This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.
This program is particularly applicable for students who wish to take courses in both biology and geology. Students major in natural sciences, with a topical emphasis in marine science — freshwater science. Students completing this program have pursued graduate, health-related, and law degrees, as well as private and government consulting positions and nautical education. Students anticipating graduate study should plan their course selections carefully. Interested students should see biology professors Frauendorf or McHugh, geology professors Harpp, Harnik or Leventer, or environmental studies professor Ury.
Major Requirements
Required Courses
- BIOL 181 - Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity
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GEOL 135 - Oceanography and the Environment
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BIOL 304 - Invertebrate Zoology
or - GEOL 215 - Paleontology of Marine Life
Two of the Following Courses
- BIOL 182 - Molecules, Cells, and Genes
- BIOL 330 - Conservation Biology
- BIOL 335 - Freshwater Ecology
- BIOL 340 - Marine Biology
Two of the Following Courses
- /
- GEOL 225 - Sedimentology and Surficial Processes
- GEOL 315 - Conservation Paleobiology
- GEOL 335 - Hydrology and Geomorphology
- GEOL 303 - Geochemistry
- /
- GEOL 420 - Solid Earth Processes
- GEOL 450 - Paleoclimatology
One 400-Level Research-Focused Course
- BIOL 478 - Animal Systematics & Phylogeny
- BIOL 487 - Advanced Aquatic Ecology
- BIOL 491 - Independent Study
- GEOL 441 - Senior Research Seminar
- GEOL 491 - Independent Study
Cognate Courses
- CHEM 111, or CHEM 101 and either CHEM 102 or GEOL 253.
- An additional year of cognate courses (two courses) in chemistry or one year of cognate courses (two courses) from mathematics or physics. may be substituted for as one of two courses in mathematics.
Field Experience
One field experience at a marine or freshwater science station. In consultation with their major advisers, students are encouraged to seek off-campus opportunities where they can be engaged in field work.
Additional Information
A semester's course equivalence (two or three courses such as marine ecology, aquatic ecology, geological oceanography, etc.) on an approved off-campus study program or at a marine or freshwater station may be substituted for some of the above courses when approved by an evaluating committee representing both the biology and geology departments. Students must petition the evaluating committee for approval once they are accepted at a marine or freshwater station, prior to actual enrollment in the courses.
Honors and High Honors
Following consultation with his or her research/capstone adviser and the director of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, a student may be allowed to stand for honors in Natural Sciences following the regulations in the research/capstone adviser's department or program. The awarding of honors will be decided by faculty members from all departments or programs involved in the student's topical concentration in Natural Sciences and must be approved by the director of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division
For more information about the division, please visit the catalog page.