University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The BBMB curriculum builds a foundation in general and organic chemistry, physics and mathematics before progressing to core molecular and cellular topics. You will study modules such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry principles relevant to biological systems, calculus and physics for the life sciences, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, enzymology and metabolism, and structural biochemistry.

Practical laboratory training is central: you will take laboratory courses in biochemistry and molecular biology that teach techniques such as protein purification, enzyme assays, nucleic acid manipulation (PCR, cloning), electrophoresis, spectroscopy and microscopy. Upper-level electives and seminars cover biophysics methods, bioinformatics, advanced molecular genetics, and experimental design. The programme strongly emphasises independent research; many students complete a research project or honours thesis working with faculty in areas such as structural biology, membrane biophysics, microbial molecular genetics, environmental molecular ecology and biomedical molecular research.

The degree requires a combination of core BBMB courses, supporting coursework in chemistry, physics and mathematics, unrestricted electives and a minimum number of laboratory-credit hours to satisfy accreditation and professional preparation standards.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed a high-school curriculum with strong preparation in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes chemistry (general and ideally some organic), biology, and mathematics through algebra and calculus; physics is recommended. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or other recognised advanced-level coursework in these subjects is beneficial.

Admissions to the University of Hawaii at Manoa consider academic record, recommended coursework, and overall fit; for international applicants, proof of English proficiency is required. While specific minimum grade point averages or test scores are not listed here, competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong performance in STEM subjects. Transfer students should consult departmental advisors to ensure chemistry and laboratory prerequisites are met.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BBMB degree pursue a range of career paths. Common options include:

• Further study: entry to graduate programmes (MSc/PhD) in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology or related fields, and professional programmes such as medical, dental or veterinary school.
• Industry roles: positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in research and development, quality control, assay development, and process development.
• Laboratory and clinical roles: work in clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, environmental testing or forensic science (additional certification may be required).
• Applied and technical careers: bioinformatics, technical sales, regulatory affairs, patent support or laboratory management.
• Education and outreach: teaching at secondary level (with appropriate certification), science communication, and public engagement roles.

Undergraduate research experience and internships markedly improve employability and provide essential skills for technical roles and postgraduate study.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers BBMB students access to research programmes that leverage the unique Pacific and tropical context, including environmental molecular biology and native organism studies, alongside biomedical and structural research. The campus hosts well-equipped core facilities and instrumentation used routinely by undergraduates, such as mass spectrometry, NMR, cryo-EM collaborations, and imaging suites.

Small cohort sizes in upper-level BBMB courses and active mentorship mean undergraduates can work closely with faculty on laboratory research projects. Proximity to interdisciplinary centres at UH fosters collaboration across chemistry, oceanography, public health and bioinformatics. For students seeking real-world experience, there are internship and collaboration opportunities with local biotech companies, healthcare providers and government research organisations in the Pacific region.

Overall, UH Manoa combines rigorous molecular science training with distinct research themes and strong undergraduate research support, preparing graduates for both employment and advanced study in the molecular life sciences.