Elisabeth Jaffe
Assistant Professor
Mathematics
EMAIL: ejaffe@bmcc.cuny.edu
Office: S-642J
Office Hours:
Phone: +1 (212) 776-6393
Before joining the BMCC Math Department in Fall 2017, Professor Elisabeth Jaffe taught algebra, calculus, advanced topics in mathematics and writing at Baruch College Campus High School.
“My favorite thing is to help students see mathematics in the world around them,” she says. “I want them to see the quadratic functions of water fountains or throwing a basketball. I want them to think about the relationship between volume and surface area when blowing up a balloon, or the importance of angles when buying a slice of pizza. I want them to realize they do complex mathematics in their heads every time they cross a street against the light. I want my students to see math as a creative subject.”
At BMCC, she is helping non-STEM students develop an enjoyment of, and confidence in mathematics. There is a high expectation at BMCC that every student can learn, she says. “We are all lifetime learners, and BMCC embraces that philosophy.”
Expertise
Degrees
- Ed.D. Columbia University, Mathematics Education,
- M.A. Columbia University, Mathematics Education,
- B.S. Columbia University, Computer Science,
Courses Taught
- This course is the second algebra course offered at the college. It is open to students who have completed elementary algebra or its equivalent. It includes such topics as: factoring, solutions of linear and quadratic equations, trigonometric relationships, exponents, logarithms, and the graphs of quadratic equations.
Students who passed MAT 12, MAT 14, MAT 41, MAT 51, MAT 56, MAT 160, MAT 161, MAT 56.5, MAT 150.5 cannot take MAT 161.5.
Course Syllabus - This course includes the study of several mathematical systems. The role of mathematics in modern culture, the role of postulational thinking in all mathematics, and the scientific method are discussed, The course considers topics such as the nature of axiom truth and validity; the concept of number; the concept of sets; scales of notation, and groups and fields.
Prerequisites: MAT12, MAT 14, MAT 41, MAT 51 or MAT 161.5
Note: This course satisfies the Pathways: Mathematical & Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
Course Syllabus - This course covers basic algebraic and trigonometric skills, algebraic equations, and functions. Topics include: mathematical induction, complex numbers, and the binomial theorem.
Prerequisite: MAT 157 or MAT 157.5
Course Syllabus - 4 CRS.8 HRS.NULL LAB HRS.MAT 206.5 (Intermediate Algebra and Precalculus (Same as MAT 206))
- This course integrates Intermediate Algebra and Trigonometry with Precalculus. Topics include properties of real numbers, polynomials and factoring, equations and inequalities in one and two variables, systems of linear equations and inequalities, rational expressions and functions, rational exponents and roots, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions.
Prerequisite: Elementary Algebra (MAT 51 or MAT 12) or the equivalent with departmental approval or placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 56)
Please note: Tuition for this corequisite course is charged by the equated credit (hours) not per credit.
Course Syllabus
