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

• $9M grant aims to restore Waikīkī reefs with coral nurseries
  Link to video and sound: https://bit.ly/3SKz4Eu A coral reef restoration project off iconic Waikīkī Beach has been recommended for a $9 million grant by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s …
• Congratulations to our Two Zoology Graduate Student Winners of the 47th Annual Tester Symposium!
  Mamo Waianuhea  “Ka Paʻahana” Runner-up: Artwork, Art and Photo Contest The Art and Photo contest received 63 photographs and 6 pieces of artwork, from 28 participants. Cecile Vimond  “Population structure …
• 
  47th Annual Tester Memorial Symposium
  The 2023 Tester Symposium Logo. Original artwork by Elle Wibisono. The 47th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium will be held April 12-14, 2023 in the Campus Center Ballroom. The …
• Multiple Faculty Positions Now Open
  The School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is pleased to invite applications for multiple faculty positions. Director of School of Life Sciences, Professor (apply here) …
• SoLS faculty member featured in 2021-2022 Innovation and Impact Showcase
  Congratulations to Dr. Becky Chong (School of Life Sciences) for being featured in the 2021-2022 Innovation and Impact Showcase. Becky was selected as one of a group of showcased UHM …