Administration

St. John 101
3190 Maile Way
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8303
Fax: (808) 956-4745
Email: lifesci@hawaii.edu
Undergraduate Advising Email: cnsadvis@hawaii.edu
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/

Interim Director: C. W. Morden

Degrees, Minors and Certificates

Bachelor’s Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Botany, Marine Biology, Microbiology; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Botany, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Cell Biology
Master’s Degrees: Master’s of Science in Botany (B), Microbiology (M), Zoology (Z)
Doctoral Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Botany (B), Microbiology (M), Zoology (Z)

Undergraduate Certificate in Marine Option Program and Mathematical Biology

Faculty

*M. Burgman, PhD (Director)–ecology and conservation biology
*C. C. Daehler, PhD (Associate Director of Instruction, Botany Graduate Chair)—population biology, invasive plants, plant-herbivore interactions (B)
*A. L. Moran, PhD (Associate Director of Curriculum)—marine ecology and evolution (Z)
*M. Porter, PhD (Associate Director of Research)—evolution and ecology of vision, crustacean phylogenetic (Z)
*S. Prisic, PhD (Microbiology Graduate Chair)—molecular pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, alternative ribosomal proteins and zinc signaling (M)
*C. M. Smith, PhD (Marine Biology Graduate Co-Chair)—physiological ecology of marine macrophytes, marine ecology, cell biology (B)
*A. N. Wright, PhD (Zoology Graduate Chair)—population ecology, community ecology, conservation biology (Z)
*K. A. Barton, PhD—evolutionary ecology (B)
*M. Butler, PhD—evolution ecology of reptiles, amphibians, odonates, and emerging viruses through studies of biodiversity, phylogentics, functional morphology, and microbiome (MZ)
*R. Chong, PhD—evolution, genomics, and symbiosis (Z)
*K. Cole, PhD—ichthyology, behavioral ecology, reproductive biology, morphology and morphogenesis, microgravity biology (Z)
*S. P. Donachie, PhD—marine microbiology, microbial diversity, and taxonomy (M)
*J. T. Douglas, PhD—medical microbiology and infectious diseases (M)
*M. A. Hixon, PhD—marine ecology and conservation biology (Z)
*T. T. Hoang, PhD—vaccine and diagnostic development for bacterial infectious diseases; molecular pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia species, Mycobacterium leprae (M)
*C. L. Hunter, PhD (MOP Director)—conservation biology, coral reef ecology, biology and ecology of marine invertebrates (Z)
*S. D. Kraft-Terry, PhD—academic advising and assessment
*P. B. J. Marko, PhD—biogeography, evolution and conservation (Z)
*M. Merlin, PhD—biogeography, ethnobotany, natural history of the Pacific (B)
*C. W. Morden, PhD–plant molecular systematics and evolution (B)
*M. Norris, PhD–global health, vaccine development, molecular diagnostics, bacterial pathogens (M)
*F. A. Reed, PhD—population genetics (Z)
*A. Rominger, PhD–Quantitative Biology (Z)
*H. C. Shen, PhD—immunology, cancer biology, drug design
*A. R. Sherwood, PhD—systematics, evolution and biogeography of algae (B)
*R. Thomson, PhD—evolutionary biology and phylogenetics (Z)
*T. B. Ticktin, PhD—ethnoecology, conservation (B)
*T. Tricas, PhD—marine animal behavior (Z)
*J. Walguarnery, PhD—ecology and animal behavior
*G. J. Wong, PhD—mating systems and biosystematics of basidiomycetes (B)
*M. Yoshizawa, PhD—evolutionary developmental biology, neuralbiology, behavioral adaptation; microbiome and behavior (MZ)

Emeritus Faculty

J. Bailey-Brock, PhD—invertebrate biology
G. D. Carr, PhD—systematics and evolution
S. Conant, PhD— ecology and evolution, conservation
H. G. de Couet, PhD —molecular cell biology, development biology, evolution
J. B. Hall, PhD—microbiology
F. I. Kamemoto, PhD—marine biology
S. Keeley, PhD—systematics
R. A. Kinzie, III, PhD—stream ecology
G. S. Losey, PhD— reef fish ethology
P. Patek, PhD—cellular immunology
T. A. Ranker, PhD—systematics and evolution
S. A. Reed, PhD—marine biology
C. Smith, PhD—conservation, Hawaiian lichens
J. S. Stimson, PhD—evolution
A. D. Taylor, PhD—population and community ecology, applied statistics
C. Z. Womersley, PhD—physiological ecology

Cooperating Graduate Faculty in Botany

A. S. Amend, PhD—evolutionary ecology (B)
D. A. Christopher, PhD—gene regulation of photosynthesis, uv effects
S. Honarvar, PhD—ecology and conservation biology, sea turtles and primates
C. L. Hunter, PhD—reef ecology
N. Hynson, PhD—mycorrhizal symbiosis, mycoheterotrophic plants, plant-fungal community feedbacks in pioneer and invaded ecosystems
R. Ostertag, PhD—ecology
J. Price, PhD—native bird and plant species hotspots with GIS, area identification for restoration of threatened and endangered species
K. Winter, PhD—biocultural restoration of socio-ecological systems in Hawai‘i
R. Zahawi, PhD—tropical forest ecology, restoration ecology

Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Botany

L. Fortini—population and community ecology modeling and analyses
N. Kurashima—ethnoecology, agroecology, traditional knowledge, biocultural conservation
D. Lorence—systematics of flowering plants
K. Peyton—ecology, restoration and adaptive management of Hawaiian estuaries, coastal wetlands, streams, marine systems
S. Walsh—plant ecology; breeding systems, floral biology, pollination ecology
D. Wolkis—seed conservation biology, seed and pollen storage behavior

Cooperating Graduate Faculty in Microbiology

R. Alegado, PhD—microbial ecology and evolution; microbiome of coastal habitats
M. Arif, PhD—host-bacterial interactions, bacterial genomics, phylogenomics and evolution, molecular diagnostics, microbiome
D. Borthakur, PhD—plant-microbe interactions
S. P. Chang, PhD—immunology and vaccine development; effect of molecular adjuvants on B cell development and differentiation
Z. Du, PhD—synthetic biology for valuable bioproducts; symbiosis of microbes; lipid metabolism in photosynthetic organisms; tropical crop engineering and breeding; bioreactor design and applications
M. Kirs, PhD—microbiological water quality standards and public health; microbial source tracking; impact of anthropogenic contaminants on the environment; phycotoxins; taxonomy and systematics
Q. X. Li, PhD—chemical proteomics, microbial transformation, and enzymology
Y. Lu, PhD—gene therapy for HIV-1 infection, gene transfer approaches for neuroAIDS, immunodiagnosis of herpesvirus infection of green turtles
V. R. Nerurkar, PhD—pathogenesis of infectious diseases; delineating cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying microbe-host interaction

Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Microbiology

S. N. Bennett, PhD—evolutionary ecology of emerging viruses; vectorborne, zoonotic and fast-evolving RNA viruses
R. Fujioka, PhD (Emeritus)—environmental microbiology
F.D. Miller, PhD (Emeritus)—epidemiology of infectious diseases
B. Smagghe, PhD—antibody-based cancer therapy, cancer immunotherapy, protein biochemistry, protein engineering
H. Turner, PhD—immunological signaling pathways, immunopharmacology, data science and machine learning for drug discovery
A. C. Whelen, PhD—laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease; clinical and public health laboratory management
B. A. Yoza, PhD—sustainable biofuel production, biomass and bioremediation

Cooperating Graduate Faculty in Zoology

B. Bowen, PhD—phylogeography and conservation genetics of marine vertebrates
R. Cowie, PhD—origins and determinants of biological diversity in Pacific islands
M. Donahue, PhD—spatial population dynamics; marine community ecology; habitat selection, scaling of ecological processes
E. Franklin, PhD—marine ecology coral reefs, fish and fisheries, invasive species, restoration ecology
D. K. Hartline, PhD—quantitative neurophysiology and simulation of simple networks
B. Holland, PhD—conservation biology, island biogeography, phylogenetic reconstruction
K. N. Holland, PhD—physiology, behavior, ecology of aquatic organisms
S. Honarvar, PhD—ecology and conservation biology, sea turtles and primates
K. Y. Kaneshiro, PhD—systematics, evolution, insect behavior
P. Lenz, PhD—neuroecology of zooplankton sensory systems
E. Madin, PhD—marine community ecology and food webs, fish behavior
M. McFall-Ngai, PhD—animal-bacterial symbioses, molecular design of tissues that interact with light
M. Medeiros, PhD—evolutionary biology, ecology of infectious pathogens
R. Richmond, PhD—invertebrate zoology, conservation biology
E. Ruby—microbe-host signaling, comparative genomics and population biology
R. Toonen, PhD—molecular genetics of marine organisms
J. Yew, PhD—chemical communication of insects, neurobiology of chemosensory perception, mass spectrometry methods for natural product chemistry

Affiliate Graduate Faculty in Zoology

R. Allison, PhD—systematics, biogeography and ecology
C. Birkeland, PhD—conservation biology regarding coral
J. Ferguson, PhD—population ecology, statistical ecology
A. Friedlander, PhD—marine ecology, marine conservation biology
P. E. Nachtigall, PhD (Emeritus)—behavior and sensory processes of marine mammals
R. Zenil-Ferguson, PhD—polyploidy, breeding systems, diversification

The Academic Program

The School of Life Sciences formed in 2020 through the merger of the Departments of Biology, Botany and Microbiology. There are five undergraduate disciplines within which students can major: Biology (BA, BS), Botany (BA, BS), Marine Biology (BA, BS), Microbiology (BA, BS) and Molecular Cell Biology (BS). Minors in Biology, Botany and Microbiology are also possible. Additionally, there are four graduate programs for preparation toward a profession within these disciplines: Botany, Marine Biology (see Interdisciplinary Programs), Microbiology, and Zoology.

The Life Sciences are of fundamental importance in a science or liberal arts education, as they provide students with a keener insight into and a deeper appreciation of the many facets of living systems. Most students plan to use their training as preparation for professional work, such as aquaculture, biotechnology, biological research, dentistry, marine biology, medicine, optometry, conservation, pharmacy, and teaching. Our graduates have an outstanding record of acceptance in advanced degree programs at dental, medical, pharmacy, and graduate schools. Many of our graduates also become teachers after obtaining a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate at the College of Education.

Undergraduate Study

Students must earn a grade of C (not C-) or higher in each course applied to the major, including required courses in CHEM, BIOL, PHYS, and MATH.

Advising

Undergraduate student advising is mandatory. Prospective majors should visit natsci.manoa.hawaii.edu/sasc or contact cnsadvis@hawaii.edu to meet with an advisor to design a curriculum that satisfies program requirements.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

Biology

The Biology (BIOL) undergraduate major provides an academic home to students who wish to pursue a broad training in the biological sciences. The biology curricula are designed to provide students with a strong background in the principles of biology and with rigorous upper division instruction in a number of basic areas. This combination of breadth and in-depth instruction allows students to develop the intellectual foundations and the skills necessary to deal with the specific biological concerns of today and the flexibility to meet the needs of the various professions. From this base, our graduates can pursue future specialization with confidence.

Undergraduate Study

BA Degree in Biology

Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • BIOL 171, 172, 275, and 375 plus laboratories
  • BIOL 305
  • BIOL 470
  • One course from each of the following areas:
    • Biochemistry or Molecular Biology (BIOC 441; BIOL 402 or 407; MBBE 451)
    • Physiology (ANSC 451; BOT 420; MICR 431; PHYL 301; TPSS 470; ZOOL 430, 432)
    • Morphology and Biodiversity with laboratory (BIOL 325/325L, 485/485L; BOT 420; MICR 351/351L; PEPS 363/363L)
  • 3 credit hours in approved upper-division biology elective courses

Related Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • CHEM 161, 162, 272 plus laboratories and 273
  • PHYS 151 and 152 or 170 and 272 plus laboratories
  • MATH 215 or 241 or 251A

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

BS Degree in Biology

Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • BIOL 171, 172, 275, and 375 plus laboratories
  • BIOL 305
  • BIOL 470
  • One course from each of the following areas:
    • Biochemistry or Molecular Biology (BIOC 441; BIOL 402 or 407; MBBE 451)
    • Physiology (ANSC 451; BOT 420; MICR 431; PHYL 301; TPSS 470; ZOOL 430, 432)
    • Morphology and Biodiversity with laboratory (BIOL 325/325L, 485/485L; BOT 420; MICR 351/351L; PEPS 363/363L)
  • 9 credit hours in approved upper-division biology elective courses

Related Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • CHEM 161, 162, 272 plus laboratories and 273
  • PHYS 151 and 152 or 170 and 272 plus laboratories
  • MATH 215 and 216 or 241 and 242 or 251A and 252A
  • BIOL/BOT 220

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

Minor in Biology

Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

Students must complete BIOL 275/275L, 375/375L, and 305 OR 470; and a minimum of 3 credits from the following:

  • BIOL 220, 301/301L, 305, 331, 363, 390, 395, 401, 402, 407, 408/408L, 425, 470, and 499
  • Approved upper level botany, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, and zoology courses

Undergraduate Certificate in Marine Option Program

The Marine Option Program (MOP) is a unique opportunity for undergraduates with an interest in the ocean. It is open to students in all fields and provides a clearinghouse for marineoriented experiential education as well as a chance for students with common interests to meet. MOP sponsors a wide variety of marine activities, including field trips, workshops, seminars, symposia, and noncredit courses.

A certificate is awarded to undergraduates who successfully complete at least 12 credit hours of marine-related courses (including OCN 201, ORE 202, ZOOL 200, or an equivalent survey course; one 3-credit interdisciplinary ocean course; 6 credit hours of marine electives). In addition, students must complete the MOP Seminar (IS 100/BIOL 104) followed by the MOP skill project. The unique MOP skill project (worth 3 or more credits, e.g. IS/BIOL 400) allows students to design and conduct a personal marine or aquatic project related to their educational goals. Past projects have run from scientific research to endeavors in the arts.

Students interested in MOP or in marine careers and curricula should visit the Marine Option Program offices in Dean Hall, room 105A; tel. (808) 956-8433; email manoamop@hawaii.edu; manoa.hawaii.edu/mop/; Facebook ID: uhm mop.

Botany

The Botany (BOT) undergraduate programs train students to understand and appreciate the diversity of plants, algae, and fungi that sustain the world’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The curriculum provides broad-based training, from traditional field methods to the latest molecular techniques. The program offers excellent opportunities for research experience for undergraduates and graduate students, and takes advantage of Hawai‘i’s unique location by offering students unparalleled opportunities to explore the botanical diversity of tropical freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems through a wide range of field and laboratory experiences. Students may focus on topics ranging from the ecology, evolution, and conservation of Hawai‘i’s unique ecosystems and flora, to the threats posed by invasive species, to the uses of plants by humans.

Affiliations

Botanical studies are enhanced by cooperative working relationships between the School of Life Sciences and Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, Kewalo Marine Laboratory of the Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Honolulu Botanical Garden, Herbarium Pacificum and the Department of Botany of the B. P. Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center, and Waikīkī Aquarium.

Undergraduate Study

BA Degree in Botany

The BA degree provides students flexibility to pursue a broad liberal arts education and still gain a sound foundation in botany with an area of particular interest. Courses are available in conservation, ecology, ethnobotany, evolution, form and function, systematics, and selected faculty research specialties. The courses applied toward the botany major may be selected with the student’s interest area in mind.

Requirements

  • BOT 100, 200, 300, 400
  • BOT 101/101L
  • BOT 201/201L
  • BIOL 305
  • BOT 420
  • BIOL 171/171L
  • Minimum 23 credits of electives (courses may not be counted toward more than one Group below)
    • At least one from Group 1: Systematics & Evolution (BOT 430/430L, 461, 480, or BIOL 470)
    • At least one from Group 2: Ecology, Conservation & Natural History (BOT 301/301L, 310, 350, 444, 450/BIOL 454, 456, or 475)
    • Other electives from the categories above or below to reach the required number of elective credits:
      • Ethnobotany (BOT 442, 444, 446)
      • Miscellaneous electives (BIOL 499)
    • Other required courses: CHEM 161/161L, PHYS 100/100L, or higher

Prospective majors should consult the CNS advisors (cnsadvis@hawaii.edu) promptly to design a curriculum that satisfies these requirements. BOT 107, 135, and 160 do not fulfill major requirements.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

BS Degree in Botany

The BS degree is designed for those students who plan a career in science with an emphasis on plants, especially those intending to do graduate studies. A full complement of basic courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics is required in addition to botany courses. As with the BA degree, students may choose among a variety of courses to fulfill requirements for the major.

Requirements

  • BOT 100, 200, 300, 400
  • BOT 101/101L
  • BOT 201/201L
  • BOT 305
  • BOT 420
  • BIOL 171/171L
  • BIOL 275/275L
  • BIOL 375/375L
  • Minimum 15 credits of electives (courses may not be counted toward more than one Group below):
    • At least one from Group 1: Systematics & Evolution (BOT 430/430L, 461, 480, or BIOL 470)
    • At least one from Group 2: Ecology, Conservation & Natural History (BOT 301/301L, 310, 350, 444, 450/ BIOL 454, 456, or 475)
    • Other electives from the categories above or below to reach the required number of elective credits:
      • Ethnobotany: (BOT 442, 444, 446)
      • Miscellaneous electives: (BIOL 499)
    • other required courses: CHEM 161/161L, 162/162L, 272/272L, PHYS 151/151L or 170/170L, 152/152L or 272/272L, MATH 215 or 241 or 251A, MATH 216 or 242 or 252A

Prospective majors should consult the BOT advisors promptly to design a curriculum that satisfies these requirements. BOT 107, 135, and 160 do not fulfill major requirements.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

Minor

For Botany:

Requirements

Students must complete BOT 201/201L plus 11 credit hours of BOT or BIOL courses from the list below with a grade of C (not C-) or higher. Students are encouraged to consult with advisors and faculty to choose compatible sets of approved courses.

  • BOT 220, 300, 301/301L, 310, 350, 357, 400, 420, 430/430L, 442, 444, 446, 450, 456, 461, 475, 480; BIOL 305, 470, 499

Marine Biology

The Marine Biology undergraduate program examines all aspects of marine life, their behaviors, and their relationships to the marine environment. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong background in both the biotic and physical aspects of marine ecosystems. Hawai’i’s location provides an unparalleled setting to learn about the variety of marine systems, from coastal to deep-sea, through a range of field and laboratory experiences. Undergraduate majors receiving a Marine Biology BS degree will be prepared to pursue marine-related careers in a diversity of fields, including conservation, research, education, resource management, and policy, or for continuing toward an advanced degree.

Undergraduate Study

BA Degree in Marine Biology

Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • BIOL 171, 172, 275, and 301 plus laboratories
  • BIOL 220
  • BIOL 265
  • OCN 201
  • Group 1 Electives (minimum two courses) BIOL 465L, 485L; BOT 480; MICR 401L
  • Group 2 Electives (minimum three courses) BIOL 331, 406, 411, 465, 468, 485; BOT 480; MICR 401; OCN 310, 320, 331, 430
  • Group 3 Electives (minimum two courses) Includes courses in Group 2, plus: BIOC 441; BIOL 306, 325, 375, 390, 402, 454, 470; BOT 456; GEO 423; HWST 353, 356, 456, 457; MATH 304, 305; MICR 485, 490; OCN 340, 403, 450, 454, 457

Synthesis Experience (3 credit hours)

  • BIOL 400, 403, 404, or 499; MARE 364 (UH Hilo)

Related Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • CHEM 161/161L
  • CHEM 162/162L
  • CHEM 272/272L

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets/.

BS Degree in Marine Biology

Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • BIOL 171, 172, 275, and 375 plus laboratories
  • OCN 201
  • BIOL 265
  • BIOL 301/301L
  • BIOL 485/485L
  • BOT 480
  • MICR 401/401L
  • 4 credits of directed research in approved disciplines or BIOL 403
  • BIOL 404
  • 9 credit hours in approved courses

Related Requirements (C [not C-] grade minimum)

  • CHEM 161, 162, and 272 plus laboratories
  • PHYS 151 and 152 or 170 and 272 plus laboratories
  • MATH 215 and 216 or 241 and 242 or 251A and 252A
  • BIOL/BOT 220

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

Microbiology

Microbiology (MICR) deals with microscopic forms of life and their activities. Bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and viruses are included in this discipline. The field is diverse and concerns the nature of microorganisms, as well as their interactions–both advantageous and adverse–with other organisms and with the environment. Entire academic disciplines and commercial enterprises are based on what microorganisms do. For example, the very forms that may cause infectious diseases and epidemics may also support industries that produce vaccines or antimicrobial agents. Microorganisms play an essential role in the cycling of the limited supply of nutrients available on Earth’s surface by decomposing plant and animal remains, and by being primary producers of food and oxygen in the oceans. Many microorganisms or their products may be eaten, drunk, used as fuel, or disposed of as undesirable. They may be used to clean up the environment or controlled only with great effort to prevent corrosive, obnoxious, or destructive activities that they may bring about. Microbiology also deals with the physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology of microorganisms. Many of the advances in DNA technology are mediated through bacteria, yeasts, and viruses; much of what we know about metabolism, gene regulation, evolution, and other fundamental biological processes comes from their study.

Undergraduate Study

BA in Microbiology

Requirements

  • MICR 351/351L
  • Three courses from MICR 361, 401, 431, 461, 463, 470, 475, 485, and 490, plus 2 associated laboratory courses
  • The following required related courses:
    • BIOL 171, 172, 275 plus labs
    • CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L
    • CHEM 272/272L and 273
    • MATH 215 or 241
    • PHYS 151/151L or 170/170L, and 152/152L or 272/272L
  • 9 credits of approved major electives

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets/.

BS in Microbiology

Requirements

  • MICR 351/351L, 431, 461, 475
  • One course from MICR 361, 401, 463, 470, 485, and 490, plus 3 associated laboratory courses
  • The following required related courses:
    • BIOL 171, 172, 275 plus labs
    • CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L
    • CHEM 272/272L and 273
    • MATH 215 and 216 or 241 and 242
    • PHYS 151/151L or 170/170L, and 152/152L or 272/272L
  • 6 credits of approved major electives

Minor in Microbiology

Requirements

Students must complete 15 credits of 300- and 400-level MICR courses, of which five credits must be MICR 351/351L.

All prerequisites for these courses must be met. Persons wishing to complete the minor and graduate in four years should have completed CHEM 272, if possible, before the middle of the junior year.

Molecular Cell Biology

The BS degree in Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) is designed to prepare students for careers in fields that require advanced knowledge of molecular biology, in particular those that relate to human health and welfare. Examples of such fields include, but are not limited to, medicine, pharmacology, pathology, genetic testing and counseling, biotechnology, nanotechnology, teaching, and basic research.

Undergraduate Study

Requirements

  • BIOL 171/171L, 172/172L, 275/275L, 375/375L, BIOL 407, BIOL 408
  • MBBE 402 or BIOC 441
  • MCB 314, MICR 461, BIOL 472
  • The following required related courses:
    • CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L or 181A/181L
    • CHEM 272/272L and 273
    • PHYS 151/151L and 152/152L, or 170/170L and 272/272L
    • MATH 215 and 216 or 241 and 242
  • 12 credits of approved major electives, including a minimum of 2 upper division laboratory courses. A maximum of 2 credits from 499 courses may count towards fulfilling requirements.

Major electives should be chosen with the assistance and approval of an advisor in Sinclair 301, and in the department, to provide a well integrated and coherent program. Prospective majors should consult the microbiology/molecular cell biology advisors promptly, so as to design a curriculum that satisfies the major requirements.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.

Graduate Programs

Graduate Study in Botany

The School of Life Sciences offers programs leading to MS and PhD degrees in Botany. Hawai‘i’s location offers unique opportunities to study the patterns and processes of evolution, ecology, and morphological and physiological variations within a geographically variable yet isolated setting. Abundant opportunities are available for research in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial environments, and faculty expertise spans a phylogenetically diverse set of organisms including land plants, algae, and fungi. The faculty is composed of a number of nationally and internationally recognized scientists in conservation, ecology, ethnobotany, and systematics.

Recipients of the MS degree often teach at the high school level, pursue careers with state or federal government agencies, or work with environmental organizations and consultancies. Those with a PhD may teach and/or conduct research in colleges and universities, work as environmental consultants, and pursue careers with environmental organizations or the government.

Graduate students in botany may join the interdisciplinary graduate specializations; Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB); and the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) Program. The program has active cooperative working relationships with–Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, Kewalo Marine Laboratory of the Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Honolulu Botanical Garden, Herbarium Pacificum and the Department of Botany of the B. P. Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center, and Waikīkī Aquarium.

A listing of faculty members and their research areas and publications is available on the program website: manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/graduate/botany-graduate-program/. Applications for admission and opportunities for financial aid and support are available upon request.

At the time of application, three letters of recommendation from persons who can appraise the student’s aptitude for advanced work are required. In their statement of objectives; applicants should identify a specific area of study within botany: conservation, ecology, ethnobotany, general botany, marine botany, systematics/evolution, or whole plant biology. Minimum curriculum requirements for each track are available at the department website. Applicants will be evaluated for their level of preparation and potential to successfully complete their proposed plan of study. The application deadline is December 15 for the following fall semester. Normally, teaching assistantships are available for the beginning of fall semester, but openings may occur mid-year.

MS and PhD students are admitted to candidacy when they have successfully completed any requirements and pre-program proficiencies identified by their committee and after they have demonstrated the ability to collect, analyze, integrate, and communicate scientific information effectively in the English language.

Because scientific findings are typically presented orally as well as in writing, all students must gain and demonstrate proficiency in the presentation of seminars. Students must complete BOT 610 to satisfy this requirement. In addition, MS Plan A and PhD students must give presentations at professional meetings, seminars or classroom instruction, plus present two public seminars: first, outlining the background of a research problem and the student’s proposed research program; and second, at the conclusion of their program, describing the research results and conclusions. The latter seminar also includes a final examination by the thesis or dissertation committee. MS Plan B students must complete a culminating experience, that may consist of research or another relevant project that is decided in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Advising

Graduate students entering the program are assigned an interim committee of three faculty members who provide general advice. The student’s committee and the graduate program chair oversee requirements and provide a link between Graduate Division and the student. Graduate students are encouraged to interact with each faculty to become acquainted with various research approaches and areas of expertise. Once a research topic has been identified, a permanent committee will be established to provide specific assistance.

Master’s Degree

Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) are separate MS programs with distinct purposes. Before admission to candidacy, the plan that a candidate intends to follow must be declared and approved. Plan A is the usual program to be taken by candidates intending a research-related career. Plan B is for students who do not intend to make research in botanical sciences their profession.

Plan A (Thesis) Requirements

For Plan A, a minimum of 30 credit hours is required. Of that, a total of 12 credit hours shall be for thesis and a minimum of 18 additional credit hours for courses approved by the candidate’s committee. The writing of a thesis is also required.

Plan B (Non-thesis) Requirements

For Plan B, a minimum of 30 credit hours is required. Of that, a total of 18 credit hours shall be earned in the major field or an approved related field in courses numbered 600 and above (excluding BOT 699 and BOT 700). Of these credits, at least 6 (but not more than 9) must be for directed research in aspects of botanical sciences chosen by the candidate in consultation with his or her committee.

Doctoral Degree

The PhD program includes gaining a working knowledge in an approved foreign language or other research-tool subject, as well as passing a comprehensive examination and writing a dissertation. Suitability of the language or tool subject is determined by the graduate faculty according to the student’s area of specialization, and proficiency is ordinarily determined by examination or satisfactory completion of a specific course of study.

Requirements

The comprehensive examination is a combination of oral and written parts. The exam is conducted by the candidate’s committee, plus any members of the graduate faculty who wish to attend. In addition to general botany, the candidate is examined in-depth in areas of related disciplines that have been previously agreed upon by the student and the committee.

The dissertation is expected to be an original contribution based on independent research. It is initiated by the preparation of a critical review of the literature that becomes the basis for a dissertation proposal. Dissertation research for the PhD degree is carried out in an aspect of botanical sciences for which a member of the graduate faculty of the field will accept responsibility as committee chair.

Graduate Study in Microbiology

The School of Life Sciences offers programs leading to the MS and PhD in microbiology with areas of specialization in microbial ecology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, and ultrastructure; metabolic regulation and the regulation of gene expression; marine microbiology; medical microbiology; bacterial pathogenesis; animal and environmental virology and viral pathobiology; and immunology, immunogenetics, and immunochemistry.

Applicants for advanced degrees in the program must supplement the forms and transcripts required by Graduate Division with three confidential letters of recommendation, a letter of objectives, and a CV/resume.

Both the MS Plan A and the PhD are research degrees requiring a research project, a thesis or dissertation, a peer-reviewed research publication, and an oral defense. MS Plan B requires passing final examinations. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact faculty or cooperating graduate faculty to determine whether there might be a laboratory that is conducting research of interest and to determine which laboratories are taking new students (see the program website at https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/ to find areas of research and faculty contact information).

Master’s Degree

Intended candidates for the MS degree should present a minimum undergraduate preparation in biological and physical sciences including biology, genetics, microbiology, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. Deficiencies in some of these areas do not preclude admission. Qualified students with undergraduate majors in fields other than microbiology are welcome.

Requirements

Plan A Minimum Requirements – 30 credit hours

  • 6 credits of directed research (MICR 699);
  • 1 credit of seminar (MICR 690) each year;
  • 1 credit of research literature review course (MICR 695) each year;
  • 1 credit ethics course (MICR 614);
  • 6 credit hours of thesis (MICR 700);
  • minimum 12 credit hours of course work at the 600 level or higher (excluding MICR 699 and MICR 700); plus
  • 6 credit hours at the 400 level or higher
  • Note: 2 credit maximum of MICR 690 and MICR 695 may be applied towards the MS Plan A degree.

Plan B Minimum Requirements – 30 credit hours

  • 6 credits of directed research (MICR 699);
  • 1 credit of seminar (MICR 690) each year;
  • 1 credit of research literature review course (MICR 695) each year;
  • 1 credit ethics course (MICR 614);
  • minimum 18 credit hours of course work at the 600 level or higher (excluding MICR 699); plus
  • 6 credit hours at the 400 level or higher
  • Note: 2 credit maximum of MICR 690 and MICR 695 may be applied towards the MS Plan B degree.

Doctoral Degree

The doctoral degree (PhD) is offered in microbiology in the various areas of interest represented by research programs of the department’s graduate faculty.

Requirements

The PhD candidate must demonstrate the ability to do original experimental research and to produce an acceptable dissertation. A comprehensive examination, written and oral, is required, and the dissertation must be successfully defended before the faculty. Experience in teaching in a laboratory course is considered a desirable part of the training of the PhD candidate.

PhD Minimum Requirements – 40 credit hours

  • 24 credits of directed research (MICR 699);
  • 1 credit of seminar (MICR 690) each year;
  • 1 credit of research literature review course (MICR 695) each year;
  • 1 credit ethics course (MICR 614);
  • 1 credit hours of dissertation (MICR 800);
  • minimum 15 credit hours of course work at the 600 level or higher (excluding MICR 699 and MICR 800);
  • Note: 3 credit maximum of MICR 690 and MICR 695 may be applied towards the PhD degree.

Graduate Study in Zoology

The School of Life Science offers programs of graduate study and research leading to the MS and PhD degrees in Zoology. Especially strong programs have developed in areas that use the resources of Hawai‘i’s unique island setting, including developmental biology, marine biology, and ecology, evolution and conservation biology. Much of the research in the program emphasizes the animals of Hawai‘i: marine invertebrates, terrestrial arthropods, fishes, and birds.

Graduate students in zoology may join two interdisciplinary graduate specializations; the Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB); and the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) Program. The department has active affiliations with Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, Kewalo Marine Laboratory, Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, and the Center for Conservation Research and Training.

Recipients of the MS degree usually teach, pursue careers in research or government service, or pursue further graduate training. Those with the PhD ordinarily seek teaching positions in colleges and universities or research careers in university, government, or private laboratories.

The School of Life Sciences webpage lists research interests and publications of the members of the zoology graduate faculty, as well as admissions and program requirements and opportunities for financial aid, and a separate graduate student handbook describes the details of program requirements and procedures. The following sections summarize the admissions and program requirements, but the program webpage should be consulted for complete details: manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/graduate/zoology-graduate-program/.

Admissions

Students are admitted to the graduate program only in the fall semester; the application deadline is December 15 the prior year, manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/admissions. Applicants must submit a completed graduate application form, transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate studies; and letters of recommendation from three persons who can appraise the student’s aptitude for graduate study. An applicant also must be sponsored by a member of the graduate faculty who has indicated their willingness to advise and support the student; the applicant should communicate with prospective faculty sponsors well in advance of the application deadline.

Incoming graduate students are expected to have demonstrated proficiency in the biological sciences, typically by having completed a bachelor’s degree in biology or other life sciences field similar to a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology at UH Mānoa. Typical minimum preparatory undergraduate course work includes:

  • 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours of biology [note that 2 semesters = 3 quarters]
  • 3 semesters or 5 quarters of chemistry (general and organic)
  • 2 semesters or 3 quarters of physics
  • 1 semester or 2 quarters of biochemistry or molecular biology
  • 1 semester or 2 quarters of calculus (note that calculus is a required prerequisite for the graduate course in Biometry ZOOL 631)

General Requirements

All entering students are required to take ZOOL 691C during their first fall semester. All graduate students are required to take at least one graduate course in biology each year.

Master’s Degrees

Thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) programs leading to the MS degree in zoology are available. In addition to the thesis, Plan A requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of ZOOL 700 (thesis). The 24 credit hours must include at least 12 credit hours of 600- or higher-level course work.

Plan B is a non-thesis program and requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in 400- through 700-level courses. The 30 credit hours must include at least 6 but not more than 16 credit hours from related departments (excluding courses cross-listed in zoology or applicable to the zoology BA degree), at least 2 but not more than 5 credit hours of ZOOL 699, and at least 18 credit hours of 600 or higher level course work. A research paper based on original scientific work is required. Plan B is considered an alternative when unforeseen circumstances prevent completion of Plan A.

Doctoral Degree

Many applicants to the PhD program will have completed a master’s degree, but well-qualified applicants without a master’s degree may be admitted directly into the PhD program. Students currently enrolled in the master’s program also may apply for admission into the PhD program without completing the master’s degree.

Course Requirements

For students matriculating with a master’s degree in zoology (or equivalent), there are no course requirements for the PhD degree other than the general requirements (ZOOL 691C in the first year, and at least one graduate course in biology each year), and any courses required by the student’s dissertation committee.

For students matriculating with a bachelor’s degree, general course requirements are very similar to the requirements for students receiving a Plan A master’s degree. A minimum of 24 credits are required in courses numbered 400-800. Additionally, 6 credits are required of ZOOL 800 (dissertation), for a total of 30 credit hours. Students are required to enroll in ZOOL 800 during the term in which their degree will be conferred. At least 12 of the 24 credits of required course work should be in 600-700 level courses, not counting ZOOL 699. The graduate program requires that 1 of the 24 course work credits include ZOOL 691C. Of the 24 required credit hours, student may include a maximum of 2 credit hours from ZOOL 699. All courses cross-listed with zoology, and all biology courses which can be counted towards a zoology BA or BS, are considered zoology courses, not courses in a related department.

Other Requirements

In addition to a dissertation proposal, an oral comprehensive examination must be passed. Upon passing the comprehensive exam, the student is advanced to candidacy for the PhD program.

The research project culminating in the dissertation is the most important part of the PhD degree program. The dissertation is to be an original contribution based on independent research, carried out under the guidance of the advisor and dissertation committee. The completed dissertation is defended at a public final examination, conducted by the dissertation committee and including a public research seminar by the candidate.

Further Information

Further information about the graduate program in zoology, including full details of admissions and program requirements, may be obtained from the School of Life Sciences or at manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences. Other inquiries may be sent to lifesci@hawaii.edu.