The Department of Biology provides its students with a background in, and an appreciation for, important aspects of classical and modern biology. To provide a broad and comprehensive investigation of the biological sciences, the departmental curriculum emphasizes the study of the biology of plants, animals, and microorganisms at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels of organization. Special facilities include the Perkins Arboretum, the Colby-Marston Bog, a four capillary DNA sequencer, a microscopy suite, a flow cytometer, several laboratory microcomputer clusters, a well-equipped GIS laboratory, a radioisotope laboratory, a cell culture facility, two greenhouses, herbarium, numerous environmental chambers, and animal and aquarium rooms. Colby is a member of the Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), supported by the National Institutes of Health. Department graduates enroll in all fields of biology and in medical schools, dental schools, and veterinary colleges. Others are employed as research assistants, as teachers, and by private firms and government agencies.

Three optional concentrations and an interdisciplinary option are offered in addition to the basic major. The concentration in environmental science is designed to provide students with a background to work in the environmental field or to continue on to graduate study in environmental science, in ecology, or in one of the other biological disciplines. In recent years graduates have enrolled in graduate programs in ecology, marine biology, natural resource management, public policy, and environmental health. Others are employed by federal and state agencies, private and public organizations, and consulting firms.

The concentration in cell and molecular biology/biochemistry focuses biology majors on the interdisciplinary field that lies at the interface between biology and chemistry and also prepares students for graduate study or employment in the bio-medical fields. Recent graduates have pursued interests in gene therapy, genetic counseling, and biomedical research, or they have attended medical school or graduate school in a variety of disciplines.

The concentration in neuroscience allows students to explore the interdisciplinary field at the interface between biology and psychology. This program prepares students for graduate study or employment in neuroscience or biomedical fields. Recent graduates have pursued research in neurodegenerative diseases, molecular neuroscience, and neuroimmunology.

The major in biology-interdisciplinary computation allows students to develop a coherent plan for the integration of computer science with biology, culminating in an integrative capstone experience. Students completing this major will be well-prepared to pursue research in fields such as computational biology and bioinformatics.

Students interested in teaching are urged to read the “Education” section of the catalogue and to contact a member of the Education Program. Students majoring in biology and preparing for dental, medical, or veterinary schools must take a year of organic chemistry and a year of introductory college physics with laboratory in addition to the courses required for the major; students preparing for graduate study in the biological sciences also should elect these courses. Students are encouraged to take courses at summer laboratories and field stations. With prior approval, such courses may be credited toward the major requirement.

Colby is a member of a consortium sponsoring the Center for Sustainable Development Studies, through which qualified students are provided the opportunity for a semester of study in Costa Rica. Studies combine biology with social and political issues to address sustainable development problems. Colby also maintains affiliate status with the School for Field Studies and with the Semester in Environmental Science at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole.

Faculty