Program Description:
The cutting-edge tools of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, tissue culture, and biochemistry are transforming the environmental, medical, and agricultural sciences. In the field of biotechnology, these bioscience tools are harnessed to make products and solve problems faced by society. The biotechnology program emphasizes developing a strong foundation in the molecular and biochemical principles underpinning living cells (animals, microbes, and plants). The program combines hands-on laboratory research with courses covering various facets of molecular, cellular, and organismal biosciences (outlined below). The program facilitates excellence in biotechnology education by involving undergraduate students in rich interactions with faculty in both the classroom and research laboratories.
MBB graduates have excellent job prospects upon graduation. Graduates are amply prepared to enter graduate studies in the biological, environmental, medical, and agricultural sciences and are profession-ready for job opportunities in industry (biomedical, health-care diagnostics, pharmaceutical, forensics, agricultural, environmental, and biotechnological) and in governmental research. With additional courses in education, the BS degree in MBB also qualifies graduates to teach at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The MBBE faculty have a commitment to and passion for teaching, combined with renowned research expertise in their chosen disciplines. The faculty provide independent research experiences for undergraduate students (as MBBE 499), and many have well-funded research programs utilizing state-of-the art equipment and techniques. On-campus research facilities that students can use to enhance their education and research experience include the Biological Electron Microscope Facility; the Greenwood Molecular Biology Facility; and the Center for Advanced Studies in Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics.
Apply NowProgram Contact
(808) 956-8550
dchr@hawaii.edu
Program Prerequisites:
- Apply and be accepted to UH Mānoa
- Complete the general education requirements and they must include:
- NREM 310 (statistics)
- MATH 215 or MATH 241 (calculus)
- BIOL 171/171L; 172/172L; 275/275L
- CHEM 161/161L; 162/162L; 272/272L
- PHYS 100/100L or 151/151L; 152/152L
- NREM 220 (economics)
Cost and time commitment:
- Cost per credit: $471
- Total number of credits: 120
- Approximate total tuition costs: $56,520
- Estimated program length: (based on full time student status 15-18 credits per semester) 4 years
Recommended College Courses during High School:
The courses listed below are recommended for high school students to complete through a dual credit program such as Early College when in high school. These courses meet degree general program related requirements for the UH Manoa BS in Molecular Bioscience and Biotechnology program:
General Education Courses:
- ENG 100: Composition I
- Placement into ENG 100
- CHEM 151: Elementary Survey of Chemistry
- Program requires CHEM 161 , this course is a prerequisite for CHEM 161. Placement into CHEM 161 is an alternative via campus placement exam
- MATH 140: Precalculus
- Prerequisite: MATH 134 Precalculus: Elementary Functions (Same at MATH 135 Precalculus at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges)
*Prerequisites are courses or other background that must be completed PRIOR to enrollment. Prerequisites are REQUIRED for registration. Please contact program coordinator or advisor for information on placement into courses as there are multiple methods of placement per campus.