Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Learning

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

Indigenous Learning is an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural department open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Borrowing from subjects including history, geography, anthropology and sociology, this program will examine societal structures and the ways the Indigenous population relates to mainstream populations in Canada.

Throughout our programs we aim to enhance your awareness of Aboriginal life experiences, culture and political issues. We focus on the current reality of Aboriginal Peoples as opposed to the traditional, anthropological approach. While history is a component of your Indigenous Learning studies, it will be within the context of lived implications in order to challenge assumptions and mistaken understandings about Aboriginal Peoples.

As a student you will learn:

• Archival research
• Census data analysis
• Cultural awareness
• Government record analysis
• Critical thinking skills
• Written and oral testimony and communications

Our Indigenous Learning programs attract local students and learners from Southern Ontario, Quebec, the United States and as far away as Saudi Arabia and Norway. Due to our focus on experiential learning, the diversity of the student population helps to provide a broadly-based classroom experience and foster cross-cultural compassion.

Geography is the study of spatial patterns and processes on Earth's surface and the relationship between society, populations and the environment. Our Geography programs focus on physical geography, dealing with spatial aspects of land, water and the atmosphere, as well as human geography which explores the cultural, political and economic forces behind the distribution of human activities.

As a Geography student you will spend the first two years building a foundation of knowledge in a wide spectrum of geographical themes which examine:

• Where populations and activities are located on Earth
• When and why physical and environmental patterns change
• The impacts these changes have on human and physical environments
• The responses to these impacts

In your final two years of study, you may specialize in a particular area including:

• Climate change
• Glacial Processes
• Soil Analysis
• Conservation
• Natural Hazards
• Water Resource Management
• Sociocultural Geography

Our courses reflect the breadth of the discipline, as well as geographical techniques and research methods including digital photogrammetry, remote sensing, soil, and water testing, and geographic information systems (GIS).

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.

As a student in our School of Kinesiology you will study the science of human movement, physical activity, and their relationship to health, well-being and performance. Our multidisciplinary Kinesiology programs explore how the body moves by studying:

• Anatomy
• Physiology 
• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Musculo-skeletal Injuries
• Motor Development and Control
• Nutrition 
• Adaptive Physical Activity
• Health, Wellness and Fitness

Additionally, you will learn about the psychological, sociological and cultural factors that influence physical activity in all populations. This breadth of study will teach you to work collaboratively as part of an interprofessional team to deliver the best quality of care in diverse healthcare settings.

The Department of Health Sciences offers an on-campus, thesis-based, Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) program that is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill to undertake a supervised research study in a relevant area of concern, within the broad definition of health.

Completion of specific required courses, followed by selection of relevant elective courses, allows you to develop both breadth and depth in an area of research interest. Although you may choose to complete research studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches, your are required to demonstrate beginning competence in both quantitative and qualitative methods. The structure of the program allows you to complete elective courses in research methods and/or in a discipline-based area of interest.

Our three-year Natural Science program is within the Department of Biology, yet does not require Chemistry and Mathematics prerequisites and contains less theory-based courses when compared to our traditional Biology programs. If you wish to apply, and acquire a basic knowledge of Biology, without pursuing the "career-scientist" route, Natural Science is for you. 

Following the completion of your Natural Science studies, you will: 

• Understand the basic principles of life systems and biological diversity 
• Demonstrate a high level of biological literacy 
• Understand the role and relationship of organisms in the environment 
• Exhibit advanced critical thinking and reflective experience skills 

Our program emphasizes field biology, and integrates many experiential learning opportunities including lab work and research internships. Each year you will have the flexibility to choose electives from other Faculties to supplement your Biology education, and gain a well-rounded and multidisciplinary understanding of living organisms and the environment. Careers in Outdoor Recreation often require individuals to have a basic biology knowledge. This program will enable you to obtain this training, and combine your Natural Science degree with an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation.

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.

History
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

Philosophy
While the pursuit of knowledge has evolved into specialized disciplines, philosophy continues to address the larger, fundamental questions underlying these disciplines such as "What is knowledge?", "What is truth?", "What is justice?". By studying philosophy, you will learn about the intellectual foundations of our society, but you will also develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enable you to re-examine society with an inquisitive mind and a discerning lens.

We will explore fundamental philosophical concepts, from Ancient Greek to the modern era, in order to understand contemporary thinking about ethics and justice in context. Our programs emphasize reasoning skills, oral debate, and writing proficiency with the balance of coursework dedicated to such philosophical topics as

• Gender
• Popular Culture
• Paranormal
• Love
• Biomedical Ethics
• Existentialism 
• Environmental

You will graduate from our program with the ability to:

• Analyze and interpret arguments
• Justify beliefs with reference to standards of proof
• Describe major philosophical trends
• Apply a historical understanding to key philosophical questions
• Identify theoretical assumptions 
• Plan and conduct research that is accurate, thorough, and broadly based

Due to the multidisciplinary relevance of the field, you may combine your studies with disciplines such as English, History, French, Indigenous Learning, Psychology, or Political Science.  We are also one of the few universities in Canada to offer a minor in Professional Ethics. This is a great option if you are interested in examining ethical issues in business, biomedical science, the environment, or digital technology.

Physics is the study of how matter and energy interact in our everyday lives. Our experienced teachers and researchers will provide you with hands-on training that emphasizes problem solving, and the most advanced technology and mathematical methods.

As a Physics student, you will be exposed to cutting-edge information on the following topics:

• Mechanics and Gravitation
• Lasers and Optics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Quantum Mechanics
• Solid State Physics
• Medical Physics

Computer science combines the intellectual challenge of a young discipline with the excitement of an innovative and rapidly expanding technology. Computer science has been an active area at Lakehead University for over 25 years. The department resides in the University's Advanced Technology and Academic Centre (ATAC), a striking building that houses many of the University’s computing activities. Faculty, staff, and students are equipped with state-of-the-art computing facilities including smart lecture rooms, labs, and a variety of computing technologies (e.g. Virtual Reality, Parallel Computing).

The Master's program in computer science provides an opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of advanced knowledge in the discipline. Students benefit from a selection of advanced courses and a chance to pursue research that aligns with their interests and aspirations.

Two program options are available to students; each option maintains a balance between coursework and research:

• Master's by Thesis, which requires fewer courses and involves a more substantial research project
• Master's by Project (2 years), which involves courses aligned with the IT industry needs and also includes a limited research project
• Master's by Course, which involves more courses and includes a limited research component

Co-op Information

• A graduate student will normally be admitted to the co-operative program option after completion of two terms, for a starting date in May. Students are expected to obtain an aggregate of 80% or more and must have taken at least 4 half credit courses (excluding non-credit courses, project and thesis).
• Co-op employment for 8 months (two terms) must be successfully completed to satisfy the co-op requirement for the degree. 
• Students interested in a co-op placement should inform the Department's Co-op Advisor at least four months in advance of the proposed date of the placement (e.g., by late December for placements beginning in May). The Department's decision as to the suitability of each candidate will be based primarily on academic performance.