BS in Molecular Cell Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hawaii Manoa

Program Overview

The BS in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa provides rigorous training in molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic cells, combining core biology with chemistry, physics, mathematics, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, and disease biology. It is well suited to students interested in biomedical research, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacology, pathology, genetic testing, nanotechnology, or graduate and professional study, with opportunities to gain laboratory and research experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through BIOL 171/171L Introduction to Biology I + Lab and BIOL 172/172L Introduction to Biology II + Lab, alongside the chemistry and mathematics requirements that support later molecular biology study. CHEM 161/161L General Chemistry I + Lab and MATH 215 Applied Calculus I are examples of the supporting coursework used in the degree.

Year 2: Students move deeper into cellular and genetic mechanisms through BIOL 275/275L Cell and Molecular Biology + Lab and BIOL 375/375L Genetics + Lab. Their scientific foundation is strengthened through CHEM 272/272L Organic Chemistry I + Lab and CHEM 273 Organic Chemistry II, while physics and calculus continue the quantitative preparation required for the BS.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes increasingly specialized, with BIOL 407 Molecular Cell Biology I examining relationships between macromolecular structure and function and BIOL 408 Molecular Cell Biology II focusing on cell structure, organelles, macromolecules, and cellular function. Students can also study BIOL 402/MBBE 402 Principles of Biochemistry or BIOC 441 Basic Biochemistry, developing the biochemical foundation needed to understand molecular processes.

Year 4: Advanced study brings molecular mechanisms into areas directly connected with human health, including BIOL 472 The Biology of Cancer, MICR 461 Immunology, and MICR 314 Research Ethics. Students also complete 12 credits of Molecular Cell Biology electives, with the program encouraging undergraduate research through BIOL 499 Directed Research, allowing students to apply their knowledge in an active research setting.

Focus areas: Molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic cells, gene expression, cell regulation, disease biology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, molecular research, and experimental design.

Learning outcomes: Students learn to explain molecular processes that create functional eukaryotic cells, critically evaluate scientific evidence, formulate hypotheses and experimental approaches, apply quantitative and logical methods, work ethically in individual and team settings, and communicate biological information clearly and professionally.

Professional alignment: The program is designed for preparation toward graduate work in biological sciences, professional schools, and advanced specialized training, with potential applications in medicine, pharmacology, pathology, genetic testing and counseling, biotechnology, nanotechnology, teaching, and basic research.

Accreditation: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa lists Molecular Cell Biology BS as a program that underwent its latest completed academic program review in 2022, with the next review expected in 2027; the university does not list a separate specialized professional accreditor for this degree.

Reputation: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's official program information emphasizes the School of Life Sciences' research environment, laboratory and field opportunities, and preparation for graduate and professional schools; an official program-specific QS or employability ranking for the Molecular Cell Biology BS was not stated on the university's program page.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s BS in Molecular Cell Biology combines classroom study with laboratory-based training in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and related life sciences. Students can develop practical research skills through undergraduate research, laboratory courses, and access to faculty research laboratories and specialized facilities across the College of Natural Sciences and the University’s broader biomedical research community. These opportunities allow students to apply molecular and cellular concepts to active research questions:

Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-mentored research through BIOL 499 Undergraduate Research, gaining experience in planning and carrying out research in a faculty laboratory.
Laboratory experience: The curriculum includes upper-level laboratory work in areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry, giving students practical experience with experimental techniques.
Faculty research laboratories: Molecular Cell Biology students can engage with faculty research spanning cellular and molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, microbiology, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences.
Research facilities: Students benefit from the research infrastructure of the Department of Biology and College of Natural Sciences, including laboratories equipped for molecular and cellular research.
Institute connections: UH Mānoa's Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) supports interdisciplinary biological research and provides opportunities to engage with research involving marine and terrestrial organisms, ecology, evolution, and molecular approaches.
Biotechnology resources: The Institute for Biogenesis Research at UH Mānoa conducts research in reproductive biology, developmental biology, and stem-cell-related areas, providing a broader research environment relevant to molecular and cellular biology.
Hands-on course projects: Upper-division biology courses incorporate laboratory investigations and experimental work, helping students develop skills in scientific observation, data interpretation, laboratory techniques, and research communication.
Computational/data skills: Students encounter quantitative and data-analysis approaches within advanced biology coursework, supporting the analysis and interpretation of molecular and cellular research data.
Library and research resources: Students have access to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Hamilton Library and its scientific research resources, journals, databases, and other materials supporting laboratory and independent research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is designed to build advanced knowledge of molecular biology with particular relevance to human health and welfare. Graduates can use this preparation for careers in biotechnology, biomedical and basic research, genetic testing, pharmacology, pathology, or for entry into professional and graduate schools.

Career roles: Research Technician, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Biomedical Laboratory Professional, Biotechnology Researcher.

Career and academic advising: Students receive mandatory undergraduate advising through the College of Natural Sciences, where advisors help students plan their curriculum and connect their coursework with academic and career goals. The university's Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center also supports students pursuing professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Employment statistics: A current official UH Mānoa source does not publish a program-specific employment rate for BS Molecular Cell Biology graduates; therefore, no program-specific percentage is stated.
Salary figures: A current official UH Mānoa source does not publish a median or average salary specifically for Molecular Cell Biology graduates; therefore, no program-specific salary figure is stated.
University–industry connections: The program's curriculum is explicitly designed for fields including biotechnology, genetic testing and counseling, pharmacology, pathology, nanotechnology, and basic research, providing preparation relevant to biomedical and biotechnology employers.
Research-to-career preparation: Students are encouraged to participate in faculty research through BIOL 499 Directed Research, while the School of Life Sciences also provides undergraduate research and internship opportunities. These experiences can help students build laboratory and research experience before entering employment or graduate school.
Accreditation value: UH Mānoa is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Its accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years, from 2022–2032, the longest period possible under WSCUC's review framework.
Graduation outcomes: The School of Life Sciences reports that its graduates have an outstanding record of acceptance into advanced degree programs, including dental, medical, pharmacy, and graduate schools. The university also identifies professional pathways such as biotechnology, biological research, medicine, pharmacy, teaching, and related fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can pursue graduate or professional education in areas related to molecular and cellular biology, biomedical science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health professions. UH Mānoa's School of Life Sciences offers graduate programs in Microbiology, Botany, Marine Biology, and Zoology, while students interested in professional healthcare programs can use the university's pre-health advising resources to prepare for further study.