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

• Congratulations to Dr. Sladjana Prišić: Recipient of the 2025 OVPRS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research & Creative Work
  We are proud to announce that Dr. Sladjana Prišić, associate professor of microbiology in the School of Life Sciences, has received the prestigious 2025 OVPRS Award for Excellence in Mentoring …
• For Educators: A Conversation about Quantitative Reasoning in the General Education Curriculum
  Join us for an engaging discussion on quantitative reasoning at the upcoming event on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM in Kuykendall 106 Events Room. Quantitative reasoning …
• 49th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium in Two Days!
  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, …
• School of Life Sciences Graduate Program Spring Proposal Symposium
  The School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is excited to host the Spring Proposal Symposium at 9:15 am on April 17, 2025, in St. John Room …
• Sophomore Success TRACs
  The 8-week Sophomore Success TRACS summer program will provide accelerated learning and research experiences for mid-level undergraduate students each summer term. Students will enroll in degree-required STEM courses for credit, participate …