BS in Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hawaii Manoa

Program Overview

The BS in Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa provides a focused foundation in biological science, combining broad study of living systems with rigorous upper-division coursework and preparation for graduate study, professional schools, or specialized training. Students study biology from the molecular level through ecosystems while developing laboratory, scientific reasoning, quantitative, research, and communication skills, with Hawaiʻi providing a distinctive natural setting for biological study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their foundation with BIOL 171 – Introduction to Biology I and BIOL 172 – Introduction to Biology II, both with laboratory components, alongside supporting science and mathematics requirements. The BS pathway begins building the chemistry and quantitative background needed for later biological study through courses such as CHEM 161/161L – General Chemistry I and Laboratory and MATH 215, 241, or 251A – Calculus I.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized biological study with BIOL 275/275L – Cell and Molecular Biology and Laboratory, developing an understanding of biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. They also progress through BIOL 375/375L – Genetics and Laboratory, while continuing required chemistry and physics preparation such as organic chemistry and PHYS 151/151L or PHYS 170/170L – Physics I and Laboratory.

Year 3: Upper-division study expands from cellular processes to organisms, populations, and ecosystems through BIOL 305 – Ecology and BIOL 470 – Evolutionary Biology. Students also select advanced study in areas such as BIOL 402 – Principles of Biochemistry, BIOL 407 – Molecular Biology I, physiology, or morphology and biodiversity with laboratory work, giving the BS greater depth within the major.

Year 4: Students complete the BS with additional upper-division biology electives, allowing them to develop a more focused academic direction within the discipline. Options include advanced courses in biochemistry or molecular biology, physiology, morphology and biodiversity, and other approved biology electives, while the program's research-oriented structure supports preparation for graduate or professional study.

Focus areas:

Cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, physiology, morphology and biodiversity, with additional upper-division biology electives for specialization.

Learning outcomes:

Explain biological processes from molecules to ecosystems in an evolutionary context, evaluate scientific evidence and biological arguments, apply the scientific method using logical and quantitative approaches, work individually and in teams ethically, and communicate biological information clearly and professionally.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The official program information does not state a separate professional accreditation for the BS in Biology. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for graduate work in biological sciences, professional schools, and advanced specialized training.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's official Institutional Research Office reports a 2026 Times Higher Education subject ranking of 201–250 for Life Sciences and an overall World University Ranking of 251–300; the university does not publish a separate employability ranking specifically for the BS in Biology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s BS in Biology gives students practical experience through laboratory-based biology courses, field-based study, undergraduate research, and access to specialized facilities across the College of Natural Sciences. Depending on their focus, students can develop skills in areas such as organismal biology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology, and cellular biology while working with faculty and using research facilities on campus and across Hawaiʻi. These opportunities include:

Laboratory experience: Biology students complete laboratory courses that provide hands-on training in biological methods and experimental investigation, including courses associated with BIOL 171L, BIOL 172L, and BIOL 275L.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led research through BIOL 499 – Directed Research, allowing them to conduct research under the supervision of a biology faculty member and earn academic credit.
Field-based learning: Hawaiʻi provides a distinctive setting for studying tropical biology, ecology, evolution, marine biology, and conservation, with opportunities for students to conduct biological observations and research in local environments.
Mānoa campus research facilities: Biology students can benefit from facilities and research programs associated with the Department of Biology, including laboratories working in ecology and evolution, organismal biology, and molecular and cellular biology.
Marine and aquatic research: Students interested in marine biology can access the wider research environment of Mānoa, including the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, which supports research on marine organisms, ecosystems, conservation, and environmental change.
Botanical and ecological resources: The Lyon Arboretum provides a living collection and natural setting for botanical and ecological study, particularly relevant to students interested in plants, biodiversity, and tropical ecosystems.
Research collections: Students have access to university scientific collections and resources that support biological research, including specimen-based study and biodiversity research.
Independent projects: The curriculum provides opportunities for students to move beyond scheduled laboratory exercises into faculty-supervised research and independent study, helping them develop experimental design, data interpretation, scientific communication, and research skills.
Specialized biological environment: Studying biology in Hawaiʻi provides direct exposure to distinctive island ecosystems and high levels of biological diversity, making the location particularly relevant to field-oriented biological study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa provides a broad foundation for careers and further specialization in areas such as biological research, biotechnology, conservation, aquaculture, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and teaching. The university specifically notes that Biology graduates can use their training for professional work and reports an established record of graduates entering advanced degree programs in medical, dental, pharmacy, and graduate schools.

Career roles: Biological Research Assistant, Biotechnology Professional, Conservation Specialist, Laboratory or Research Technician.

Career development and progression opportunities:

Career services: The Mānoa Career Center provides career counseling, workshops, employer recruitment, career fairs, on-campus interviews, and a jobs database that is updated weekly with full-time opportunities.
Internships and professional experience: The School of Life Sciences maintains opportunities spanning biology research, public health, biomedical research, marine research, conservation, and government-related programs. Listed opportunities include the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, and NOAA-related programs.
Employment statistics and salary: The official University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sources reviewed do not state a Biology-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure. Therefore, no program-specific percentage or salary is provided here.
University–industry connections: UH Mānoa has documented biotechnology commercialization partnerships, including a joint venture with Genentex, which licensed university-developed gene-transfer technology related to aquaculture. The university has also documented research collaboration with ProtaCulture LLC on bioconversion and food-waste applications. These are university research partnerships rather than stated placement partnerships specifically for BS Biology graduates.
Research-to-career preparation: Biology students are encouraged to participate in Directed Research (BIOL 499) under faculty or external researcher mentorship, and the School of Life Sciences offers research areas including conservation biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, and molecular cell biology.
Graduation outcomes: The university states that its Life Sciences graduates pursue professional fields including biotechnology, biological research, aquaculture, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, park services, and teaching, and reports an outstanding record of acceptance into advanced degree programs.
Long-term accreditation value: UH Mānoa is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor. Its accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years from 2022–2032, the longest period possible under WSCUC, supporting the institutional recognition of the degree.

Further Academic Progression: After the BS in Biology, students can continue into graduate or professional education depending on their career direction. UH Mānoa's School of Life Sciences offers graduate programs in Botany, Marine Biology, Microbiology, and Zoology, while the university also supports pathways toward professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy; the BS is specifically designed as preparation for specialized graduate study.