At Xavier University, our BS in Biology program provides an unparalleled educational experience, blending rigorous academics with hands-on research to prepare you for impactful roles in healthcare, research, conservation and beyond.
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.
- Solidarity and Kinship 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.
High Medical School Accpetance Rate
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.
Exciting 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.
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.
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.
Program Features
Gain hands-on experience by completing high-level research projects, starting as early as your freshman year. Topics include paleobiology, ecology, bird behavior, manatee behavior, entomology and genetics.
Faculty specialties include infectious disease, cell physiology, genetics, aquatic biology, paleontology, neurology and more. Faculty connect students to job opportunities, job shadowing experiences and internships.
Dive deep into core biological principles, including genetics, ecology, cell biology, physiology and evolution. Our curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation for diverse career paths or advanced studies.
Grounded in Jesuit values, our program prepares you to apply your scientific knowledge for the greater good of society through critical reflection, ethical considerations and a commitment to social justice.
Alumni Making an Impact
As a Research Scientist and Designer, Nicole’s work involves conducting research, designing experiments, analyzing data, and applying scientific principles to practical applications.
Married and based in Durham, N.C., Drs. Adeleke and Keyona Oni remain dedicated to community service through medicine. He specializes in emergency medicine, while she practices family medicine.
As a Laboratory Supervisor, Walter for oversees the laboratory operations and ensures the accuracy and reliability of water quality testing.
Xavier University seniors Brianna Mackey and Nate Mazza's groundbreaking research on muscle atrophy in space directly secured a $150,000 NASA grant.
Discover the hidden world of plant communication with Biochemistry Professor Kathryn Morris's groundbreaking research.
FAQ
A biology degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, especially in the fields of science, healthcare, and research. Here are some common career paths:
- Medical doctor: Treating patients and diagnosing illnesses
- Veterinarian: Caring for animals and treating their health problems
- Dentist: Providing dental care and treatments
- Pharmacist: Dispensing medication and providing healthcare advice
- Biomedical researcher: Conducting research to develop new medical treatments and technologies
- Biotechnologist: Developing new products and processes using biological techniques
- Environmental scientist: Studying the environment and its impact on human health
- Forensic scientist: Analyzing evidence to solve crimes
- Biology teacher: Teaching biology in schools or universities
- Science educator: Developing educational materials and programs
- Environmental policy analyst: Developing policies to protect the environment
- Wildlife biologist: Studying and conserving wildlife populations
- Public health specialist: Promoting public health and preventing disease
Biology majors develop a wide range of skills that are highly valuable in various fields. These skills often include:
- Research methodology: Designing and conducting experiments
- Data analysis: Interpreting and analyzing scientific data
- Laboratory techniques: Proficiency in various laboratory procedures
- Critical thinking: Evaluating evidence and drawing conclusions
- Instrumentation: Using specialized scientific equipment
- Bioinformatics: Analyzing biological data using computational tools
- Biostatistics: Applying statistical methods to biological data
- Scientific writing: Communicating research findings effectively
- Oral presentations: Presenting research results to peers and professionals
- Interpersonal skills: Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders
- Analytical skills: Breaking down complex problems into smaller components
- Creative thinking: Developing innovative solutions
- Problem-solving: Applying knowledge and skills to address challenges
- Bioethics: Understanding ethical implications of biological research
- Professional ethics: Adhering to ethical standards in the field
Students in the biomedical science major have access to 14 research laboratories equipped with compound and stereoscopic microscopes, models, specimens, and specialized equipment for the study of vertebrate physiology, plant biology, development, anatomy, genetics and bacteriology.
Biology Program 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."