Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology with Concentration in Biodiversity and Conservation

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

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

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.

Are you interested in a Bachelor of Arts, but feeling uncertain as to which program is right for you? Lakehead Arts One allows you to explore a range of disciplines from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities without having to select a particular major until the end of your first year. 

University is a time for exploration – Lakehead Arts One allows you to take a mix of different courses throughout your first year to uncover your true passion. You will have the opportunity to choose courses from a variety of arts-based disciplines including: 

• Anthropology 
• English 
• History 
• Indigenous Learning 
• Languages 
• Music 
• Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism 
• Philosophy 
• Political Science 
• Sociology 
• Visual Arts 
• Women's Studies 

To compliment this flexibility, you will also meet with a dedicated advisor who will help you discover your interests,career goals, and majors that suit your aspirations. Additionally, our Department holds workshops on exploring program options, and monthly coffee talks with faculty members to learn more about your options. 

As you near the end of your first year at Lakehead University, you will be ready to confidently select the program and major that is best suited to you.

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 

Women's Studies
The field of Women’s Studies has transformed dramatically since its introduction to Lakehead University in 1990. Alongside women’s experiences and gendered systems, you will examine elements of:

• Sexuality
• Queer Theory
• Law
• Masculinity
• Transnational Activism
• Ecofeminism
• Social Justice
• Pop Culture
• Embodiment

Through these topics and more, it is our goal to demonstrate how people are constrained by various ideological notions and how these notions can be challenged to facilitate equality.

The field of engineering is generally associated with finding solutions for real world problems in an analytical fashion using the math, science and problem-solving skills. At Lakehead we believe engineers must also possess excellent communication skills as well as an understanding of the business, legal, and societal issues that impact development of the technological products and processes required to meet the demands of a global economy.

As a civil engineer, you will be involved in the planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of engineering projects including as buildings, airports, highways, dams and power, water supply, bridges, and industrial facilities.

You will tackle design and research work in highway geometrics and transportation systems, high-performance concretes, environmental issues, watershed analysis, foundations, and slope stability projects or structural analysis and design engineering.

Our Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). We offer several entry points into our Bachelor of Engineering programs to accommodate you at any stage of your education.

Lakehead’s Nursing program creates a supportive learning environment to help you apply a broad range of concepts from the sciences and liberal arts when caring for people of all ages and backgrounds.

You will learn to become an active member of an interprofessional health care team that can meet the needs of society while maximizing healthcare outcomes through communication, health promotion, and health protection strategies.

Our faculty is on the cutting edge of Nursing knowledge and regularly incorporate their research into the classroom with topics related to women's health, the aging process, nursing ethics, nursing care of oncology patients and those with cardiovascular disease, and much more.

Should you plan to work as a Registered Nurse in northern, rural or remote settings,  know that our emphasis on Aboriginal health and wellness will provide you with insight and preparation for these important areas of nursing practice.

Lakehead University offers a Master in Social Work (MSW) degree, which emphasizes an advanced generalist practice approach to working with individuals, families, communities, organizations, and political systems in the context of a northern environment. The curriculum focuses on the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for professional practice in environments characterized by urban regional centres, rural and remote communities, large geographic distances, low population density, diverse First Nations communities and people, and a mix of formal services.

The MSW program structure allows for specialized and highly individualized student learning. Each student selects a field of practice around which to focus his or her course work, field practicum and project or thesis. Potential areas for student specialization relate to faculty members' expertise and include (but are not limited to) the following:
child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, employment and income security, school social work, gerontology, and women's studies.

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Business Administration has one of the finest undergraduate business programs in Canada, producing exceptional business leaders through innovative programming that includes mentorship, consulting opportunities, and participation in national and international business competitions.

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. 

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.