BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hawaii Manoa

Program Overview

The BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is designed for students who want to understand biological systems at the molecular level while developing practical skills for the biotechnology industry, graduate study, or professional school. Students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and biotechnology before developing specialized interests through electives, laboratory research, and a senior research project in areas such as environmental and microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, insect and pathogen biotechnology, or aquaculture and bioreactor biotechnology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the scientific foundations required for molecular biosciences, including BIOL 171/171L Introduction to Biology I and BIOL 172/172L Introduction to Biology II, alongside CHEM 161/161L General Chemistry I and CHEM 162/162L General Chemistry II. Mathematics and general education requirements complement this foundation, preparing students for the more specialized biology, chemistry, and biotechnology courses that follow.

Year 2: Students move into more advanced biological and chemical concepts through BIOL 275/275L Cell and Molecular Biology, CHEM 272/272L Organic Chemistry I, and MBBE 304 Biotechnology: Science and Ethical Issues. MBBE 304 introduces biotechnology through real-life cases involving GMOs, cloning, DNA fingerprinting, gene therapy, and genetic engineering, while laboratory work strengthens students' ability to apply scientific concepts.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes increasingly biotechnology-focused through courses such as MBBE 401 Molecular Biotechnology, MBBE 402 Principles of Biochemistry, and MBBE 483 Introduction to Bioinformatics Topics for Biologists. Students explore modern biotechnology applications, the molecular basis of biological processes, and computational approaches for analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein data.

Year 4: Students consolidate their knowledge through advanced electives and supervised research, culminating in MBBE 499 Directed Research, where qualified undergraduates undertake laboratory research in areas including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genomics, and genetics. The program's research component can lead to a senior thesis and scientific presentation, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate research, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.

Focus areas: Environmental and microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, insect and pathogen biotechnology, aquaculture and bioreactor biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, genetic engineering, tissue culture, bioremediation, marine biotechnology, proteomics, bioinformatics, and genomics.

Learning outcomes: Students develop the ability to apply fundamental science concepts to biotechnology, use core STEM and biotechnology skills, identify ethical and social issues associated with biotechnology, communicate scientific principles and laboratory techniques effectively, and solve biological problems through hypothesis development and experimental methods.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation) : The BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology is covered by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's institutional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). UH Mānoa's accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years in 2022, covering 2022–2032; the university does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for this bachelor's program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa states that it is consistently ranked among the top 2% of nearly 24,000 universities worldwide, and it holds the Carnegie R1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production research designation. A program-specific employability ranking for the BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology is not stated on the university's official program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is strongly research-oriented, with students gaining practical experience through hands-on laboratory work, directed research, and a senior research project/thesis. Students can tailor their training toward areas such as environmental and microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, insect and pathogen biotechnology, and aquaculture and bioreactor biotechnology, while developing techniques used in molecular diagnostics, genetic engineering, tissue culture, microbial detection, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.

Key opportunities for practical and research-based learning include:

Molecular biotechnology laboratory: MBBE 401L, Molecular Biotechnology Lab—Gene Editing by CRISPR/Cas9, provides a dedicated three-hour laboratory component where students learn advanced CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing techniques for engineering prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Directed research: Students complete research experiences with faculty, with the program culminating in research and a senior thesis. Faculty research areas include plant genomics, bioinformatics, cell culture, biochemical engineering, plant biochemistry, metabolic disorders, gut microbiome research, and animal molecular biotechnology.
CRISPR and genome editing: UH Mānoa undergraduate research has included CRISPR-Cas12a genome editing of Phytophthora palmivora, involving guide-RNA design, plasmid construction, transformation, PCR, and Sanger sequencing.
Bioinformatics and genomics: The program prepares students for bioinformatic and genomic analyses, supported by faculty research in plant genomics and bioinformatics.
Research projects: Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology students have completed projects involving bacterial bioremediation, plant gene expression, microbiome research, molecular biomarkers, transgenic organisms, and recombinant-protein production, demonstrating the range of research available through UROP and faculty laboratories.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP): Students can participate in faculty-mentored research and present their findings through UH Mānoa's undergraduate research showcase. MBB students have presented both individual and research projects through UROP.
Honors research: Students pursuing Honors can complete a senior research thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor; UH Mānoa specifically provides a Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology sample research thesis.
Laboratory and biotechnology facilities: Students learn within the research environment of the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, where faculty conduct research in biochemistry, biotechnology, biological engineering, plant genomics, cell culture, molecular biology, and related areas.
Research-focused learning: The program's documented learning outcomes include applying core science concepts to biotechnology, conducting scientific communication, and developing laboratory and biotechnology skills relevant to professional employment and graduate study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa prepares students for laboratory, biotechnology, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and research-related careers by combining molecular biosciences with biotechnology applications. The degree can also provide a strong foundation for graduate and professional study in molecular biosciences, medicine, pharmacy, and related fields.

Career roles: Biotechnology Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Molecular Biology Technician, Quality Control Laboratory Technician:

Career services: The University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa Manoa Career Center supports students with career advising, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, employer events, internships, and job-search resources.
Employment and salary figures: The university's official program page does not publish a program-specific employment rate or median salary for BS Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology graduates. Not stated: program-specific salary figures.
University–industry connections: Students benefit from the university's biotechnology and life-sciences research environment, including the Pacific Biosciences Research Center and the John A. Burns School of Medicine, where research spans molecular and biomedical sciences.
Research opportunities: Undergraduate students can gain research experience through faculty laboratories and independent research, allowing them to apply molecular biology and biotechnology knowledge to active research projects.
Accreditation value: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This institutional accreditation provides long-term academic recognition for the degree.
Graduation outcomes: The university does not publish a separate official graduate-outcomes rate or employment percentage specifically for this bachelor's program. Not stated: program-specific graduation employment statistics.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral study in molecular biosciences, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, biology, or related life-science fields. The degree can also support preparation for professional programs such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other health-related graduate pathways, depending on the additional prerequisite requirements of the chosen program.