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Janice A. Hester, Ph.D.

Residential Faculty - Astronomy

Physical Science

Physical Science

Office: RDM-S Saguaro - Room: 273

480-461-7313 (alt)

Office Hours

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM11:30 AM - 1:00 PM10:45 AM - 11:45 AM11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 
 

Online

 

Online

 
 By appointment By appointment 

In-Person Office Hours: After class from 10:45 - 11:45 PM in PV105 (the classroom)

Virtual Office Hours: 11:30 to 1:00 MW over Zoom

I am always happy to have students during office hours.   For online office hours, please message me beforehand so that I have an online meeting open for you.

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 preferred time, please suggest 2-3 times when you would be available to meet.

  • Office at Red Mountain: S-273
  • Office at Southern & Dobson: PS-208

Classes Taught

Spring 2025

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
26825

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025

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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 26825 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]. 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.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 26825 must also register for .
27541

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025

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 27541 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 27541 must also register for .
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics 4 Credits

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
27223
Red Mountain Campus
In-Person
Lecture
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025
MoWe
8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Class Started

Notes: 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 27223 must also register for .
27285
Red Mountain Campus
In-Person
Lab
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025
MoWe
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Class Started

Notes: 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.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 27285 must also register for .

Spring Flex Start 2025

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
27664

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
03/17/2025 – 05/09/2025

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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

iBelong Student Success Initiative. Class 27664: is part of “iBelong” utilizing an iPad to complete coursework. Please visit our iBelong website for more information on student iPad checkouts. https://www.mesacc.edu/ibelong

Class 27664 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]. 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.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 27664 must also register for .
27665

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
03/17/2025 – 05/09/2025

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 27665 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 27665 must also register for .

Fall 2025

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: Note that AST111 is not a prerequisite for other AST courses, AST106, 111, and 112 cover three areas of study in astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination. AST106 and AST112 are not prerequisites of this course.

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
22744

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/25/2025 – 10/17/2025

Open

12 of 24
Seats Available

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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

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.

Class 22744 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 22744 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. 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.

Class 22744 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 22744 must also register for .
23446

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/25/2025 – 10/17/2025

Open

12 of 24
Seats Available

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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

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.

Class 23446 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 23446 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. 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.

Class 23446 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 23446 must also register for .
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics 4 Credits

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, conservation laws, dynamics of particles, solids, fluids, mechanical waves, and sound.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or permission of Department or Division. One year of high school physics suggested but not required.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
23205
Red Mountain Campus
In-Person
Lecture
08/26/2025 – 12/19/2025
TuTh
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Open

22 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 23205 must also register for .
23206
Red Mountain Campus
In-Person
Lab
08/26/2025 – 12/19/2025
TuTh
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Open

22 of 24
Seats Available

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 23206 must also register for .

Fall Flex Start 2025

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: Note that AST112 is not a prerequisite for other AST courses, AST106, 111, and 112 cover three areas of study in astronomy. These courses can be taken in any order or combination. AST106 and AST111 are not prerequisites of this course.

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
23355

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
10/20/2025 – 12/19/2025

Open

18 of 24
Seats Available

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 23355 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

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.

Class 23355 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. 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.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 23355 must also register for .
23449

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
10/20/2025 – 12/19/2025

Open

18 of 24
Seats Available

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 23449 Students may contact instructor at: [email protected]

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Class 23449 This class may include optional synchronous components such as review sessions, office hours, etc.. Coursework must be completed according to deadlines. 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.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 23449 must also register for .

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