Melissa Bunte, Ph.D.

Residential Faculty - Astronomy

Physical Science

Office: AS 4 - Room: 166

480-461-7881

480-461-7755 (alt)

Office Hours

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
  10:30 AM - 11:30 AM2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

Online

Online

Online

Online

Online

By appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointmentBy appointment

Students: Appointment calendar for other times is available through Canvas. Questions by email are always welcome!

Faculty: Stop by the CTL, call, email, or contact me through Canvas with questions related to PAR or Faculty Developement. I'm happy to set up appointments, but walk-ins are also welcome! I'm available in AS 166 Tues/Thurs 9:30am-5pm, Fri 9:30am-3pm, and virtually Mon/Wed. 

Voice messages left at either office phone number will be forwarded to email for a return call.  

Profile

Faculty Developer & PAR Facilitator

AY 2022-2025

CTL AS 166

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
28003
Dobson Campus
In-Person
Lecture
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025
MoWe
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Class Started

Notes: 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.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 28003 must also register for .

28004
Dobson Campus
In-Person
Lab
01/13/2025 – 05/09/2025
MoWe
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Class Started

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 28004 must also register for .

Summer 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.

General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
16931

Online Course

Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
05/27/2025 – 07/17/2025

Closed

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 16931 Students may contact instructor at [email protected]

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 16931 must also register for .

16932

Online Course

Online (On Your Time)
Lab
05/27/2025 – 07/17/2025

Closed

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 16932 Students may contact instructor at [email protected]

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 16932 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
23626
Dobson Campus
In-Person
Lecture
08/25/2025 – 12/19/2025
MoWe
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Open

16 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: 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 23626 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 23626 must also register for .

23627
Dobson Campus
In-Person
Lab
08/25/2025 – 12/19/2025
MoWe
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Open

16 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: 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 23627 Instructor will provide digital course material information on the 1st day of class.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 23627 must also register for .

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