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Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (MBB) Program (BS Degree)

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.

A short description of the program and two student testimonials are presented in the following video:

Student Learning Outcomes for the Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology Program

  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.

Requirements

Students must fulfill the General Education Requirements of the University and college. Among the courses they must include in these requirements are

In addition, students complete the following major core requirements:


ELECTIVES

Students are required to take 18 credits of electives in the various sciences related to their interests in the environment, animals, microbiology, plants, the health sciences, crop protection, or aquaculture. The following are the approved list of electives: Molecular biology (BIOL 407), Cellular biology (BIOL 408), Biology of Microbes (MICR 351/351L), Environmental Biochemistry (MBBE 412), Bioremediation Principles and Practices (BE 440), Plant Physiology (BOT 470/470L), Immunology (MICR 461), Introduction to Biological Engineering (BE 150), Sensors and Instrumentation for Biological Systems (BE 420), Environmental Biotechnology (BE 431), Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM 273/273L), Transport Phenomena (BE 373), Biomass Conversion to Biofuels and Bioenergy (BE 410), Bacterial Genetics (MICR 475), Microbes in the Environment (MICR 485/485L), Plant Breeding (TPSS 453), Tissue Culture and Transformation (TPS 440), Plant Pathogens and Disease (PEPS 405), Botany (102/102L), General Entomology (PEPS 363), Foundations of Pest Management (PEPS 421), Biocontrol of Invasive Species (PEPS 422), Vertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 320/320L), and Biochemistry Lab (MBBE 402L).
For up-to-date MBB program sheets and templates to plan the undergraduate study, please go to: http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets/#ctahr

YEAR 1

FALL

Cr

SPRING

Cr

Chemistry-I CHEM 161/161L

4

Chemistry-II CHEM 162/162L

4

Biology-I BIOL 171/171L

4

Biology-II BIOL 172/172L

4

Written Communication

3

Global & Multicultural 2

3

Global & Multicultural 1

3

Calculus MATH 215 or 241

4

sum

14

 

15


YEAR 2

FALL

Cr

SPRING

Cr

Organic CHEM 272/272L

5

Arts/Humanities 2

3

Arts/Humanities 1

3

Cell & Molecular BIOL 275/275L

4

Physics PHYS 100/100L or 151/151L, and 152/152

4

Statistics NREM 310

3

MBB Elective

3

Agric Economics NREM 220 or ECON 130

3

 

 

Elective

3

sum

15

sum

16


YEAR 3

FALL

Cr

SPRING

Cr

Biotechnology: Science & Ethics MBBE 304

3

Molecular Biotechnology MBBE 401

3

Genetics ANSC 446 or BIOL 375 or PEPS 371

3

Bioinformatics MBBE 483

3

Electives

6

MBB Electives

6

MBB Elective

3

Hawaiian/Asian/Pacific Issues

3

sum

15

sum

15


YEAR 4

FALL

Cr

SPRING

Cr

Directed Research MBBE 499

3

Directed Research MBBE 499

3

Biochemistry MBBE 402

4

Soc Sci 1

3

MBB Electives

6

MBB Elective

3

Elective

2

Electives

6

sum

15

sum

15

 

 

TOTAL

120

Instructional Faculty


If you require information in an alternative format, please contact us at: ADA-contact@ctahr.hawaii.edu