Chaminade University of Honolulu

School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Biology

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B.S. Biology

Biology is, put simply, the study of life.

Life in all of its forms. And living organisms in all their complexities, structures and relationships. Chaminade’s biology program is designed to give students the intellectual freedom to pursue their interests in a vast field of study while ensuring a core of foundational knowledge that’s required for research and lab work, graduate studies, and careers in the sciences.

Our program is excellent preparation for medical school or health professions, graduate programs, careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, science policy and academia. Students are also able to take advantage of the rich biological diversity in the islands—along with the incredible breadth and depth of scientific inquiry underway in Hawaii.

As part of your studies in biology, you’ll be exposed to cutting-edge and contemporary coursework and rigorous laboratory courses that feature advanced instrumentation and technique. Students also receive individualized instruction, including through a capstone research experience, and access to career preparation opportunities and internships.

Concentrations

Cellular & Molecular: Explore how the techniques of molecular biology and genetics are used to understand cell function.

Integrative and Organismal: Understand the structure and function at the organismal levels in various biological systems.

Pre-Medical area of emphasis: Within the BS programs in biology and biochemistry, it is possible to elect the “pre-med” area of emphasis. Here, students are enrolled in a seminar series and other activities that specifically prepare for standardized tests such as MCAT, and for entry into professional areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy and others.

Upon completion of the B.S. undergraduate program in Biology, students will be able to:

  1. Apply the scientific method in the design and testing of hypotheses
  2. Transform and display, statistically evaluate, validate, and interpret scientific data and communicate the results of such analyses effectively both orally and in writing
  3. Acquire, summarize, and synthesize information from published scientific literature, databases and bioinformatics software to extract and interpret biological data
  4. Recognize the chemical and physical principles that underlie all life forms, and the biological organization at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, organism, and system levels that emerge from these principles
  5. Define the components and processes of genetic and epigenetic information transmission, and their determinant effects on the adaptive and evolutionary processes that they drive
  6. Evaluate the etiology of major human disease burden in terms of, pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiology within populations and possible therapeutic approaches
  7. Integrate an awareness of bioethical issues to positively influence the application of science to service, justice and peace in the solution of societal problems.

View a sample 4-year plans: Cellular & Molecular Track Integrative and Organismal Track

In addition to the general education requirements, these are the pre-major and major requirements below:

Pre-Major Requirements
  • MA 110 Pre-Calculus
  • MA 210 Calculus I
  • MA 211 Calculus II
  • BI 100 First Year Science Seminar: Science, Society and the Biosphere
  • BI 215/L Cellular and Organismal Biology I and Laboratory
  • CH203/L General Chemistry I and Laboratory
  • CH 323/L Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory
  • CH 324/L Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory
Cellular and Molecular Track Major Requirements
  • BI 104 Digital Science
  • BI 210L Biotechniques Laboratory – DNA/RNA Protein
  • BI 216/L Cellular and Organismal Biology II and Laboratory
  • BI 307/L Molecular Biology I Genes and Genetics and Laboratory
  • BI 308/L Molecular Biology II Genomics and Epigenomics and Laboratory
  • CH 204/L General Chemistry II and Laboratory
  • PHY 251/L University Physics I and Laboratory
  • PHY 252/L University Physics II and Laboratory
  • BI 300 Science Writing
  • BI 302 Science Writing – Bioethics and Professional Conduct
  • BI 311 Biostatistics
  • BI 312 Epidemiology and Public Health
  • BI 320/L Developmental Biology and Laboratory
  • BI 321/L Advanced Human and Comparative Anatomy and Laboratory
  • BI 410/L Advanced Human Physiology I Metabolism and Nutrition and Laboratory
  • BI 411/L Advanced Human Physiology II – Neurophysiology and Laboratory
  • BI 420 Systems Biology
  • BI 495 Research I
  • Two upper division elective Biology courses
Integrative and Organismal Biology Major Requirements
  • BI 104 Digital Science
  • BI 210L Biotechniques Laboratory – DNA/RNA Protein
  • BI 216/L Cellular and Organismal Biology II and Laboratory
  • BI 307/L Molecular Biology I Genes and Genetics and Laboratory
  • BI 308/L Molecular Biology II Genomics and Epigenomics and Laboratory
  • CH 204/L General Chemistry II and Laboratory
  • PHY 251/L University Physics I and Laboratory
  • PHY 252/L University Physics II and Laboratory
  • BI 300 Science Writing
  • BI 302 Science Writing – Bioethics and Professional Conduct
  • BI 311 Biostatistics
  • BI 312 Epidemiology and Public Health
  • BI 320/L Developmental Biology and Laboratory
  • BI 321/L Advanced Human and Comparative Anatomy and Laboratory
  • BI 410/L Advanced Human Physiology I Metabolism and Nutrition and Laboratory
  • BI 411/L Advanced Human Physiology II – Neurophysiology and Laboratory
  • BI 420 Systems Biology
  • BI 471/L Ecology and Laboratory
  • Two upper division elective Biology or Environmental Studies courses

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Faculty

Our faculty members are leaders in their fields. They believe in the power of personal experience—stressing mentorship, collaboration and project-based learning inside and outside the classroom.

Meet Our Faculty

Accreditation

Chaminade University of Honolulu is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.