Genetics
Bachelor of Science
Fall
- BIOL 160: General Biology I............ 3cr.
- BIOL 161 General Biology I Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 160: General Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 161: General Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- STAT 146: Biostatistics or Mathematical Perspective Elec............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: Goa I............ 0cr.
Spring
- BIOL 162: General Biology II............ 3cr.
- BIOL 163 General Biology II Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 162: General Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 163 General Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- ENGL 101: English Composition ............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: Goa I............ 0cr.
Fall
- BIOL 240: Evolution............ 3cr.
- CHEM 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- STAT 146: Biostatistics or Mathematical Perspective Elec............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective I ............ 3cr.
- BIOL 299: Professional Communication in the Sciences ............ 1cr.
Spring
- BIOL 230: Genetics............ 3cr.
- BIOL 231: Genetics Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 243: Organic Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- PHIL 100: Intro to Ethics ............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective II............ 3cr.
Fall
- BIOL 232: Genomics OR BIOL 358: Adv. Molecular Biology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 364: Virology or Biology Elective............ 3cr.
- CHEM 440: Biochemistry I............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- HIST 199: Historical Persp. Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- BIOL 360: Cell Biology OR BIOL 430: Medical Genetics (E/RS flag)............ 3cr.
- Biology Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspective Elective ............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- Writing Flag Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)............ 1cr.
- BIOL 232: Genomics OR BIOL 358: Adv. Molecular Biology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 364: Virology OR Biology Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspective Elective ............ 3cr.
- Solidarity and Kinship Flag Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)............ 1cr.
- BIOL 360: Cell Biology OR BIOL 430: Medical Genetics (E/RS flag)............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective ............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
The sample course sequence above illustrates class offerings for the Genetics major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
High Medical School Acceptance Rate
Xavier students have a high acceptance rate to medical schools, with a 5-year average of 86% compared to the national average of 40%.
Genetics/Genetics Laboratory (BIOL 230/231)
Participate in hands-on laboratory exercises that immerse you in the contemporary techniques of molecular genetics while learning the fundamentals of genetics. Through an examination of fundamentals and practical experiments, you gain proficiency in manipulating and analyzing nucleic acids, fostering a deeper understanding of modern genetic methodologies.
Virology (BIOL 364)
Learn about the diversity, genetics and ecology of viruses, emphasizing impacts on human societies worldwide.
Medical Genetics (BIOL 430)
Explore the principles of human genetics, including disease risks, screening, diagnosis, and the ethical implications of genetic information.
Biochemistry (CHEM 440)
This course covers proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, exploring their structure, properties, and essential roles in cellular metabolism.
Biostatistics (STAT 146)
Master the tools of biological data analysis. This course emphasizes statistical methods relevant to the biological sciences, covering topics like sampling, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and more.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Med Honor Society)
Join this national pre-health honor organization and make a difference in the Cincinnati community by volunteering at places like the Ronald McDonald House and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Biology Club
Connect with like-minded biology majors and enthusiasts in this vibrant community. Explore your passion for biology, engage in hands-on learning and network with professionals in the field.
Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together
Find a supportive community where you can thrive, connect with peers, and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.
Pre-Med Student Association
Join this club if you're interested in a career in the health professions. Attend bimonthly events, network with medical professionals and collaborate with upperclassmen on the pre-med track.
Program Features
Gain valuable hands-on experience, develop critical research skills and contribute to the ever-expanding field of genetics.
Connect with inspiring mentors who are practicing biologists, researchers and doctors, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.
Our undergraduate students have an impressive 86% medical school acceptance rate, compared to 40% nationally.
At a Jesuit University, you won’t just study the fundamentals of genetics. You’ll explore profound ethical questions in the field, from genetic engineering to public health.
Ready to make a real impact in medicine, biotechnology or research? Dr. Dottie Engle, Director of the Genetics Program, provides an in-depth overview of the program.
Experience the real-world applications of genetics in some of the nation’s leading hospitals and research facilities, based right here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career in the field of genetics by earning your BS in Genetics at Xavier. Discover more.
A BS in Genetics opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. At Xavier, we’ll work with you one-on-one to match your curriculum with specific post-graduation career goals, including post-graduate studies and more.
Career opportunities for genetics majors include:
- Research Scientist: Conducts research to advance scientific understanding and develop new applications in genetics.
- Genetic Counselor: Provides guidance and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions.
- Biomedical Scientist: Develops and applies laboratory techniques to study biological processes and diseases.
- Forensic Scientist: Analyzes evidence to solve crimes and identify individuals.
- Bioinformatician: Uses computational tools to analyze and interpret genetic data.
- Science Writer or Educator: Communicates scientific information to the public or students.
- Health-related careers: physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, dentist, etc.
At Xavier, 14 research laboratories house state-of-the-art research equipment enabling fluorescent microscopy, real-time PCR, tissue sectioning, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and fluorescent/chemiluminescent imaging of tissues, cells and molecules. Students have opportunities to work directly with professors in hands-on research experiences. Nearby world-class healthcare facilities and biotechnology companies provide ample opportunities to explore relevant career fields.
Xavier University's Pre-Professional Health advising program provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health professions.
The program offers a variety of support services to help students prepare for medical school, including:
- Personalized Academic advising: Students are advised to declare a major that they perform well in and that prepares them for graduate school.
- Peer mentoring: Students receive personal attention and support from their peers.
- MCAT preparation: Students receive assistance preparing for the MCAT.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the genetics major 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.
Genetics Program at Xavier University
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."