Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in General Management

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

Our Water Resource Science program is the only undergraduate program of its kind in Canada, and will provide you with the necessary skills and scientific knowledge to protect and advocate for our most valuable resource. 

The study of Water Resource Science emphasizes how the ecology, physical processes and chemistry of natural systems interact and produce the diverse environments present on Earth. As a student, you will learn:

• The effects of human activity on the environment
• Techniques for rehabilitating damaged systems
• Water-related public policies
• The biological, physical and chemical aspects of aqueous systems

Our well-rounded curriculum is designed to give you the opportunity to look at wetland, lake, river and groundwater systems from various perspectives, and explore their interconnectedness. In addition to the program's unique subject matter, its interdisciplinary nature and focus on hands-on, field-based learning sets it apart from other environmental studies and environmental sciences programs across Canada. 

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).

Biology is the study of plants, animals and the diversity of life in an evolutionary context. As a Biology student you will gain insight into how organisms interact, how genes are inherited, how creatures evolve and much more. Our programs are practical and hands-on with research and fieldwork opportunities in almost every course to enhance in-class learning.

You will be exposed to the central aspects of Biology including:

• Form and Function
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Biodiversity
• Systematics
• Ecology and Environmental Biology 

You have the freedom to study Biology in a way that suits your career aspirations. You may choose courses that will prepare you to become a professional biologist, or you can combine your biological studies with a major in Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Studies or Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to the field of molecular biology. As a relatively new area of study, we are one of the very few universities in Canada that offer this program from year one. 

Our Department of Bioinformatics integrates tools and theories from several disciplines including:

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics 

Whether designing a new life-saving drug, decoding a genome sequence or developing algorithms to analyze medical images, Bioinformaticians solve problems that arise from the analysis of biological data. As a student skilled in Bioinformatics, you will be at the forefront of this newly emerging field which has a widespread impact on the way we approach important global issues and topics including healthcare and sustainability.

You will gain the necessary education and training in all of the component fields and insight into:

• the complex interactions of living systems
• big data collection and analysis
• the physical and chemical nature of the environment
• building descriptive models based on biological data
• theoretical biology

Our program is well-rounded and small in size allowing for one-on-one interaction with educators and many research opportunities. Additionally, we maintain close relationships with local knowledge-based businesses and organizations which contribute to unique course content and job opportunities post-graduation.

A three year Earth Science Major program is offered at Lakehead University. This program is the preferred choice of students who want only a three year degree in one of the sciences, or students who plan to combine their Earth Science degree with another degree to reach their employment goals. The second degree could be a one year degree in Education (teaching), a degree in business (leading to work in the resource based financial sector), or a multitude of other possibilities. The three year Earth Science Major provides the flexibility to obtain a degree in Earth Science in the shortest time possible and move on to your next goal.

Our Water Resource Science program is the only undergraduate program of it's kind in Canada, and will provide you with the necessary skills and scientific knowledge to protect and advocate for our most valuable resource. The study of Water Resource Science emphasizes how the ecology, physical processes and chemistry of natural systems interact and produce the diverse environments present on Earth. As a student, you will learn:

• The effects of human activity on the environment
• Techniques for rehabilitating damaged systems
• Water-related public policies
• The biological, physical and chemical aspects of aqueous systems

Our well-rounded curriculum is designed to give you the opportunity to look at wetland, lake, river and groundwater systems from various perspectives, and explore their interconnectedness. In addition to the program's unique subject matter, its interdisciplinary nature and focus on hands-on, field-based learning sets it apart from other environmental studies and environmental sciences programs across Canada. Our location on the shore of the largest lake in the world makes Lakehead University the perfect place to study Water Resource Science.

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.

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.

The Course-based Master’s degree (Master’s in Forest Management) emphasizes professional development in forest management, policy, geomatics, and ecology. The degree entails 4 terms of coursework (16 months).  Three terms are on campus and one term, comprised of an internship and field school, is off-campus. The curriculum of this 16-month programme is given below:

First Term (Fall, 2.0 FCE)

• NRMT 5550: Principles of Research Methods & Experimental Statistics
• NRMT 5135: Applied Geomatics

Two half-course electives:

• NRMT 5138: Restoration Ecology, and
• NRMT 5430: Advanced Forest Pathology

Second Term (Winter, 2.0 FCE)

• NRMT 5132: Foundations of Operation Research
• NRMT 5137: Biodiversity Conservation

Two half-course electives from:

• NRMT 4239: Urban Forestry,
• NRMT 4252: Conservation Ecology,
• NRMT 5134: Complexity Science,
• NRMT 5136: Remote Sensing Applications,
• NRMT 5530: Research Methods II: Experimental Design in Forestry Research,
• NRMT 5610: Genetics: Natural Variation & Selective Breeding,
• NRMT 5770: Management and Marketing Strategies,
• NRMT 5815: Environmental Assessment,
• BIOL 4115: Plant Ecology of Disturbed Habitats,
• BIOL 4117: Advances in Contemporary Ecology, and
• ENST 5030: Qualitative Research Methods

Third term (Spring-Summer, 1.5 FCE)

• NRMT 5094: Field School
• NRMT 5100: Internship

Fourth term (Fall, 2.0 FCE)

• NRMT 5570: Advanced Economics
• NRMT 5133: Indigenous Peoples & Natural Resources Management
• NRMT 5810: Natural Resources Policy
• NRMT 5111: Professional Communication

The study of Sociology emphasizes the social relationships between people, communities and cultures. By exploring fundamental sociological theories, contemporary thinkers, and a variety of research methods, you will have the opportunity to examine topics including:

• Health and Aging
• Marriage and the Family
• Crime and Deviance
• Media and Popular Culture
• Science and Technology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Education
• Northern Communities
• Discrimination
• Social Change 

Research and hands-on application is at the core of our programs. You will graduate with the necessary skills to facilitate quantitative and qualitative research and to think creatively and inquisitively in order to better understand social patterns, behaviours and issues. 

Our faculty is actively engaged in diverse areas of research such as Gerontology, Education, Health, Demography, Media, Work and Occupations, Social Psychology, and Northern Studies, providing you with well-rounded course options taught by some of the foremost leaders in the field.

It is our goal to enhance your knowledge of the society in which you live and to increase your ability to think independently and critically.  You will graduate with a strong understanding of social interaction, preparing you for success in virtually any profession.