Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Science
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.
- Math 146, 140 or 180: Biostatistics or Calculus............ 3cr.
- Core 100: First-Year Seminar or Theo 111............ 3cr.
- Core 101: First-Year Co-Curriculum Program I............ 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............ 1cr.
- Math 146, 140 or 181: Biostatistics or Calculus............ 3cr.
- 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.
Fall
- Biology 206 Human Physiology............ 3cr.
- Biology 207 Human Physiology Lab............ 1cr.
- Chemistry 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- Chemistry 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- Philosophy 100: Ethics as an Intro to Phil............ 3cr.
- Second Language I............ 3cr.
Spring
- Biology 230: Genetics............ 3cr.
- Biology 231: Genetics Lab............ 1cr.
- Chemistry 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- Chemistry 243: Organic Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- Psychology 101: General Psychology............ 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
Fall
- Biology 440/ Chemistry 440: Biochemistry............ 3cr.
- Chemistry 220: Principles of Physical Chemistry............ 3cr.
- Physics 160: College Physics I............ 3cr.
- Physics 161: College Physics I Lab............ 1cr.
- English 205: Lit & the Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Psychology 261: Social Psychology............ 3cr.
Spring
- Biology 354: Human & Comparative Anatomy............ 3cr.
- Biology 355: Human & Comparative Anatomy Lab............ 2cr.
- Physics 162: College Physics II............ 3cr.
- Physics 163: College Physics II Lab............ 1cr.
- Biology 299: Professional Communication in the Sciences............ 1cr.
- Sociology 101 Introduction to Sociology (DCR)*............ 3cr.
- MCAT pre class (optional)............ 0cr.
Fall
- Historical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspective Elective............ 3cr.
- Biology 310: Foundations of Pharmacology or Philosophy Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspective Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Capstone (2 credits required)............ 2cr.
- Biology 450: General Microbiology............ 3cr.
- Biology 451: General Microbiology Lav............ 2cr.
- Chemistry 435: Medicinal Chemistry or Philosophy Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- E/RS Focus Elective*............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
High Medical School Acceptance Rate
Xavier students have an 86 percent acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2023), compared to 40 percent nationally. Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Exciting Career Opportunities
Clinical Lab Scientist, Clinical Research Coordinator, Dentist, Doctor, Genetic Counselor, IP Lawyer, Optomitrist, Physician Assistant, Podiatrist, Research Scientist, Research Assistant, Veterinarian
General Biology I (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.
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.
Human and Comparative Anatomy (BIOL 354)
This course covers the the fascinating study of anatomy and function across various vertebrate species, with a special focus on humans. Explore the evolutionary connections that unite vertebrates and uncover the intricacies of their anatomical structures and functions.
General Microbiology (BIOL 450)
An overview of the morphology, physiology and ecology of viruses, bacteria, eukaryotic microbes and fungal microbes, including the impact of these organisms on humans.
General Chemistry I (CHEM 160)
This course covers 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.
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.
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 endocrinology. Faculty advisors help connect students to job opportunities and internships.
Gain practical experience through partnerships with local hospitals, research centers, and biotechnology companies in the vibrant Cincinnati area.
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.
Xavier University seniors Brianna Mackey and Nate Mazza's groundbreaking research on muscle atrophy in space directly secured a $150,000 NASA grant.
Pursue your calling in healthcare with our Pre-Professional Health Advising program, providing personalized guidance and resources to navigate your path to medical, dental or other health-related professional schools.
FAQ
Be at the center of breakthroughs and improvements in healthcare and medicine with a BS in Biomedical Sciences from Xavier. Learn more.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
- 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 - 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 biomedical research - Professional ethics: Adhering to ethical standards in the field
Biomedical Sciences Program 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."