Biology
Program Details
Biology is the study of the processes that are essential to life. It's the basis for many science-based careers, from medicine to invasive pests management to lab research. As a student in the biology major at Xavier, you’ll learn about biological principles through observing living things, manipulating DNA and performing biomolecular assays. With the help of faculty, you'll complete high-level research projects in labs that begin freshman year.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. 99 percent of our students, including those in the biology major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Additionally, Xavier students have an 86 percent acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2022), compared to 40 percent nationally.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Biology major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- BIOLOGY 160: General Biology I............ 3cr.
- BIOLOGY 161: General Biology I Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEMISTRY 160: General Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEMISTRY 161: General Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- CORE 100: 1st Year Seminar OR THEO 111............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 101 OR 115 ENGL Compo or Rhetoric............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA............ 0cr.
Spring
- BIOLOGY 162: General Biology II............ 3cr.
- BIOLOGY 163: General Biology II Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEMISTRY 162: General Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEMISTRY 163: General Chemistry II Lab............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: 1st Year Seminar OR THEO 111............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 100: Ethics as Intro............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA............ 0cr.
Fall
- BIOLOGY 206 or 208: Human or Plant Physiology............ 3cr.
- BIOLOGY 207 or 209: Human or Plant Physiology Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEMISTRY 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEMISTRY 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- MATHEMATICS 140/170............ 3cr.
- Second Language I............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- BIOLOGY 230: Genetics............ 3cr.
- BIOLOGY 231: Genetics Lab............ 1cr.
- BIOLOGY 299: Professional Communication in the Sciences............ 1cr.
- CHEMISTRY 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEMISTRY 243: Organic Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- STAT 146: Biostatistics............ 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
Fall
- BIOLOGY Elective............ 4cr.
- PHYS 160 College Physics I............ 3cr.
- PHYS 161 College Physics I Lab............ 1cr.
- HIST 199: Historical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- BIOLOGY Elective............ 4cr.
- PHYSICS 162: College Physics II............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 163: College Physics II Lab............ 1cr.
- Creative Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- Diversity Flag Elective............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
Fall
- BIOLOGY Capstone (2 credits required)............ 2cr.
- BIOLOGY Elective............ 3cr.
- BIOLOGY Elective............ 4cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Biology Elective............ 3cr.
- Biology Elective............ 4cr.
- E/RS Focus Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Biology Courses
Sample courses within the biology major curriculum:
- General Biology (BIOL 160) - This course focuses on the interactions of molecules, cells and genetics within organisms. Perfect for students pursuing majors in biology, it lays the foundation for advanced biology courses.
- Human Physiology (BIOL 206) - This course is an in-depth exploration of the intricate workings of the human body's various organ systems, emphasizing homeostasis, muscle activity and communication within the body.
- Genetics Laboratory (BIOL 231) - Hands-on laboratory exercises designed to immerse students in the contemporary techniques of molecular genetics. Through practical experiments, students gain proficiency in manipulating and analyzing nucleic acids, fostering a deeper understanding of modern genetic methodologies.
- Animal Behavior (BIOL 244) - Study of the innate, learned, aggressive, social and sexual behavior of animals in an evolutionary context.
- Cell Biology (BIOL 360) - This course covers basic cell biology. Topics include metabolism, gene expression, membrane structure and transport, intracellular protein trafficking, extracellular matrix, signal transduction and cell cycle regulation.
Biology Careers
99% percent of Xavier students, including those in the biology major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Additionally, Xavier students have an 86% acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2022), compared to 40% nationally. Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Career Opportunities: Biologist, Botanist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Clinical Research Coordinator, Doctor, Ecologist, Genetic Counselor, IP Lawyer, Physician Assistant, Quality Scientist, Research Scientist, Research Assistant, Water Quality Specialist, Veterinarian and more
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Biology Clubs
- Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Med Honor Society)- Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) is a national pre-health honors organization for juniors and seniors. Their main focus is service to the Cincinnati community, with opportunities to serve at places like the Ronald McDonald House and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
- Bird Watching Club- Students in this club observe birds surrounding the greater Cincinnati area. Members learn to identify birds by sight and sound, all while experiencing various terrestrial biomes around Xavier.
- Biology Club- The Biology Club is not exclusive to just biology majors or other related majors, but welcomes anyone and everyone who are interested biology. Past events have included hiking trips, Break Out Games, scavenger hunts and trips to the zoo and aquarium.
- Pre-Med Student Association- Pre-Med Student Association is a club for students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. They offer bimonthly events such as hosting medical school representatives and physicians, providing information about future careers, and collaborating with upperclassmen on the pre-med track.
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Request InformationResearch Alongside Xavier's Esteemed Biology Faculty
Faculty specialties include infectious disease, cell physiology, genetics, aquatic biology, paleontology, neurology and endocrinology. Faculty advisors help connect students to job opportunities, job shadowing experiences and internships.
Gain Expertise in a Biology Program Focused on Research
With the help of faculty, you'll complete high-level research projects in labs that begin freshman year. Topics include paleobiology, ecology, bird behavior, manatee behavior, entomology and genetics.
Explore Tropical Biodiversity in Costa Rica While Studying Abroad
As a student in the biology major at Xavier, you'll get the chance to explore tropical biodiversity, ecology, and conservation in Costa Rica. Courses are conducted near the Corcovado National Park, one of the largest virgin Pacific rainforests in Central America.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Biology Major at Xavier University
The Biology curriculum includes courses that present current concepts of the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels of biological organization. Basic biological principles are presented through the study of animals, plants, and microorganisms. Laboratory sessions provide experience in careful observation, controlled experimentation, and thoughtful analysis of scientific data. The biology program provides preparation for further study at the graduate level or in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, or optometry), as well as preparation for a teaching career or other specialized employment.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."