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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
 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM9:00 AM - 10:00 AM9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 
 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM12:30 PM - 1:30 PM  

Online

Online

Online

Online

Online

By appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointment

  • Online office hours by appointment, please message me up to one hour prior if you would like to attend
  • Other times (including some evenings online) by appointment

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.

Classes Taught

Fall 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: 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
18098

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/21/2023 - 10/13/2023

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 18098 Students may contact instructor at: melissa.bunte@mesacc.edu

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.

Class 18098 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 18098 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 18098 must also register for .
18099

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/21/2023 - 12/15/2023

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 18099 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

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.

Class 18099 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 18099 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 18099 must also register for .
19000

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/21/2023 - 10/13/2023

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 19000 Students may contact instructor at: melissa.bunte@mesacc.edu

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.

Class 19000 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 19000 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 19000 must also register for .
19001

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/21/2023 - 12/15/2023

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 19001 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

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.

Class 19001 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Class 19001 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 19001 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: 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
33578

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/21/2023 - 12/15/2023

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 33578 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 33578 must also register for .
33579

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/21/2023 - 12/15/2023

Class Started

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 33579 must also register for .

Fall Flex Start 2023

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
18880

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
10/16/2023 - 12/15/2023

Open

1 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 18880 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

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.

Class 18880 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 18880 must also register for .
19003

Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
10/16/2023 - 12/15/2023

Open

1 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 19003 Students may contact instructor at: janice.hester@mesacc.edu

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.

Class 19003 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 19003 must also register for .

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