Welcome
The School of Life Sciences is housed within the University’s College of Natural Sciences and conducts research and training across five academic disciplines including Biology, Botany, Marine Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular & Cell Biology. We administer a cohesive set of undergraduate degrees (BA and BS) across these disciplines, along with graduate programs (MS and PhD) in Botany, Microbiology, Marine Biology, and Zoology. The School of Life Sciences promotes the understanding, appreciation and preservation of biological diversity through excellence in research, education, service and outreach.
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About
The life sciences are of fundamental importance in a science or liberal arts education, as they provide students with insight into and a deeper appreciation for the many facets of living systems that underlie our world. Learn More →
Explore Our Programs:
The School of Life Sciences of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was formed in the Fall of 2019 by the merger of the Departments of Biology, Botany and Microbiology, and began operations on January 1, 2020. Life Sciences is home to 5 Undergraduate Majors and 4 Graduate Programs:
Undergraduate Majors
- Molecular and Cell Biology (BS)
- Biology (BA, BS)
- Botany (BA, BS)
- Marine Biology (BA, BS)
- Microbiology (BA, BS)
Graduate Programs
- Botany
- Marine Biology (with SOEST)
- Microbiology
- Zoology
Students may also Minor in Biology, Botany and Microbiology, obtain a certificate in the Marine Option Program (MOP), Mathematical Biology, or become certified as a Clinical Microbiologist.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to investigate all living things by promoting learning and discovery through scientific research. Read Full Mission →
Announcements
- Call for Abstracts: 2026 SURE SymposiumThe Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at the University of …
- Call for Abstracts: 2025 SURE SymposiumThe Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at the University of …
For a full list of all announcements, visit our Announcements page.
Latest News
- Worm Lab Brings Polychaetes to the Waikiki Aquarium Earth Week Fair
- News archive: Norine Yeung named Maxwell/Hanrahan Awardee
For a full list of news articles, visit our News page.
Upcoming Seminars and Events
For a full list of all departmental seminars and events, visit our Events & Seminars page.
Life Sciences Friday Seminar Series
Fridays 3:30 pm – 4:20 pm at BIL 150
Join via Zoom
| Date | Title | Speaker | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/28/26 | SoLS Welcome | SKT+ A. Wright | |
| 9/4/26 | |||
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| 11/27/26 | Instructional Holiday |