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Biomedical Sciences Major

Program Features

Biomedical science focuses on how the human body functions in health and disease. It’s the foundation of all medical research and is at the center of breakthroughs and improvements in healthcare and medicine. As a biomedical sciences major at Xavier, you’ll conduct experiments and research alongside expert faculty, have access to multiple labs with the latest equipment and take courses in human physiology, anatomy, genetics and medicinal chemistry.

Biomedical science is the basis for many science-based careers from lab research to medicine. At Xavier, many students in the major use their degree as a stepping stone to dental, veterinary or medical school. Xavier students have a 92 percent acceptance rate to med schools (Class of 2019), compared to 40 percent nationally.

What is the biomedical science major?

Programs at the undergraduate level focus on biology as it relates to medicine, health and disease for both animals and humans. Students take courses in many different fields, including biology, chemistry, medicine, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, anatomy and physics. Coursework consists of in-class instruction, labs and internships. The intent is to prepare students for careers as chemical analysts, lab technicians and researchers, pharmacists, doctors, dentists, veterinarians and medical researchers and assistants.

Many programs have multiple tracks that are tailored to students’ post-graduation goals, like getting into medical school, grad school or working as a researcher. Tracks offered may include veterinary science, dental science, pharmacology and medical science.

Xavier’s program offers individualized course options for students who are looking to complete the four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis entering on medical school, veterinary school and dental school post-graduation.

What kind of jobs can you get?

Some students enter straight into the workforce, working as science writers, lab technicians, chemical researchers and medical researchers.

Others enter graduate, dental, medical or veterinary school for graduate and doctoral programs. Xavier University specializes in helping their students get accepted into medical school: Xavier students are accepted into medical school at a rate of 92%, compared to the national average of 40%.

Why do people major in biomedical science?

Because they have a passion for science and helping others. Coursework and labs not only cover the theories of biology, chemistry and physics, but also the real-world applications of scientific research.

Since the major primarily focuses on the biology of disease for humans and animals, students typically spend a lot of time doing lab work, data gathering and research. Many students complete internships in medical labs and facilities, veterinary offices, pharmacies and research facilities. 

What can you do with a biomedical science degree?

There are many career paths for students who earn their undergraduate degree in biomedical science, including clinical research and laboratory work, forensic science, pharmaceutical sales and post graduate studies in medicine, veterinary science, pharmacology, nursing and dentistry.

What jobs can you get with a major in biomedical science?

Students who major in biomedical science have many career opportunities upon graduation, especially if they have completed at least one internship. The most common entry level jobs for students with a biomedical science undergraduate degree are:
  • Lab Assistant
  • Lab Technician
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Associate
  • Medical Technologist
  • Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Biomedical Engineering Technician
  • Medical Lab Technician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Clinical Lab Scientist
  • Research Analyst
  • Field Service Technician
  • Medical Sales Representative

What is the average salary for someone with a biomedical science degree?

Because there are many career options associated with the biomedical science degree, wages vary by occupation. Below is a sample of careers associated with biomedical science degrees and their annual salaries (according to 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Clinical Lab Technician- $54,000 average annual salary
  • Chemical Technicians- $52,000 average annual salary
  • Veterinary Assistant- $29,000 average annual salary
  • Animal Scientist- $68,000 average annual salary
  • Biological Scientist- $89,000 average annual salary
  • Medical Scientist- $97,000 average annual salary
  • Registered Nurse- $77,000 average annual salary

 

What classes are required for biomedical science majors?

Courses required to complete a biomedical science major vary by institution. Course requirements typically include biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry and physics.
At Xavier, biomedical science students are also required to complete the core curriculum, which consists of classes that include social sciences, history, foreign language, ethics/religion and theology. Read more about our liberal arts core curriculum.

How much does a biomedical science degree cost?

The cost of a biomedical science degree will vary by institution and degree level. Typically, undergraduate biomedical science degree programs consist of four years of instruction, including internships and lab work.
There are many options for financing a four-year degree, including scholarships, grants and private and federal loans. Learn more about Xavier’s tuition and financial aid options.

Are there any high school classes that will help someone prepare for a biomedical science program in college?

Yes. Students in high school who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate biomedical science degree should look into taking as many science and math classes as possible, including chemistry, physics, biology, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. Courses in English, communications and computer programming can also be useful.

Curriculum

The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Biomedical Sciences 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: First-Year Seminar or Theo 111............ 3cr.
  • Core 101: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.
  • Math 140/170 or Math 156/171............ 3cr.

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............ 1cr.
  • Core 100: First-Year Seminar or Theo 111............ 0cr.
  • Core 102: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program I............ 3cr.
  • English 101: English Comp or English 115 Rhetoric............ 3cr.
  • Math 140/170 or Math 156/171............ 3cr.

Fall

  • Chemistry 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
  • Chemistry 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
  • Physics 160: College Physics I............ 3cr.
  • Physics 161: Introductory Physics I Lab............ 1cr.
  • Philosophy 100: Ethics as an Intro to Phil............ 3cr.
  • Second Language............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Chemistry 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
  • Chemistry 243: Organic Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
  • Physics 160: College Physics II............ 3cr.
  • Physics 160: College Physics II Lab............ 1cr.
  • Philosophy 200: Philosophical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
  • Psychology 101: General Psychology............ 3cr.
  • Second Language II............ 3cr.

Fall

  • Biology 410: Human Physiology............ 3cr.
  • Biology 411: Human Physiology Lab............ 2cr.
  • Biology 440/ Chemistry 440: Biochemistry............ 3cr.
  • Chemistry 220: Principles of Physical Chemistry............ 3cr.
  • English 205: Lit & the Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
  • Psychology 261: Social Psychology............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Biology 230: Genetics............ 3cr.
  • Biology 231: Genetics Lab............ 1cr.
  • Biology 354: Human & Comparative Anatomy............ 3cr.
  • Biology 355: Human & Comparative Anatomy Lab............ 2cr.
  • Sociology 101 Introduction to Sociology (DCR)*............ 3cr.
  • MCAT pre class (optional)............ 0cr.

Fall

  • Biology or Chemistry Senior Capstone**............ 2cr.
  • Historical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
  • Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
  • Creative Perspective Elective............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.
  • Theological Perspective............ 3cr.

Spring

  • Biology or Chemistry Senior Capstone**............ 1cr.
  • Biology 450: General Microbiology............ 3cr.
  • Biology 451: General Microbiology Lav............ 2cr.
  • Chemistry 435: Medicinal Chemistry............ 3cr.
  • E/RS Focus Elective*............ 3cr.
  • General Elective............ 3cr.

Related Programs

Related Majors

Related Minors

  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Spanish
  • Business

View a full listing of all of Xavier's majors and minors.

Sample Courses

General Biology I (BIOL 160) - Principles of molecular, cellular, and organismal biology, emphasizing the physiology of vertebrates.

Genetics (BIOL 230) - Principles of heredity and molecular genetics.

General Chemistry I (CHEM 160) - This course is the first in a two semester sequence of general chemistry. This is a pre-professional course approved by the American Chemical Society for chemistry majors and required of many other science majors. Fundamental principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, stoichiometry, energy relationships, periodic table and solution chemistry. The following mathematical concepts are used: scientific notation, logarithms, the quadratic equation and proportionality.

College Physics I (PHYS 160) - An algebra-based approach to introductory physics for premedical, pre-dental and other students. Topics include mechanics, heat, and sound.

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.

Biology Club

Student events include hiking trips, Break Out Games, scavenger hunts and trips to the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium.

All Xavier Clubs

Outcomes

97% of students from Xavier's College of Arts and Science programs are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating.

Top Jobs: Software Engineer, Actuarial Analyst, Associate Consultant, Chemist, Developer, Electrical Engineer, Research Engineer

Top Companies: Good Samaritan Hospital, The Christ Hospital, AT&T, 84.51, TBM Consulting, ScribeAmerica, GE Aviation

Explore Xavier Alumni Outcomes

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Xavier is ranked #1 for its excellent academic reputation among top competitors in the region. Students get the most out of their education, from rigorous classroom studies to experiential learning in the real world.

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High Medical School Acceptance Rate Among Students

Student in the biomedical science major discussing experiment results with a professor in a lab

Xavier students are accepted into medical school at a rate of 92% (2019 graduating class), compared to the national average of 40%.

Labs and Facilities

Student earning his bachelor of science in biomedical science conducting an experiment in a lab with a professor

Xavier has 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.

Research Opportunities Begin Freshman Year

Professor writing on a whiteboard in a classroom

With the help of faculty, students complete high-level research projects in labs that begin freshman year. Topics include paleobiology, ecology, bird behavior, entomology and genetics.

Research Opportunities

Xavier professor collaborates with students to conduct cancer research

New Xavier Biology Assistant Professor Dr. Wilber Escorcia conducts cancer research with students on the DGAT2 gene.

Biomedical Sciences Major at Xavier University

The Biomedical Sciences major presents a liberal arts program with emphasis on those sciences required for an excellent background for subsequent studies in medicine, dentistry, and similar health professions.

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."

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