Microbiology
Program Details
Step into the unseen world of microbes and discover their profound impact on our environment and health. As a student in the microbiology major at Xavier, you'll gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that govern microbial life— from the agents of infectious disease to the microbes that help make our food. You'll also develop practical laboratory skills, allowing you to conduct research and contribute to scientific advancements.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. 98 percent of our students are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023).
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Microbiology major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
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.
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.
Fall
- BIOL 358: Molecular Biology OR Biology elective OR ............ 3cr.
- BIOL 364: Virology or BIOL 366: Immunology............ 3cr.
- Diversity 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.
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.
Sample Courses
- Food Microbiology (BIO 202): Explore the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) that inhabit food. In this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse microbial communities found in food, their metabolic activities and their 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 the impact of these organisms on humans.
- Virology (BIOL 364): Learn about the diversity, genetics and ecology of viruses, emphasizing impacts on human societies worldwide.
- Immunology (BIOL 366): Learn how the molecules, cells and tissues of the immune system defend us against pathogens, as well as how their target sometimes goes awry to cause autoimmune or allergic disease.
- 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.
Career Outcomes
High Student Success Rate98% of Xavier students are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023). Additionally, Xavier students have an 86% acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2022), compared to 40% nationally.
Career Opportunities- Microbiologist (general term for professionals working in microbiology)
- Research Scientist (in areas such as medical microbiology, food microbiology, environmental microbiology or industrial microbiology)
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist (working in diagnostic laboratories, analyzing samples for the presence of microorganisms)
- Food Microbiologist (ensuring the safety and quality of food products)
- Environmental Microbiologist (studying the role of microorganisms in the environment)
- Biotechnologist (developing and applying genetic engineering techniques to create new products)
- Quality Assurance Specialist (ensuring the safety and quality of products)
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist (ensuring compliance with government regulations related to microbiology)
- A variety of health care professions, including medicine, dentistry, physician assisting, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and more.
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Student Clubs
Creating an on-campus community with your classmates is essential to your undergraduate studies. Not only does this enrich your life at Xavier, but it can also foster future professional connections, boost your résumé and strengthen your interpersonal skills. Our biology-related student clubs include:
- Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Med Honor Society)- As a junior or senior, 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.
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Request InformationCollaborate on Ground-Breaking Research Projects
Our undergraduate research program offers you the chance to dive deeper into topics that interest you most. Gain valuable hands-on experience, develop critical research skills and contribute to the ever-expanding field of microbiology.
Courses Taught in the Jesuit Tradition
At a Jesuit University, you won't just study microbes in a lab, you’ll focus on the ethical implications that shape the field. This holistic approach will equip you with a strong ethical foundation, helping you navigate complex questions that arise in research and work.
Achieve Your Health Career Goals
Want to study dentistry, vet med, podiatry, optometry, pharmacy or PT? We can help. Our Pre-Professional Health advising program boosts your chances of getting into medical school— our students have an 86% medical school acceptance rate, compared to 40% nationally.