Biology Program Mission

The mission of the Biology Program is to provide undergraduates at UH Manoa a solid foundation of current knowledge and skills in the life sciences at an introductory level to prepare the students for careers and advanced, post-baccalaureate study.  The Program also seeks to provide non-majors with an appreciation for various aspects of the life sciences and their ramifications for daily life and impacts on society.

Student Learner Outcomes (SLO's)

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Bachelor of Arts in Biology the student will be able to:

1. observe, record and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data about life systems.

2. generate, test and analyze hypotheses.

3. think, write and read critically.

4. orally present scientific findings concisely and clearly.

5. read, understand and apply thoughtful and novel scientific research papers, project reports and journal articles.

6. write thoughtful, novel and concise scientific research papers, project reports and journal articles.

7. understand the relationships among science, technology, nature and humans, emphasizing the importance of ethical responsibility and behavior in scientific research

8. familiar with a spectrum of life science topics such as cellular and molecular biology, genetics ecology, evolution, phylogeny physiology, morphology of plants and animals and to understand the importance to people.

9. apply the scientific method and research techniques to other fields in the natural sciences (e.g. chemistry, physics, etc.).

10. and, with careful curriculum structuring, graduates should have the foundation knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level life science careers, or to commence advanced studies for professional or academic careers.

In addition to the aforementioned, students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology will be able to:

1. be confident and safe wile conducting marine-related field work in a variety of habitats.

2. develop an appreciation of the diversity of marine taxa and an understanding of fundamental ocean processes.

3. understand current concepts and questions in marine biology along with the differences and similarities in terrestrial and other life systems.