Biology Facilities and Resources for Research

The academic work of students and faculty in the Colgate University biology department is supported by robust facilities and resources that enable cutting-edge research and innovative teaching and learning.

Professor Engda Hagos works with undergraduate student researchers on his cancer research projects.
Professor Engda Hagos works with undergraduate student researchers on his cancer research projects.

Laboratory Research Equipment

Most courses in the biology department include a laboratory component. With the ample lab space, which allows many classes to have dedicated lab space for the semester, intensive laboratory experiences over the span of multiple weeks are possible.

Both teaching labs and laboratories dedicated to faculty members’ research projects have access to state-of-the-art equipment, allowing faculty and student researchers to push the boundaries in the exploration of many fields within biology.

Major Equipment for Cell and Molecular Biology

  • ABI multicapillary automated DNA sequencer
  • ABI 7900 quantitative PCR
  • Zeiss LSM710 laser confocal microscope
  • Video gel documentation system
  • NanoDrop mini-spectrophotometer
  • UV/visible spectrophotometers
  • Electroporator and biolistic gene delivery systems
  • Phosphor imaging system
  • ChemiDoc bioimaging system
  • Five Nikon epifluorescence microscopes with high resolution cameras and video image analysis

Major Equipment for Ecology and Physiology

  • Portable photosynthesis analyzer, LICOR 6400
  • Ion and gas chromatographs
  • Radio telemetry tracking equipment
  • Global positioning system
  • Total organic carbon analyzer
  • Elemental analyzer for total nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and sulfur
  • Passive integrated transponder tagging system
  • Microplate spectrophotometer and reader
  • X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (TXRF)
  • Seahorse XF analyzer

Nearby Field Areas

Colgate University has 1500 hectares of forested lands accessible for student-faculty research, including:

Students and faculty may also access several non-Colgate sites, including: