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Biology Home Page

The Department of Biology, in which over 200 students are now registered as majors, attempts to provide its students with strong backgrounds in important aspects of both classical and modern biology. To provide a broad and comprehensive investigation of the biological sciences, the department curriculum emphasizes the study of the biology of plants, animals, and microorganisms at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, and community levels of organization.


The Department of Biology at Colby College is one of the largest departments on campus. Course offerings span the discipline from the molecular and cellular level to the ecosystem. Faculty teaching and research interests follow a similar pattern. We offer four majors to fit the interests of our students: Biology, Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry, Biology: Environmental Science and Biology: Neuroscience.

The department has state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and the cell & molecular area has strong ties with the Chemistry Department, both in physical facilities and in contributing to the Cell and Molecular Biology/Biochemistry Concentration. The Department of Biology also has strong ties to the Environmental Studies Program and cross lists a number of courses.

Majors can take advantage of one of the strongest field biology programs at any liberal arts college, including regular laboratory field trips, independent study opportunities, and field courses offered in January. In addition, Colby has affiliate status with The School For Field Studies and links to other off-campus programs. Colby owns two natural areas which we use extensively in our courses: the Colby-Marston Preserve (photo), a kettlehole bog and National Natural Landmark, and the Perkins Arboretum (photo), a designated State wildlife preserve and a part of campus. In addition, students have access to lakes, streams and the coast for laboratory work.