Jenna R. Hirsch

Associate Professor
Mathematics
EMAIL: jhirsch@bmcc.cuny.edu
Office: N-589
Office Hours:
Phone: +1 (212) 776-6485
Dr. Hirsch received her undergraduate degree in mathematics at Pennsylvania State University, and continued with her Masters Degree in Mathematics and Education at Rutgers University. Her research interests for her Ph.D. include student understanding of groups, rings, and topics in abstract algebra, all of which are explored in her dissertation from Teacher’s College Columbia University. She specializes in student understanding and learning in remediation, testing and pedagogy, here at BMCC. She is currently a Title V advisor, and advises students for S-STEM projects. In her spare time, Dr. Hirsch likes to work out, eat and cook healthy vegetarian meals, and walk her dog.
Expertise
Teacher Education, Mathematics Anxiety, Math Pedagogy, Math Education, Group Theory, Applied Statistics, Abstract Algebra
Degrees
- B.S. Pennsylvania State University, Mathematics,1999
- M.A. Rutgers University, Mathematics and Education,2001
- Ph.D. Columbia University, Teachers College, Mathematics and Education,2007
Courses Taught
- This course is a combination of arithmetic and elementary algebra. It includes the arithmetic of integers, fractions, decimals, and percent. In addition, such topics as signed numbers, algebraic representation, operations with polynomials, factoring, the solution of simultaneous linear equations of two variables, and graphing are covered.
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 is the first algebra course offered at the College. It includes such topics as algebraic representation, signed numbers, operations with polynomials, factoring, the solution of linear equations, the coordinate system, the solution of simultaneous linear equations of two variables, and graphing. This course is designed to prepare students for the CUNY Freshman Skills Assessment Test required for transfer to the upper division of CUNY, as well as for more advanced math courses. If a student passes MAT 12, the student should not register for MAT 51, since MAT 12 combines MAT 8 and MAT 51.
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 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 covers topics in intermediate algebra and emphasizes problems and applications in respiratory therapy. It includes such topics as: algebraic representation, factoring, approximate numbers, significant digits and scientific notation, first and second degree equations with applications, ratio and proportions, square roots, radicals and exponents, logarithms, graphing linear equations, vectors and the metric system.
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 - This course includes the study of several mathematical systems. The role of mathematics in modern culture, the role of postulational thinking in all of mathematics, and the scientific method are discussed. The course considers topics such as: the nature of axioms, truth and validity; the concept of number; the concept of set; scales of notation; and groups and fields.
Prerequisites: MAT 12, MAT 14, MAT 41, MAT 51 or MAT 161.5
Course Syllabus