Bachelor of Arts and Science (Honours) in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentration in Human Nature

at Lakehead University - Orillia Campus Canada

Explore the modern applications of bio-molecular research in anthropology, chemistry, biology, and physics as a student of Applied Life Sciences. This interdisciplinary program focuses on the study of living organisms at the bio-molecular or cellular level, and the human manipulation of molecular biological processes, with hands-on learning through laboratory courses, research opportunities, and internships.

You will acquire skills in cutting-edge molecular biology, biotechnology, and diagnostic methods in our world-renowned labs including the Paleo DNA Laboratory.

The Applied Life Sciences major can include a concentration in Biomedical Sciences, as well as specializations in Biotechnology or Experimental Life Sciences. A combined degree-diploma program offered in partnership with Georgian College is another option that will allow you to graduate with both an Honours Bachelor of Science in Applied Life Science degree and a Biotechnology-Health diploma.

Studying Environmental Sustainability will prepare you to play a crucial role in protecting the ecosystems and living organisms that make up our environment. You will gain both the scientific expertise and practical experience needed to solve modern sustainability challenges in Canada and around the world. 

Our program is known for producing environmentally conscious and responsible graduates with excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities. You will be trained to meet the growing demands of interdisciplinary practitioners in the diverse fields of science and sustainability.

In addition to the core Environmental Sustainability courses, you will take courses in the following areas:

• Biology
• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Economics
• Geography
• Geology
• Natural Resource Management

Criminology involves the study of crime, including victimization, criminality, and criminal justice agents and institutions among other areas. The field is multi-disciplinary, including Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, and various other academic fields.
At Lakehead University, you will have the option to major, specialize, or minor in Criminology. The Criminology Program emphasizes a practitioner orientation, with a variety of courses that introduce and familiarize students with the Canadian criminal justice system. Three thematic areas of focus run throughout the Program’s course offerings: (1) social justice and human rights, (2) law and legal institutions, and (3) forensic science and criminalistics.

As a program graduate, you will be well situated to, among other things, consider careers in:

• Law enforcement (e.g., policing, border security)
• Corrections (e.g., institutions, probation)
• Social work (e.g., victims services organizations, offender rehabilitation programs)

Or, to apply to further schooling that opens up additional career opportunities, such as:

• Law school
• Teacher education  
• Graduate school

A sample of courses in the Criminology Program at Lakehead includes: Youth Crime, Cyber-Crime, Forensic Psychology, Criminal Profiling, Policing, Death Investigation, and a wide variety of other innovative courses.

The academic and professional pursuit of History is the process of bringing the past to life. The study of History encompasses all aspects of human experience, from wars to celebrity culture, and is constantly evolving as our knowledge and perspectives advance.

As a History student you will have the flexibility to pursue your own interests within the discipline and the ability to regularly collaborate with your professors due to our small class sizes. Our courses provide you with various approaches to the study of History and the necessary skills to analyze any issue within its historical context. You will examine historical topics from North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and South Asia including:

• Aboriginal History
• Digital History
• Environmental History
• Gender History
• International Development
• Political History
• Medical History
• Military History
• Social History

You may choose to combine your History degree with a degree in English, French, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Women's Studies, Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism and Concurrent Education. Double majoring allows you to apply your History knowledge to a particular subject and focus your studies from first year onward. Various certificate options are also available.? Students can also choose as part of their history degree to do Specializations in Public History or Military History.

The Faculty of Education at Lakehead University offers a Master of Education program designed to meet your professional and academic goals and interests. Our Master of Education (MEd) program provides you with a unique learning opportunity, which addresses the current landscape of both education and research. Our program consists of two distinct fields of study, Educational Studies and Education for Change.

Our Educational Studies field offers you the opportunity to earn your Master's of Education while studying educational research, theory, and practice in a variety of educational contexts, as well as the chance to specialize in Gerontology or Women's Studies.

All class sizes are small, giving you the opportunity to interact with classmates, instructors, and other faculty members. Our Faculty members have expertise in a wide variety of areas; for more information about our faculty and their research areas, please see the Faculty and Staff page.

We are also the home of two Canada Research Chairs (in Environmental Education, Arts Integrated Research), the Centre for Place and Sustainability Studies, the Multi-Data Convergence Laboratory, and the Canadian Journal of Environmental Education.

Computer science plays a leading role in modern society, shaping our abilities and our future. From streaming music to planning a mission to Mars, the application of computer science offers innovative approaches to new challenges.

Think big as you explore the world of computer science while engaging in one of two focused program streams in Business or Science. The Business Focus provides a path to the Entrepreneurship Certificate from the Faculty of Business, whereas the Science Focus emphasizes Science and Environmental Science electives.

Experience high-tech labs and classrooms, access to a 240-core high performance computer Linux cluster, a stunning 3-D virtual reality lab, and learn about the latest advances in game programming, mobile computing, health informatics applications, big data, and cloud computing.

Our Faculty of Education prepares prospective teachers for a dynamic and rewarding career through unique and innovative programming. By emphasizing critical thinking skills and collaborative learning, we give you the flexibility to explore the teaching methods, concepts, and values that are meaningful to you. 

We are leading the way in teacher education. Our program emphasizes practical, experiential learning to ensure you are fully prepared to enter into the workforce post-graduation. Our programs are continually adapted to encompass a variety of educational settings and training opportunities in two divisions:

• Primary-Junior (P/J): JK – Grade 6
• Intermediate-Senior (I/S): Grades 7-12 

Unlike our Concurrent Education program, which is completed along with an undergraduate degree in another discipline, our Consecutive Education program is a two-year program open to those who have already completed a three- or four-year undergraduate degree.

Government policies influence virtually every aspect of our lives, from housing to education to crime. Our Political Science program studies the institutions, ideas, practices, and power that shape government and policy at all levels. Students will gain a thorough understanding of political systems - with a particular focus on Canadian politics - and overarching notions of freedom, equality, and justice.

Our goal is to provide a well-rounded Political Science education by applying both theoretical and practical modes of analysis to examine sociological, economic, and historical contexts.If you have an interest in political systems abroad, you will also have the opportunity to explore the politics of America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Additionally, you will study: 

• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Law and Politics
• Public Administration and Policy
• Indigenous Governance
• Comparative Politics

Contrary to popular belief, the study of English is not simply about books. English is a wide-ranging field of study that uses textual analysis to dig deeper into our society and the world around us.

At Lakehead University, the flexibility of our English program encourages you to follow your own interests within the discipline. You’ll learn about the historical development of English language literature - from the Medieval to the contemporary period - as well as different theoretical approaches to the study of literary and cultural texts.

We offer a broad range of courses including:

• Poetry
• Film
• Popular Culture
• Creative, Academic, and Professional Writing
• Gender Studies
• Children’s Literature
• Fiction
• And much more

Our Interdisciplinary Studies program is flexible in its design, allowing you to customize your educational experience. You will be encouraged to think beyond the confines of a traditional undergraduate degree and take a range of courses in different disciplines that are oriented to your individual career aspirations.

As an Interdisciplinary Studies major, you can choose any two disciplinary areas from the following:

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Criminology
• English
• General Science
• Geography
• History
• Media Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology 

You will develop advanced critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies and specialized knowledge pertaining to a variety of topics. We also offer the ability to pursue concentrations in Human Nature, Social Justice, and International Conflict and Human Rights.

Human Nature Concentration
The concentration focuses on human nature, the psychological and social traits that universally characterize humankind, especially in contrast with other species. From a nonsecular, scientific perspective, human nature is generally viewed as a function of our evolved biology, therefore, this concentration focuses heavily on human biology and evolutionary theory. Attention is also paid to the role of human nature in development and enculturation, for though humans are set apart in the depth and degree to which culture influences our psychological and social character, it is primarily by considering the pre-cultural capacities that are part of our human nature that we can account for the differences between human and other species in this regard. Hence, this concentration is designed to appeal to students interested in the broader influence on biology on human affairs.