Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Student Handbook

Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI

Updated 07/01/2024 

Overview | Welcome | Student Learning Outcomes |Admission | Degree Requirements | Registration | Useful Websites | Student Academic Support Services | MBBE Course Descriptions

 

 

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Overview

Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (MBB) is an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science program designed to educate students in the exciting, expanding field of biotechnology, which promises to be the predominant science of the early 21st century.

Students have the option to take a wide array of elective courses to match their studies to their interests. For their senior capstone project, students may choose their own topic, such as biotechnology, environmental and microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, insect and pathogen biotechnology, and aquaculture and bioreactor biotechnology.

Graduates pursue careers in pharmaceutical research, genetic testing, aquaculture, bioremediation, plant biotechnology, plant pathogens, molecular diagnostics, and forensics. Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Mānoa’s Career Center for more information on other professions to enter after graduation. 

 

Welcome

The cutting-edge tools of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, tissue culture, and biochemistry are transforming the environmental, medical, and agricultural sciences. In the field of biotechnology, these bioscience tools are harnessed to make products and solve problems faced by society. The biotechnology program emphasizes developing a strong foundation in the molecular and biochemical principles underpinning living cells (animals, microbes, and plants). The program combines hands-on laboratory research with courses covering various facets of molecular, cellular, and organismal biosciences (outlined below). The program facilitates excellence in biotechnology education by involving undergraduate students in rich interactions with faculty in both the classroom and research laboratories.

MBB graduates have excellent job prospects upon graduation. Graduates are amply prepared to enter graduate studies in the biological, environmental, medical, and agricultural sciences and are profession-ready for job opportunities in industry (biomedical, health-care diagnostics, pharmaceutical, forensics, agricultural, environmental, and biotechnological) and in governmental research. Students who plan to enter medical, dental, or related professional schools are advised to confer with their faculty adviser to enroll in the proper MBB electives for these programs. With additional courses in education, the BS degree in MBB also qualifies graduates to teach at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

The MBBE faculty have a commitment to and passion for teaching, combined with renowned research expertise in their chosen disciplines. The faculty provide independent research experiences for undergraduate students (as MBBE 499), and many have well-funded research programs utilizing state-of-the art equipment and techniques. On-campus research facilities that students can use to enhance their education and research experience include the Biological Electron Microscope Facility; the Greenwood Molecular Biology Facility; and the Center for Advanced Studies in Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Understand fundamental core science concepts and have the ability to apply their knowledge in the field of biotechnology.
2. Have the knowledge and core sets of skills that span across basic Sciences and biotechnology, and Mathematics portions of (STEM) education.
3. Understand and be able to identify ethical issues and social impacts associated with biotechnology, and practice ethical standards of integrity honesty, and fairness in scientific practices and professional conduct.
4. Can communicate orally and in writing in clear, well-organized manner that effectively informs and clarifies scientific principles and lab techniques to others.
5. Are able to solve problems using hypothesis development and experimental methods on biological systems.
6. Are well prepared for employment in the critically important and dynamic biotechnology industry.

 

Admission

New students who apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) as first-year students or transfer students may apply directly to the program by specifying Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (MBB) as their major on their application form. Please visit the Office of Admissions website for details about applying.

Students who have taken courses at another university or community college outside of the University of Hawaiʻi system must arrange to have their official transcripts sent to the UH Mānoa Admissions Office for evaluation of transfer credits. Courses not meeting the university core requirements, but are acceptable academically, will be transferred and counted as elective credits.

Transfer students can check the “Transfer Credit Database” created by the UH Admissions Office to see how your courses transfer to UHM.

Students wishing to transfer from another UHM program into MBB are required to contact the CTAHR Advising Office at ctahradv@hawaii.edu to request a change of major. Acceptance into the program will be based on a minimum cumulative UHM grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

Degree Requirements

The MBB program sheet and four year plan can be found at the Bachelor Degree Program Sheets and Sample Four Year Academic Plans website. Please scroll down the page to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Accepted students who have set up their UH username and password may also find their requirements on their STAR GPS Registration website.

Directed Research Requirement 

Directed research opportunities allow students to work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge projects, fostering hands-on learning and innovation.

Students in the MBB program participate in hands-on laboratory work culminating in research and a senior thesis (six credits of 499 Directed Research). All students must participate and present their research in a symposium. Research opportunities can be found by speaking with cooperating faculty in your major or through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP); see specifically ForagerOne. Please speak with a CTAHR advisor for more information. 

Registration

Students register for courses online through STAR GPS Registration. STAR GPS Registration is an easy-to-navigate registration system that shows courses students need to graduate in a timely manner and allows students to personalize their academic plan to fit their unique college experience. STAR GPS Registration allows students to do the following:

• Register for classes that count directly into their degree/requirements so they don’t go off track
• A visual calendar of the classes students are choosing and how they fit together
• Direct integration of students’ class schedule into their Google calendar
• Easily switch classes using the add/drop options
• Search for classes at any UH campus
• View transcript

For help about STAR, students can meet with an academic advisor or visit the HELP website. Registration dates and times are published on the Registration Timetable.

 

Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i

• University of Hawai'i

All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc.

• UH Mānoa General Catalog
• UH Academic Calendar

• My UH Services

MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, form, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.

• STAR

STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources' Home Page

Select “Academic and Student Affairs” will open all the programs up for students interested in all that CTAHR has to offer for Undergrad and Graduate Programs, financial aid/scholarship information, course requirements and information on who we are, Department, Faculty and Staff as well as publications and research projects.

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Academic Advising

Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation.

• Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program

This web site provides information on the MBB program as well as faculty information and their specialty areas.

• General Education

UH Core requirements and class listings.

• Transfer of Credits, Admissions

This web site shows information on how your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.

 

Student Academic Support Services

Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the University of Hawaiʻi catalog.

• The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
• First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
• Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
• International Student Services has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students.  ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:
  • Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
  • Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
  • Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
  • Advocating for international students and international education
• Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
• Academic Resource Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
• Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
• Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
• Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
• Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
• Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.
• Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services
• Mānoa Writing Center  is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).

Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource. 

 

MBBE Course Descriptions

Viewable online at the UH Manoa Catalog (scroll past Biological Engineering descriptions to view MBBE.)