Microbiology

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provides students with a comprehensive education in the fundamental and applied sciences related to microorganisms. This degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, industry, and environmental sciences by offering rigorous coursework, laboratory experiences, and research opportunities. Students will explore the biology, genetics, biochemistry, ecology, and pathogenicity of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. The curriculum emphasizes molecular biology techniques, immunology, microbial physiology, and biotechnological applications, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for innovative work in microbiology. The program also emphasizes scientific communication, critical thinking, and laboratory safety to ensure students are well-prepared for professional settings. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and close collaboration with faculty involved in cutting-edge research, students have opportunities to engage in independent projects, internship programs, and collaborative research initiatives. The program aims to foster a deep understanding of microbial processes that impact human health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. Graduates of the program are prepared for advanced study in graduate or professional schools or for immediate employment in microbiology-related fields, such as clinical microbiology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental management. The degree’s location in Hawaii offers unique opportunities to study diverse microbial ecosystems, including those in tropical environments, marine settings, and volcanic landscapes. Overall, the Microbiology program at UH Manoa combines rigorous academic coursework with practical research experience, preparing students to become knowledgeable, innovative, and responsible professionals in the dynamic field of microbiology.

• MICR 130 General Microbiology (3) Role of microorganisms; how they affect people, property, and the environment. A basic survey course covering broad aspects of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and physiology; host-parasite relationships, public health, bacterial, mycotic and viral diseases; epidemiology; ecology of soils and water; environmental pollution; food microbiology; industrial applications at an introductory level. Not open to those with credit in 351 or equivalent. DB
• MICR 140L Microbiology Laboratory (2) (2 2-hr Lab) Primarily for students in nursing and dental hygiene. Pre: 130 (or concurrent). DY
• MICR 314 Research Ethics (1) Introduction to the ethical issues faced by individuals and institutions involved in scientific research. Based on case studies, students will discuss and write about ethical issues in research. Issues include humans and animals in research, mentoring, authorship, ownership of data, genetic technologies and record keeping. This course is designed for students with majors in the natural sciences. A-F only. Pre: BIOL 172 (or concurrent), or MATH 321 (or concurrent), or PHYS 170 (or concurrent), or CHEM 272 (or concurrent); or consent. (Cross-listed as MCB 314) DS
• MICR 351 Biology of Microorganisms (3) Anatomy, chemistry, physiology, genetics, development, and environmental interactions of microorganisms. Pre: BIOL 171 or equivalent, CHEM 272/272L; or consent. Co-requisite: 351L. Recommended: BIOL 275/275L. DB
• MICR 351L Biology of Microorganisms Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) Laboratory exercises to accompany 351. Pre: CHEM 272/272L, and BIOL 171, or equivalent. Co-requisite: 351. DY
• MICR 361 Introductory Bioinformatics (4) (3 Lec, 1 3-hr Lab) Introductory bioinformatics will provide a basic foundation of biological information (DNA, protein, genome and proteome) by using information technology (IT). A-F only. Pre: BIOL 275 and BIOL 275L, or consent. (Fall only)
• MICR 401 Marine Microbiology (3) Evolution, ecology, biochemistry, genetics and physiology of marine bacteria by examining defined systems and organisms. Pre: BIOL 265/265L and BIOL 275/275L and BIOL 301 (or concurrent)/301L (or concurrent), and OCN 201; or 351/351L; or consent. DB
• MICR 401L Marine Microbiology Laboratory (1) (1 3-hr Lab) Laboratory to accompany 401. Pre: BIOL 265/265L and BIOL 275/275L and BIOL 301 (or concurrent)/301L (or concurrent) and OCN 201; or 351/351L; and 401 (or concurrent); or consent. DY
• MICR 410 Advanced Topics in Microbiology (2) Capstone for (but not limited to) senior microbiology majors. Current and seminal research in microbiology, critical analysis of the methods and logic of experimental design. Lecture and discussion of primary literature. A-F only. Pre: 351 and three other 400-level courses (or concurrent), or consent. (Once a year)
• MICR 431 Microbial Physiology (3) Fundamental physiological and metabolic processes of bacteria; emphasis on growth, functions of cell structures, varieties of energy metabolism, metabolic regulation, and differentiation at the prokaryote level. Pre: 351. DB
• MICR 431L Microbial Physiology Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) Components and metabolism of the bacterial cell; emphasis on techniques of analysis of metabolism and molecular structure. Co-requisite: 431. DY
• MICR 461 Immunology (3) Structure and biological actions of antigens and antibodies; fundamentals of antibody synthesis; the relation of immunology to biology and medical sciences. Pre: 351 or BIOL 172; or consent. Recommended: BIOL 275/275L. (Cross-listed as MCB 461) DB
• MICR 461L Immunology Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) Basic exercises and experiments in immunology, immunochemistry, immuno-biology to illustrate principles of 461. Co-requisite: 461 or consent. (Cross-listed as MCB 461L) DY
• MICR 463 Microbiology of Pathogens (3) Host-parasite relationships in microbial diseases of humans and animals with emphasis on bacterial pathogens. Pre: 351 and 461; or consent. Co-requisite: 463L or consent. DB
• MICR 463L Microbiology of Pathogens Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) Characterization of bacterial pathogens. Isolation, identification, and diagnosis. Co-requisite: 463 or consent. DY
• MICR 470 Microbial Pathogenesis (3) Fundamental mechanisms of infectious diseases at the molecular level. Emphasis on the role of genetics in host-pathogen interactions. Pre: 351/351L or consent.
• MICR 475 Bacterial Genetics (3) Genetic analysis and molecular basis of transmission replication, mutation, and expression of heritable characteristics in prokaryotes. Pre: 351 or BIOL 275, or consent. (Cross-listed as MCB 475) DB
• MICR 475L Bacterial Genetics Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) Techniques for study of transfer and expression of prokaryotic genes: transformation, conjugation, transposon mutagenesis, preparation and analysis of plasmid and chromosomal DNA. Pre: 475 (or concurrent). (Cross-listed as MCB 475L) DY
• MICR 485 Microbes and Their Environment (3) Distribution, diversity, and roles of microorganisms in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Importance of bacteria in pesticide degradation, bioremediation of oil spills, sewage treatment, biocontrol, food fermentation. Pre: BIOL 172 and CHEM 272, or consent. DB
• MICR 485L Microbes and Their Environment Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) Techniques for study of interaction of microorganisms with and within their natural habitats; symbiosis between microorganisms and plants and animals; role of microorganisms in element cycling; food fermentation by bacteria. Pre: 485 (or concurrent) or consent. DY
• MICR 490 Virology (3) Basic principles of virus biology. Topics include methods for virus study, virus structure, replication, gene expression, pathogenesis and host response. Pre: 351 or BIOL 275, or consent. DB
• MICR 490L Virology Lab (2) (2 3-hr Lab) General laboratory techniques and related theories in virology; including isolation, cell culture, assay, purification, and identification of viruses. Pre: 351/351L or BIOL 275/275L and 490 (or concurrent); or consent. DY
• MICR 499 Microbiological Problems (V) Directed reading and research. Limited to senior majors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in microbiology, or consent.
• MICR 500 Master's Plan B/C Studies (1) Enrollment for degree completion. Pre: master's Plan B or C candidate and consent.
• MICR 601 Molecular Cell Biology (3) Provide fundamental concepts and dynamic characteristics of the molecules of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, their biosynthesis and regulation, and the mechanisms that regulate cellular activities. A-F only. Pre: basic course in cell and molecular biology, or consent. (Fall only) (Cross-listed as MBBE 601)
• MICR 614 Research Ethics (1) Introduction to ethical issues faced by individuals and institutions involved in scientific research. Moral reasoning, humans and animals in research, mentoring, authorship, ownership of data and genetic technologies. MICR graduates only. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing in MICR or related field, or consent. (Once a year)
• MICR 625 Advanced Immunology (3) Detailed reports and discussions on selected advanced topics and current research literature. Pre: 461 or consent. (Alt. years: spring)
• MICR 630 Microbial Genome (3) Advanced studies of Microbial genome: relation to functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics. A-F only. Pre: 351 and one 400-level MICR course, or consent. (Alt. years)
• MICR 632 Advanced Microbial Physiology (3) Selected topics. Pre: 431 or consent. (Alt. years: spring)
• MICR 646 Plant-Bacterial Interactions (3) Diagnosis, molecular biology, genetics, and infection mechanisms of bacterial plant pathogens and symbionts. Pre: one of 351, 475, or BIOC 481; or consent. (Cross-listed as PEPS 646)
• MICR 652 Advanced Marine Microbiology (3) Advanced studies of marine microorganisms in diverse habitats with consideration of applications of marine microbes, interactions with higher organisms, phylogeny and diversity, and past and current methods. A-F only. Pre: 351 and 401, or consent. (Alt. years)
• MICR 655 Advanced Virology (3) Detailed reports and discussions on selected advanced topics and current research literature. Pre: 463, 490, BIOC 441; or consent. (Alt. years: fall)
• MICR 671 Bacterial Genetics (3) Directed study and discussion of research literature on bacterial and bacterial virus mutation, genetic recombination, evolution and control mechanisms. Pre: graduate standing; undergraduates that have taken 475 may register with consent. (Alt. years: spring)
• MICR 680 Advances in Microbial Ecology (3) Highlights in microbial ecology; interaction of microorganisms with abiotic and biotic components of their environments. Modern techniques for study of autecology and synecology of microorganisms. Pre: 485 or consent. (Alt. years: spring)
• MICR 681 Host-Parasite Relationships (3) Mechanisms of pathogenicity of microorganisms and defense mechanisms of human and animal hosts. Review of contemporary literature. Pre: 463 or consent. (Alt. years: fall)
• MICR 685 Molecular and Cellular Bacterial Pathogenesis (3) Detailed examination of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. Overview of key literature, synthesis of scientific problems into research proposals. Pre: 431, 463, or 470; or consent. (Alt. years: spring)
• MICR 690 Seminar (1) Required of graduate students. Repeatable unlimited times; only one credit will count toward the degree.
• MICR 695 Research Literature Review (1) Review of primary literature in a selected area of microbiology. Repeatable ten times; three credit limit. A-F only. Pre: graduate status or consent.
• MICR 699 Directed Research (V) Selected problems in microbiology. Repeatable unlimited times. Pre: consent.
• MICR 700 Thesis Research (V) Repeatable unlimited times.
• MICR 795 Special Topics in Microbiology (V) Selected topics in any aspect of microbiology. Repeatable unlimited times.
• MICR 800 Dissertation Research (V) Repeatable unlimited times.

Requirements

1. Application form;
2. One official copy of transcripts directly from the registrar of each institution attended;
3. Official GRE (GEN) scores (required of all doctoral applicants; strongly recommended for M.S. applicants);
4. Official TOEFL score report (Foreign applicants); and
5. Application fee $100
6. Interest statement;
7. Three letters of recommendation from former professors or employers;
8. Curriculum vitae (one page).

Scholarships

• Graduate Assistantships
• Achievement Scholarships

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Microbiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers students a comprehensive understanding of the biology of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The program aims to prepare students for careers in research, medicine, public health, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. The curriculum includes foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, alongside specialized microbiology courses such as microbial physiology, immunology, molecular biology, and genetics. Students are also encouraged to gain practical laboratory experience through research projects and internships, which are integral parts of the program to enhance hands-on skills and real-world understanding.

The program emphasizes understanding the fundamental principles of microbiology, including microbial pathogenicity, ecology, and their roles in human health and disease. There is a focus on developing experimental techniques and analytical skills necessary for modern microbiological research. Students are also introduced to bioinformatics and data analysis tools relevant to the field. Interdisciplinary collaboration is promoted, reflecting the multifaceted nature of microbiology in tackling global health issues like infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, and emerging pathogens.

Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, supported by faculty members who are active researchers in the field. The program encourages participation in research projects, often in collaboration with local health departments, hospitals, and industries. Students can also participate in study-abroad opportunities and internships that broaden their understanding of microbiology in different settings worldwide.

Graduates of this program often pursue graduate studies in microbiology, medicine, or related biomedical sciences, or enter careers in public health, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and environmental agencies. The program is designed not only to provide technical expertise but also to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for leadership roles in science and healthcare. Overall, the B.S. in Microbiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a rigorous and immersive education that prepares students to contribute meaningfully to science and society.