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Biology

Study life in all its forms and turn your curiosity into a career.

A biology degree at Colby-Sawyer College gets you into the lab, onto the trail, and out into the field from your first year. You will study everything from the cells inside a single organism to the ecosystems of an entire river basin. You will conduct research alongside professors who know your name, build the skills that graduate and medical schools look for, and graduate ready for careers in medicine, conservation, biotechnology, and more. Combine your classroom and laboratory learning with field studies courses in the Colorado River Basin, the desert Southwest, the island community of Martha’s Vineyard, the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the tropical communities of Belize. Enroll in the wildlife ecology, conservation & management track to explore ecosystems, conduct black bear and shark research and hone technical skills for rewarding and vital careers.

Develop a broad understanding of all areas of biology and learn how to use scientific processes. Explore the concepts of molecular, cell, organismal and ecological biology and apply theory to practice.

Conduct cutting-edge research with your professors in the region’s many lakes and rivers, forests and mountain ranges, or get to know the campus’s pond, fields, 86-acre certified tree farm, maple sugar house, permaculture garden and tree nursery.

Learn quantitative skills like data analysis to interpret research conducted on campus in the water-quality and ecology laboratories. Communicate your own findings through visual representations and sharpen your scientific writing.

A young man in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around his neck stands in a hospital hallway with medical equipment in the background.

“At Colby-Sawyer, faculty know you, give you one-on-one time and push you to learn. The small group setting gave me a great opportunity to grow.”

Patrick Benson, M.D., ’09 – Dermatology Resident at University of Vermont Medical Center

Show off four years of learning in your Capstone project and present it to the Eastern New England Biological Conference.

Pair the major with Colby-Sawyer’s pre-medical or pre-veterinary track to prepare for the Medical College Admissions Test or entrance into a variety of health-related professional schools.

Colby-Sawyer also offers a minor in biology that complements any program of study and will broaden your career opportunities. For complete information about major requirements and course offerings, refer to the college catalog.

 

Application Information

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Doctor's Orders

Spend the day at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College where you'll meet faculty, have lunch with current medical students, tour the facilities and attend lectures, including hospital Grand Rounds. The Medical Student for a Day Program gives Colby-Sawyer's top performing pre-medical students a glimpse into what it takes for medical school success.