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.

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.

Our students use their training as preparation for careers in diverse fields ranging from aquaculture, biotechnology, biological research, dentistry, marine biology, medicine, optometry, park services, 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.

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:

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. We seek to maintain a high standard of education based on the development of biological literacy, application of quantitative and scientific methods, the exploration of biological concepts and the development of integrative and multidisciplinary thinking. The School of Life Sciences is committed to providing a positive educational experience for undergraduate and graduate students and a supportive working environment for faculty and staff based on principles of safety, inclusiveness, personal and professional integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.

Latest News

• 
  49th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium

  The 2025 Tester Symposium Logo. Original artwork by Kai Smart.

  The 49th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium will be held April 9-11, 2025 in the Information Technology Center Room 105. The three-day event will include student presentations, a poster session, and a subsequent soirée. Oral presentations will consist of either 5-minute rapid-fire talks or full-length 12-minute presentations. There will also be a poster session held on the afternoon of Wednesday April 9th at the MSB and HIG open areas (first floor lanai and courtyard).

  This year’s theme, Hoʻokele ʻIke: Navigating Knowledge in Life Sciences, draws inspiration from the art of navigation and the journey of discovery in the life sciences. Rooted in the Hawaiian concept of wayfinding, this theme highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems, disciplines, and methodologies to chart innovative paths in scientific research. By navigating with both traditional and modern tools, researchers can illuminate connections between community, culture, and science, fostering a shared vision for a sustainable future.

  Abstract Submissions Are Due March 7th, 2025! 

  Submit abstracts here: https://forms.gle/uE16PzhC6MfoUsn87

  Please reach out to testerms@hawaii.edu if you have any questions and keep an eye out on our website for more announcements.

• Faculty position advertised: Assistant Professor in Conservation Biology

  The School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa is recruiting for an Assistant Professor in Conservation Biology.

  Application review begins December 01, 2024. See more

• Faculty position advertised: Assistant Professor in Fisheries Biology

  The School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa is recruiting for an Assistant Professor in Fisheries Biology.

  Application review begins December 01, 2024. See more