Neuroscience
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.
- PSYC 130: Psych-Science Perspective............ 2cr.
- PSYC 131: Psych-Science Perspective Lab............ 1cr.
- 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.
- Mathematical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: Goa I............ 0cr.
Fall
- PSYC 210: Psych Statistics OR STAT 146: Biostatistics ............ 3cr.
- BIOL 204: Functional Neuroscience............ 3cr.
- BIOL 206: Human Physiology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 207: Human Physiology Lab............ 1cr.
- Second Language Elective I ............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101: English Composition............ 3cr.
- BIOL 299: Professional Communications in the Sciences............ 1cr.
Spring
- BIOL 380: Neurobiology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 230: Genetics ............ 3cr.
- BIOL 231: Genetics Laboratory ............ 1cr.
- Creative Perspectives Elective ............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective II............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Intro to Ethics ............ 3cr.
Fall
- PSYC 220: Psychological Research ............ 3cr.
- PSYC 427: Cognitive Psychology............ 3cr.
- Neuroscience Elective ............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Neuroscience Elective OR BIOL 360: Cell Biology............ 3cr.
- PSYC 435: Brain and Behavior............ 3cr.
- HIST 199: Historical Perspective Elective ............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspective Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)............ 2cr.
- Neuroscience Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspective Elective ............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)............ 2cr.
- Neuroscience Elective OR BIOL 360: Cell Biology............ 3cr.
- Neuroscience Elective............ 3cr.
- E/RS Flag Elective ............ 3cr.
- Solidarity and Kinship Flag Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
The sample course sequence above illustrates class offerings for the Neuroscience 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%.
Functional Neuroscience (BIOL 204)
Explore the anatomy of the nervous system, from brain regions to spinal nerves. Learn how these structures relate to specific functions and work together as a system. Discover sensory and motor systems, the autonomic nervous system, limbic function, memory, and relevant neurological conditions.
Human Physiology (BIOL 206)
Investigate the organ systems of the human body, including how the nervous system interacts with the gut, muscles, glands and more.
Neurobiology (BIOL 380)
Gain a deep understanding of the building blocks of the nervous system: neurons and glial cells. Understand how these cells organize into functional circuits that process information and shape behavior.
Brain and Behavior (PSYC 435)
Explore the brain's role in behavior, including topics like learning, memory, emotions, language, cognition, sleep, mental disorders, violence, and addiction. Learn about brain-based treatments for behavioral and mental health issues.
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.
Psi Chi/Psychology Club
Explore psychology through the Psi Chi/Psychology club. The Psi Chi chapter is an official chapter of the National Honor Society of Psychology, while the Psychology Club is open to all students of any major or minor. Both clubs work as one to increase awareness for and interest in psychology.
Program Features
Gain valuable hands-on experience, develop critical research skills and contribute to the ever-expanding field of neuroscience.
Connect with inspiring mentors who are practicing psychologists, 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. Explore profound ethical questions in the field of neuroscience, from the nature of consciousness to the societal effects of scientific advancements.
Experience the real-world applications of neuroscience in some of the nation’s leading hospitals and healthcare systems, based right here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Are you a high school student with a passion for science, technology, engineering or math? Join STEAM@XU for a week-long immersive research experience on the Xavier University campus.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career in the field of neuroscience by earning your BS in Neuroscience at Xavier. Discover more.A BS in Neuroscience opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. Many of these careers require advanced degrees. 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.
Here are some examples of fields and associated careers:
- Healthcare: Neurologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist
- Research: Research scientist, neuroscientist, research technician
- Pharmaceutical industry: Drug development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs
- Technology: Biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, data science
- Education: Science teacher, professor
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.
Neuroscience 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."