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Janice A. Hester, Ph.D.

Residential Faculty - Astronomy

Physical Science

Physical Science

Office: PS 15 - Room: 208

480-461-7313 (alt)

Office Hours

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM9:00 AM - 10:00 AM8:00 AM - 8:50 AM 
 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 
 

Online

Online

Online

 
 By appointmentBy appointmentBy appointment 

  • TTh 8:00 - 8:50 am, In-person office hours prior to AST 111 class meeting
  • TTh, 1:00 - 2:00 pm and  W 9:00-10:00 am, Webex office hours by appointment, please message me (last minute is okay) if you would like to attend
  • Other times (including evenings by Webex) by appointment

If you wish to set up a meeting outside of normal office hours, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance. Since I may have conflicts with your prefered time, please suggest 2-3 times when you would be available to meet.

Classes Taught

Spring 2023

AST111 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy 4 Credits

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. The scientific method, properties of light, astronomical instruments, our Solar System and solar systems around other stars. Includes hands-on astronomical observations and laboratory exercises.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Course Notes: AST106, AST111, and AST112 cover three areas of Astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination.

It is highly encouraged that you attend the FREE MCC Physics and Astronomy Boot Camp that occurs prior to the beginning of the semester. Participants will review key skills necessary for success; participants will be better prepared for their course. Visit https://www.mesacc.edu/students/foundations-student-success/boot-camps for more information and to register.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
30830
Dobson Campus
In Person
Lecture
01/17/2023 - 05/12/2023
TuTh
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Class Started

Notes: All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 30830 must also register for .
29202

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/17/2023 - 05/12/2023

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29202 Students may contact instructor at: melissa.bunte@mesacc.edu. Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 29202 must also register for .
30831
Dobson Campus
In Person
Lab
01/17/2023 - 05/12/2023
TuTh
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Class Started

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 30831 must also register for .
30086

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/17/2023 - 05/12/2023

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 30086 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 30086 must also register for .
AST112 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology 4 Credits

Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. Structure and evolution of stars; supernovae, black holes, and quasars; nebulae; star clusters; galaxies; cosmology, including the birth and death of the universe.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory district placement.

Course Notes: AST106, AST111, and AST112 cover three areas of Astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination.

It is highly encouraged that you attend the FREE MCC Physics and Astronomy Boot Camp that occurs prior to the beginning of the semester. Participants will review key skills necessary for success; participants will be better prepared for their course. Visit https://www.mesacc.edu/students/foundations-student-success/boot-camps for more information and to register.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
30260

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/17/2023 - 05/12/2023

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 30260 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu. Students are required to submit an initial assignment due within the first few days of class. Students are required to have access to a computer and internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended. A mobile device may not be sufficient for all course content.

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 30260 must also register for .
30261

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/17/2023 - 05/12/2023

Class Started

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 30261 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 30261 must also register for .

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