are his quizzes, however there is plenty of homework to boost your grade up to one letter grade as long as you do it. He's a doctor so he makes everything interesting and easy to remember! Take him he's great! Oh and he curves!
Best professor at Georgia State by FAR!! Yes he is very hard and expects his students to learn the material! But it is only fair. His tests are very Med School style where you are given a case study and all the answers seem right but one is more right than the other! I took him and ended up getting an A+ but I worked my butt off. Prepares you well!
As an ER physician he knows everything that he is talking about and much of his test quiz question reflect that. Less memorizing more applying what you're actually reading. This is a tough class and the initial grades you get may scare you but he greatly curves the grades at the end. Class average curved to pass. Stay above the average for an A.
He was a really modern, up to date professor. So funny! Do the hwk and come to class EVERY DAY and youll do well. If you make a D or below, your just lazy lol. Great professor!
His class is pretty demanding, but not impossible. He gives you everything you need to succeed but expects students to put in work as well. I learned a lot in his class and would love to take another one of his classes later on.
THIS IS THE HARDEST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN IN MY 18 YEARS OF LIFE. He covers so much in so little time. I struggled so much and the only reason I passed with a B- is because I got help on every test but if you put in all your effort, you can do it cause I know someone passed with an A. How the did it? I have no idea. But it takes TONS OF READING
hardest class I've even taken. I had to eventually drop because I knew I would fail. He's really smart and knows what he's talking about but he covers so much and doesn't tie it all together to make sense. Quizzes are really hard and Test are even harder. Take at your own risk.
This is literally the most difficult class I've taken to date, but you will learn more from him than any other micro professor. His tests are ridiculously hard, but he remembers everyone's names and grades and knows if you're trying. Just stay above average and you'll be fine, he curves at the end.
One of the hardest classes, but one of the best professors. Tests are extremely hard. Do all the online quizzes, every point is helpful. All his testsquizzes are case study scenarios where you have to apply what you have learned. He prepares you well for critical thinking!!! Curves at the end. Stay above class averages, and you will do great!
What can I say? We had 3 books and memorizing all 3 wasn't enough to get As. He puts things on quizzes and tests that are not in the material. Avgs on most quizzes: 30s, 40s, 50s. Highest average has been a 70. A very nice, funny professor who is very willing to help. Scattered lectures. Memorize EVERYTHING. He curves. HARD. Interesting info though
I worked my ass off in this class! Do all assigned quizzes and homework, READ and REREAD the textbook and use the powerpoint as a guide. Exams were online, tough and fast paced. I feel more prepared from taken his course but I hated my life during it. Great professor!! Stay above the average, stay positive, and work hard. He curves at the end.
Dr Beirne is a physician. His medical experience is evident in the structure of this class, particularly in exams, where he asks case study type questions. In the end, I think the final grade had more to do with how you placed in the class than your raw score. Which is great because most students thought this was going to be an easy "A". Not.
Dr Beirne can be a challenging professor. However you can do well in his class by taking notes during lectures and reviewing the same notes and powerpoint slide shows after class and also occasionally review everything you have learned during the semester because his tests come from all over the semesters schedule.
Dr. Beirne is a great professor and a cool guy. He taught the content very well and knew it well because he is a medical doctor with his own practice! The tests are very hard, so are the quizzes (quiz avg. was a 30-45). DO NOT LET THIS SCARE YOU! He curves all exams and he curves at the end. I loved this class and the professor was so cool, take it
Dr. Beirne is hands down one of the BEST professors at GSU. He is helpful and the most understanding professor I've ever had. His tests are online but a little challenging. He is ALWAYS there to help even with his super busy schedule. He's definitely a professor I won't forget:)
Dr. Beirne was a cool professor, but his class is hard! What do you expect from an actual Medical doctor? A lot of students skips his lecture because EVERYTHING was online, but honestly, if you don't come to class your quizzes/tests will show. He's very helpful! GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS! Yes, he curves, so don't worry.
I took bio 4460 and it was very challenging. If you're looking for ease A, Dr. Beirne isn't the right professor for you. But if you are willing to learn I definitely recommend him. I'm currently in medical school and trust me, he prepared me well. Students complain about him using 3 to 4 books for 1 class. ... only one thing I'm happy I had him
I had Dr. B for micro in the fall of 2015 and he is a great teacher. His exams are insanely hard but doable. Get used to the 3-4's on your quizzes. Stay with the average in quizzes and score above the average on your exams and you'll get an A. Go to class, talk to him after class, make sure he knows who you are and dont forget to read read read!
Dr. B is hilarious! His lectures are super relevant. But yes, this class is a LOT of information at once. I took it over the summer and it was insane. But it's doable. Just study and READ THE BOOK AND POWERPOINTS and try to remember and apply as much as you can. Stay above the average and you'll do fine! You will learn a lot in here.
I was very skeptical about taking this professor at first but, this guy is the REAL deal. Difficult but worth it. You will definitely learn something from this guy. Great professor.
DR. B is a great professor. It's worth taking him. I took it over summer and wasn't happy with the life I choose but in the end, with his support it was doable. Study and REREAD the book and try to remember and apply as much as you can. Ready to make 30's and 40's on quizzes but stay above the average and you'll do fine! DON'T DROP OUT the class.
Dr. B is intimidating at first because he knows his stuff. His tests are over the information he provides during class in his lectures as well as the book. He wants all of his students to understand the material, but also to apply it which requires knowing the information thoroughly. You have to work for your grade, but you learn a lot.
Dr.B is a really kind teacher, he's willing to listen to all of your concern. However, he does go really fast. If you dont show up, you will fail. He is the type to just talk, and you have to get your infomation that way. His test and quizes are EXTREMELY hard, but just stay above the average. He'll help you out if he sees that you're trying.
This was my hardest professor this year. Dr. Beirne has insanely hard quizzes and exams; however, there are curves that are your only hope. Even though this class is hard, he has good intentions, but this still happened to be one of the hardest classes. I don't recommend this professor to anyone who isn't taking a biology course along side with it.
This guy is extremely smart and taking his class was the most stressful thing of my life BUT i cannot lie about him actually teaching me things worth knowing for later. I had anxiety all semester, I do not recommend any freshman taking his class. But others, go for it. You will learn a whole lot! Stay in or above class average and you will be fine.
Dr. Beirne's class was by far one of the most challenging courses I have ever taken, however, I do not regret taking his section of Microbiology at all. He is a practicing physician so all of his test questions are application based. He is a hilarious and wise professor who is willing to answer any questions! It's difficult but do-able!
This was one of the hardest classes I've ever taken. YOU NEED TO ATTEND LECTURES AND READ AND LEARN ON YOUR OWN.
He is a really amazing teacher, only issue is the way he runs the class is very unique. You will need to discover a lifestyle for this class in order to keep up with him. NEVER SKIP YOU WILL BE LOST. His exams/quizzes/CS are very difficult, like VERY difficult. If you are willing to put in the work, he is a must take. If not, avoid at all costs.
Dr. Beirne is an amazing professor, he's knowledgeable and will help you when you seek help. Make sure you do all case studies and quizzes! It will look like you're failing but stick with it he does a big curve on everything! Extra credit available if you do the connect homework 50pt EC. Cumulative course all material is used throughout. Go to SI!!
You have to read the book, you have to read it well. If you don't read the book. going to class can help a tiny because he'll give three-four exam answers during lectures. Your online quizzed will be around the 40-45% range, but he has a wild crazy curve. I got a 30-80% on every quiz and got a B+. There's a curve on the exams too. Exams are easier.
I wish more classes were taught and graded this way. Don't worry about low quiz and exam grades, but DO NOT speed through and click on random answers. Time your time. I loved this class and I learned so much.
Listen to everything everyone is saying about this teacher here on ratemyprofessors. It is a hard class. You do need to attend if you really want to pass. It will seem impossible at first but work through it, go to SI, read the book, use the links in the additional materials section on icollege, keep studying and you'll be fine. You'll learn alot.
Dr. B is an awesome professor he is super knowledgeable about the material but it is also a class you will work hard in. You will struggle to understand his grading scale but stay with the class!
AWESOME professor, his test are extremely hard so make sure you read. as far as quizzes go i averaged between a (30-70) on them but dont let that be a scare to you he does curve quizzes and test so just put some time and effort into the class and you will pass!!! would definitely take him again
This class is extremely difficult, but also extremely rewarding! Dr. Beirne is very helpful to those who are willing to be helped. Do not drop the class, it is worth it to stay in it!
Dr. Beirne without a doubt definitely knows his material, he will challenge you and prepare you for post-undergraduate studies. Dr. Beirnes' teaching method is interactive and audience friendly. He was always there for me during office hrs. I enjoyed every lecture he taught. I can for sure say I left this class with more knowledge & appreciation.
His lectures are incredible and I genuinely look forward to attending his classes. The first two weeks of class you will feel very thrown to the wolves with the subject matter, but if you study everything comes together and the material he focuses on applies to other bio classes as well. Be sure to compare your grade to the curve before panicking.
Make sure you attend every class! You can tell that Dr Beirne really knows his stuff and tries to make the lectures overall enjoyable. He gives you a bunch of resources to prepare for his test and quizzes. I took his class as a freshman which I don't recommended but it's not impossible to still make a good grade.
Listen to everybody when they say this is the most difficult class you will ever take, but also the most rewarding. I would take Dr. Beirne again any chance i got. He has prepared me better than any teacher ive ever taken. Don't stress about the grading scale, he curves. Take him, work hard, and i promise: you won't regret it.
Okay, if you take him then this will be the hardest class you will probably ever take in your undergrad career BUT i think it is totally worth it !! He is very kind and approachable professor. He is a very helpful professor especially for those who are considering going to a grad school program in the medical field.
Everything you'll read about not panicking because of the curve is accurate. Dr. Beirne is smart, attentive, passionate, and he will fight for you if you ever need it. He has a great memory and will remember you for years. I wish I had more time and opportunities to take his other classes. If you're a great student, you'll do well. NOT for slackers
Yes, the material is extremely difficult; however, if you put in some effort and stay consistent with studying, then, you should be fine. He curved our grades (my final avg of 61% got curved to a 81%). If you show him you care, he will work with you. Hes a great guy with the best intentions; his class was a nice wake up call about what s to come
Firstly. GO. TO. CLASS and LISTEN. A lot of material but going to class helps you to pick out the more important things. This will be your hardest class, but read. and go to office hours at least once before every exam. It's difficult but rewarding. Stay above the curve and participate in class. He remembers names ;) higher grade after curve.
Dr. Beirne is one if the hardest teachers Ive ever taken and to be honest he is one of the best that GSU has to offer. He really knows his stuff and he is very great individual when it comes to helping you out in the class. You will have to work for your grade by reading the material and not slacking but in the end it will be woth it.
He's a great teacher. But if you want to pass that class, you better show up every class and READ. Majority of the tests come from reading, quizzes and case studies, but this definitely was a hard class. He's VERY helpful though if you just talk to him and tell him what's going on, he'll give you pointers. He also curves the grade at the end.
Dr. Beirne is an AMAZING professor ! His Parasitology class was no joke, but if you read and pay attention,you'll be fine. His exams are super hard but he does a huge curve on each test. Definitely taking him again. Tough class but very rewarding to take of your trying to go to medical school. Plus, he is an M.D so he teaches like medical school.
Dr. Beirne is one of my favorite teacher because he is very passionate about microbiology and make this class interesting. This class will be one of your hardest biology class but its rewarding also. Do not get panic with all the tests score. All tests were super hard but he gives huge curve. I am definitely going to take him again.
Dr Beirne is one of the best premed teachers ever he teaches this microbiology course similar to the way it's being taught in medical school. The class is not that easy which is expected but if you pay attention to what he says you'll be fine
Dr. Beirne is one of my favorite teachers Ive had at Georgia State. He is passionate about what he teaches and cares about his students. The class is very hard but if you study and pay attention in class youll get a good grade.
If you don't put in the work, you won't do well. This was the hardest science course I've ever taken, but by far the most rewarding! Dr. Beirne cares about his students and recognizes those who try. He's a medical doctor, so he knows what he's talking about. Study hard, pay attention, and TAKE YOUR TIME ON EXAMS! The stress is worth it in the end!
Legitimately learned useful knowledge that will actually help me once I graduate. Tests are USMLE step 1 level so read and use sketchy medical. He's an actual practicing physician so he preps you for the medical field. Best professor at GSU
Dr. Beirne displays tremendous passion when it comes to medicine and you can literally feel his enthusiasm in every lecture he teaches. He posses incredible people-skills and is without a doubt the most caring professor I have had the pleasure of taking at Ga State! Make sure to put in good effort and you'll come out with a good grade in the end!
This class is going to be hard. If you're expecting to do the bare minimum and get a B you are highly mistaken. Dr. Beirne is an extremely intelligent and caring professor but his class is hard. His lectures are scattered everywhere and hard to follow. Be prepared for a long, challenging semester.
Possibly one of the hardest classes I've taken so far but i definitely understand the material really well. It seems scary hard but if you study hard and read the textbook, you can definitely get an A. His lectures are very comprehensive and loves when you speak up in class.
He's extremely caring and intelligent. This class won't be an easy A, but it's definitely possible if you attend lectures and read the book. I highly recommend Dr. Beirne, especially if you want to go to vet/med/dent/pharm/nursing school!
Dr. B is an incredible professor; not only is he extremely knowledgeable and passionate about microbiology, he also manages to make the class funny and interesting for his students. Don't be fooled, this class is HARD, but if you attend the lectures and put in the work, you can get an A. Make sure to do the case studies, quizzes, and Mastering!
DR BEIRNE IS INCREDIBLE. This was a hard class, I won't sugarcoat it. It was difficult at first to understand how this class is set up and how to study for it, but once I got the hang of it, it was rewarding in the sense that I was actually LEARNING SOMETHING. Read the book, go to class, read the powerpoints, go to SI, and you'll be fine!
Also took his Med Micro class, got an A-. He's the BEST professor I have ever taken. He has made a lasting impact on my view of how ppl can be passionate about their profession and still be amazing teachers. He takes the time to know everyone's names, and he's such a fun character. Exams are tough but you get the grade you deserve if u work for it
This prof sets the standard for other profs at GSU. Questions are met with very informative answers, he noticed who comes to class and who doesn't (even if you sit in the back), very enthusiastic about the subject and really values his students learning as opposed to deducing them to a letter grade. Yes, the class is difficult but just do your best
As others have said, this is a hard class. However, I think it is a very doable one, and if you are interested in going to medical school, this is probably one of the best classes you can take at GSU to prepare. Get ready for low test scores that make you want to pull out your hair, but don't give up. He curves in the same way real board exams are.
I took Dr. Bierne for Microbiology last semester and let me tell you, if you have no background knowledge of ANYTHING, don't worry! You'll be fine. He helps a lot and clarifies anything that you don't understand. This man is truly a gift to the school, ESPECIALLY if you're pre-med, pre-PA, allat.
I can't really say much since corona came in and switch up the situation but his lecture style is very difficult to keep up if you don't read the book.
Professor Beirne was my favorite professor so far. I am a nursing student so microbiology was a crucial course. The infectious diseases I learned in this class are still prevalent in my current nursing classes. I made an A through hard work, memorizing skills, and attending almost every SI session.
The workload was really heavy, and reading/studying the textbook is absolutely detrimental for any success in the class. The quizzes and exams are extremely rigorous, especially if you don't study. The course would definitely have been more enjoyable if not taken during COVID, however. Dr. Beirne is very nice and helpful and great at explaining
Ok, this semester was online and from what I understand took a lot away from this class. I definitely learned a lot more from Dr. Beirne than any other professor I've had. Lectures and the tables in the textbook are most important, and the tests were the hardest I've ever taken. Final grades are curved based on where you are relative to the class.
I would highly recommend Dr. Beirne for microbiology. He will make you work for your grade, but he is very nice and is willing to help. He even helped me in other classes as well, lol. I liked his class and I learned ALOT. If you want a professor who will actually teach then take him. Don't stress your grade focus on learning the material !!
I honestly didn't understand almost half of the class, definitely thought I would fail. However, he's VERY helpful and actually nice and patient. He isn't one of those professors that will comment back or look like you answered anything stupid even if you did. Practice tests and work actually helped greatly. He also curves the grade at the end.
I didn't interact with him very much this semester, but I respect him quite a lot. I am so thankful for how he curves and how well he knows his material. It's inspiring really! This class was like an anvil to the head but if you put in the work you will definitely get the grade you deserve (like me hahahaha).
This man is a KING. Dr. Beirne is definitely the best professor I have ever had and probably will have. The tests and quizzes are insanely hard and take a bit to get used to, but if you study a lot and make sure you read you will do fine. He not only makes you prepared for nursing or med school, but also makes you a better test taker.
He cares. His courses are ideal prep for nursing, PA or medical school! Encourages participation to increase material retention. Blended learning made an already challenging course more so. Reading ahead/keeping up with reading is key for success! Weekly quizzes and hw help you stay on top of material. Highly recommend if you put in the work.
Dr. B is freaking awesome! I took this class spring 2020 and parasitology was great! You will definitely have to read and work your @ss off for an A! If you plan on going to me school take this class! P.S. if you are a honors or grad student, make sure to do your oral project on botflys! You'll earn brownie points from him like how I did! GL!! :D
This class was very tough, however, it is very doable to do well in this class. He gives 4 exams and provides generous curves in the exams. I advise that you do attend his class, as I found it helpful during the exams because some of the things he mentions in class shows up on the exams. Reading the textbook is mandatory to do well!
Dr. Beirne was a great professor. His lectures were super engaging, and I really learned a lot from him, but this class was so, so hard. With 4 cumulative exams worth 90% of the grade, 2-4 chapters of reading per week, plus two quizzes a week and work from the textbook, it is a LOT. He does curve the exams and the final grade, but be prepared.
Intense class, 3 to 4 quizzes a week and 4 tests with 20+ and 70+ questions respectively, cant change answers. about 5 chapter readings per week with homework. Assessment material only loosely resemble content taught. Very vigorous class, do not take in heavy semester like I did. final curve was relatively insignificant as implied by other reviews.
Dr. Beirne is a nice man but a very challenging professor. His tests and quizzes are like the once given in medical school and are very difficult. Do yourself a favor by reading the textbook, going over the PowerPoints, and attending every lecture. Most people did not attend the lecture and therefore didn't do so well. He does curve the tests.
Pass or fail class. No exams, just syllabus quiz & 3 easy assignments. A fake email assignment, make a cv/resume assignment, and a personal essay (500 words) paper. Just a class meant to prepare you for post grad! I stopped coming since the 3rd week, but made sure I watched all recordings he posted. Still passed. This class doesn't count on ur GPA!
Dr. Beirne is easily one of the best professors at GSU, however his classes have been the hardest classes I have ever taken in my undergrad career. I was able to make an A in his med micro class but you need to read every. single. day. Go to his office hours as often as you can! Shed a few tears there but he's very encouraging and understanding lol
Coming to class is a must because if you miss one day, you will have behind. His grading criteria is completely different than any other professors.
If you are ready to experience what it is like to live the life of a medical student, or potential medical student, go to his class. Dr. Beirne not only teaches lectures, but he will also teach you how to be disciplined and be responsible with your class, reading is a must, and reading every day is recommended. Working hard is the key.
If you are planning on going to medical school, you must take Dr. Beirne. His parasitology course is ridiculously challenging and demands a lot of time. The exams (only 3) are the hardest I have ever taken but he curves them. If you read and go to every lecture, you will definitely pass since he will know who you are. Amazing professor.
If you are trying to maintain a certain GPA ( especially if you are a nursing student, take another professor. The class is hard and not in a "Oh I'm learning so much because this is a challenge" kind of way, this is the class where you genuinely are scared the whole semester because of how low your grade is and you don't know if you will pass.
I never experience a class like this before. This class humbled me in SO MANY WAYS. The professor is amazing, he enjoys what he does. I can see in through his lectures. I think the way he grades is brilliant to say the least. One thing i recommend is find a group that are invested in this class and ride along this bacteria journey together haha
You may get scared at first when taking quizzes and you start to receive low grades but YOU WILL BE FINE just stay above class average
this class was extremely difficult. the class averages on the tests and quizzes were in the teens (yes, teens). but he thought it was okay that nobody knew the content because he was going to curve the grade. I am retaking the class with a different professor and genuinely know the content, and I have an A in her class, without a curve.
he is a fair professor, if he knows you personally (go to office hours, ask questions, participate in class) along with you studying and doing your part, you will get the grade you deserve. there is a bit of reading but he is one of the best hard professors I've had!
Had Dr. B for Topics in Biology (Pharmacology). I got As/Bs on his exams from reading and studying outside of class. His classes require time management, discipline and self motivation in order to succeed. He is kind, caring and will remember you if you ask questions and participate. Definitely a must if you want to pursue a career in healthcare.
For an introductory class, this is super tough. Most challenging class I've ever taken, but I'll tell you one thing- I learned so much! He's super funny, very intelligent, and clearly loves what he does. Attendance is technically optional, but try not to miss a class. I almost failed- but I DIDN'T and if I was able to pass, so can you!!!
This is a TOUGH course. You WILL fail all of the quizzes. Don't worry about that, they are just for practice. Study for exams by going through powerpoints, not reading. I read for the first test and failed. Went through powerpoints of tests for the last 3 and did well. If you have an average of 70 or above you will get an A in the class. You go it!
I was a student of Dr B over 8 years, i have to agree his courses are challenging but he prepares you for what ahead. He cares so much about each students and takes time to know them individually. If I have to do college life again, I would definitely take his classes Dr B prepares me to become the kind of physician I am today
Medical Microbiology over the Summer was A LOT of information. However, making an A is very doable. You have to read Levinson, do the practice questions and quizzes, come to class and participate. He knows who cares and the grade you deserve based on your work ethic and engagement. I have no regrets taking any of his classes and this was my third.
he is just so fun, the class is very difficult but as long as you come to class and study what he sends out you will do fine in the end. raw score was a 64 and got curved to B+. you can also just go to his office hours and say "I have no clue whats going on" and he will sit with you and do a course on the last couple of lectures one-on-one
Dr. B is a great professor! He constantly challenges his students to fully understand the rigorous material taught in his lectures. He goes into depth about course topics and supplements his lectures with helpful videos and test practice while using his assigned textbooks as a learning guide. He actively attempts to prepare you for medical school!
Exams and quizzes were pretty difficult. Attendance wasn't mandatory but it'll probably benefit you more if you do go to the lectures. As long as you stay with the class average you should pass with at least a C in his class.
I loved this class and I have never worked harder for an A. Microbiology is my passion so I was happy I got to take it with Dr. Beirne. He knows so much about bacteriology and makes the class very fun. The exams and quizzes are hard. Those who get it, get it. His classes are not meant to be easy, but they will make you a better student in the end.
This class is no joke - it's tough, but if you put in the work (reading the textbook, studying the slides, and using resources like Unstuck study for prep), you can make it through. The professor is fair, just make sure to engage with him.
He was amazing in lecture and he was helpful during the office hours. Test are impossible! For example top base score would be 45% but he would curve that to a 95 but class average was 25% which would be a 60. You have to read the book and memorize everything about all the bugs. Very hard class but if you are going into medicine it is worth it.
This man is a king. Highly recommend taking him. If you read the book, pay attention to lectures, and truly understand the material - you will do well. He wants you to actually learn the material and teaches and tests accordingly to that. He is so kind, caring, and really wants to equip his students with knowledge.
Dr. Beirne is an amazing, intelligent, and caring professor. People who hate him are the ones who did not try in his class. Put the effort in and he will meet you half way. Take the time to get to know him and show him you care about the class and he will be eager to help you in any way he can. All tests are curved & take advantage of office hours.
I have mixed feelings about Mark Beirne. I didn't know I passed the class until the very end. He has to curve all tests and scores so far due to everyone doing terrible. The class average before the cure was around a 50%. So you will spend most of your semester with a low grade and think you are failing, but you are not.
Tests are very very difficult, yes. But I loved his class because it made me to learn how to study on my own. Try to memorize everything possible, know all the definitions of every word and learn its functions, xyz.
This is a difficult course in of itself, but Professor Beirne made it an enjoyable one. His energy also uplifted most of the class at 8 in the morning... lol. As long as you come to lectures (they really matter) and study, you'll be good to go. The prof also makes sure he answers any of your questions and that you understand the concept.
Love Dr. Beirne! He's hilarious, the content is super interesting, and he makes class fun. Don't mistake that for easy—it's challenging and you have to put in the work (I studied tons of flashcards). Go to office hours when you're stuck; I went almost every time and it helped a lot.
For anyone considering a career in nursing or medicine, you must take Dr. Beirne. He prepares you very well for advanced studies. Yes, the exams were challenging and most people do poorly, but you have to read and come to class. He curves all grades. I was very surprised to get make a 100 on the first exam. Just put in effort and ask questions.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
25%
Textbook Required
13%
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