Skip to Content Skip to Navigation
Natural Science

Natural Sciences Area

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to critically examine and evaluate scientific observation, hypothesis, or model construction, and to use the scientific method to explain the natural world.
  • Students will successfully recognize and comprehend fundamental concepts, principles, and processes about the natural world. 

Any student who successfully completes a natural science course for which one of the general education core course options in natural science is an immediate prerequisite shall be considered to have completed the natural sciences core. 

In order to fulfill the Natural Sciences area requirement, students must complete both a Physical Science and a Biological Science course. At least one course in the Natural Sciences area must be a core option course (designated with •). 

General Education Courses - 6 Credit Hours

Discipline: Physical Sciences (choose one, 3 crs.) 
•AST1002, Descriptive Astronomy 
+CHM1025, Introduction to General Chemistry
+CHM1032, General, Organic, Biochemistry
+CHM1045, General Chemistry
ESC2000, Earth and Space Science Survey
EVR1001, Introduction to Environmental Science
GLY1010, Physical Geology
GLY1032, Natural Disasters
•OCE1001, Fundamentals of Oceanography
PHY1020, Basic Concepts of Physics
+PHY1023, Survey of General Physics
+PHY2048, University Physics I
+ PHY2053, College Physics I
Discipline: Biological Sciences (choose one, 3 crs.)
BOT2800, Plants and Society 
•BSC1005, General Biological Science 
BSC1020, Human Biology 
•BSC2010, Biology for Science Majors I 
•BSC2085, Human Anatomy and Physiology I 
BSC2311, Introduction to Marine Biology 


New students who were initially admitted as first-time-in-college students in fall 2014 or thereafter, pursuant to s. 1007.25, F.S., must meet foreign language competency as specified in s. 1007.262, F.S. This competency is ordinarily demonstrated through completion of two credits of sequential high school foreign language OR successful completion of two semesters of foreign language at the postsecondary level. Basic American Sign Language (ASL1400/ASL1401) does not meet this requirement. Prior to the award of an associate in arts or baccalaureate degree, first-time-in-college students entering a Florida College System institution in fall 2018, and thereafter, pursuant to s. 1007.25, F.S., must demonstrate competency in civic literacy. Students have the option to demonstrate competency through completion of POS2041 or AMH2020 or by achieving a passing score on the AP Government and Politics: United States, AP United States History, or CLEP: American Government examination.

No more than two physical education/activity semester hours may be used for the AA degree. No more than six hours of Cooperative Education may be used for the AA degree. No more than 30 hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit may be used for the AA degree.



• General Education Core. Students must complete at least one identified core course in each area of study—Communications, Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences—as part of the general education course requirements.
* Minimum grade of "C" required.
+ Prerequisites required.

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.