Program Overview

Overview of the Microbiology Program

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at Xavier University offers a deep exploration of the fundamental principles that govern microbial life, from the agents of infectious disease to the microbes that help make our food. This program provides hands-on experience through laboratory research and internships, preparing students for a successful career in microbiology or related fields.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Microbiology program is as follows:

• First Year:
  • 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 elective (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.)
• Sophomore:
  • Fall:
    • BIOL 203: Food Microbiology (3cr.)
    • BIOL 204: Food Microbiology Lab (1cr.)
    • CHEM 240: Organic Chemistry I (3cr.)
    • CHEM 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab (1cr.)
    • STAT 146: Biostatistics or Mathematical Perspective elective (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.)
    • Social Science Elective (3cr.)
• Junior:
  • Fall:
    • BIOL 358: Molecular Biology OR Biology elective OR (3cr.)
    • BIOL 364: Virology or BIOL 366: Immunology (3cr.)
    • Solidarity and Kinship Flag Elective (3cr.)
    • ENGL 205: Literature and Moral Imagination (3cr.)
    • HIST 199: Historical Perspective elective (3cr.)
  • Spring:
    • CHEM 440: Biochemistry I (3cr.)
    • BIOL 450: General Microbiology (3cr.)
    • BIOL 451: General Microbiology Lab (2cr.)
    • PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspective elective
    • Creative Perspectives elective (3cr.)
• Senior:
  • Fall:
    • Capstone (≥ 2 credits required) (2cr.)
    • BIOL 358: Molecular Biology OR Biology elective (3cr.)
    • BIOL 364: Virology or BIOL 366: Immunology (3cr.)
    • PHYS 160: College Physics I (3cr.)
    • PHYS 161: College Physics I Lab (1cr.)
    • Theological Perspective elective (3cr.)
  • Spring:
    • Capstone (≥ 2 credits required) (2cr.)
    • PHYS 162: College Physics II (3cr.)
    • PHYS 163: College Physics II Lab (1cr.)
    • E/RS Flag elective (3cr.)
    • Humanities elective (3cr.)
    • General elective (3cr.)

Outcomes

98% of Xavier students are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023). The program also boasts a high medical school acceptance rate, with a 5-year average of 86% compared to the national average of 40%.

Sample Courses

• Food Microbiology (BIO 202): Explore the microorganisms that inhabit food, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic activities and potential to cause foodborne illnesses.
• General Microbiology/Lab (BIOL 450/451): Learn about the morphology, physiology, and ecology of viruses, bacteria, eukaryotic microbes, and fungal microbes, including their impact on humans.
• Virology (BIOL 364): Study the diversity, genetics, and ecology of viruses, emphasizing their impacts on human societies worldwide.
• Immunology (BIOL 366): Understand how the immune system defends against pathogens and how it sometimes goes awry to cause autoimmune or allergic disease.
• Biostatistics (STAT 146): Master the tools of biological data analysis, covering topics like sampling, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and more.

Clubs

• Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Med Honor Society): Join this national pre-health honor organization and make a difference in the Cincinnati community.
• Biology Club: Connect with like-minded biology majors and enthusiasts, exploring your passion for biology and engaging in hands-on learning.
• 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, attending bimonthly events, networking with medical professionals, and collaborating with upperclassmen on the pre-med track.

Related Programs

Related Majors

• BS in Biochemistry
• BS in Biological Sciences for Business
• BS in Biology
• BS in Biomedical Sciences
• BS in Chemistry
• BS in Environmental Science
• BS in Pharmaceutical Science

Related Minors

• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Science Management
• Health, Ethics, and Spirituality
• Medical Humanities

Program Features

• Develop Essential Research Skills: Gain valuable hands-on experience and develop critical research skills, contributing to the ever-expanding field of microbiology with multiple research opportunities.
• Undergraduate Research: Engage in hands-on research experiences, working directly with professors.
• Mentorships: Connect with inspiring mentors who are practicing researchers and doctors, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.
• Jesuit Education: Focus on the ethical implications that shape the field, research, and work, studying microbes in a lab and considering their impact on humans and the environment.
• Pre-Professional Health Advising: Receive support services to help prepare for medical school, including personalized academic advising, peer mentoring, and MCAT preparation.

FAQ

• What jobs can you get with a degree in microbiology? A BS in Microbiology opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including microbiologist, research scientist, clinical laboratory scientist, food microbiologist, environmental microbiologist, biotechnologist, quality assurance specialist, regulatory affairs specialist, and various healthcare professions.
• What labs and research facilities are available for microbiology majors? Xavier University has 14 research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, enabling students 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.
• How does Xavier’s Pre-Professional Health program benefit students in the microbiology major? The program offers personalized academic advising, peer mentoring, and MCAT preparation, providing a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions.
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for students in the microbiology major? Yes, the University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the microbiology 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.