Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology with Concentration in Plant Sciences

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

Mathematics seeks hidden patterns that help us to understand life and the complex problems that surround us. This discipline of numbers, quantity, and space can be applied to many fields and industries, from Life Science to Finance. As a student in our Department of Mathematics, you will develop advanced analytical and critical thinking skills in addition to: 

• Research techniques 
• Scholarly writing proficiency 
• Comprehensive understanding of mathematical structures 
• Mathematical proof formulation and solution skills 

Mathematics is a very diverse and intellectually stimulating field of study. In addition to our traditional Mathematics programs, we offer Mathematical Physics and the flexibility to combine your Mathematics degree with a degree in Education, Economics, or Physics. You will benefit from our small class sizes, world-class faculty, unique research opportunities, and the ability to pursue mathematical topics you find most appealing.

The Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay offers a uniquely designed four-year Bachelor of Engineering Degree program in Mechanical Engineering, with a Co-op/Internship option available. The BEng (Mechanical) degree at Lakehead University is accredited through the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

Lakehead University - Thunder Bay has the only Faculty of Engineering in Canada where, after completing high school, you can earn a Bachelor of Engineering Degree and an Engineering Technology Diploma in four years.

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.

Earth Sciences is the natural science that deals with Earth, the interior make-up, and superficial features, its formative and destructive pro­cesses, its age, history and development through time.

Geologists are concerned with a diverse range of issues such as the origin, migration and quality of groundwater, river and coastal erosion, desert-dune migration, the origin and evolution of oceans and continents, of mountain ranges, valleys and canyons. Studies concerning the causes and effects of natural hazards, such as those created by land and rockslides, earthquakes, floods and droughts, and volcanic eruptions all fall within the realm of Geology.

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).

Chemistry is often referred to as the "central science" as it focuses on the behaviour of matter and the basic substance of which all matter is composed. From harnessing Earth's mineral resources, to developing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the value and application of chemistry is unparalleled.

As a Chemistry student, you will have the opportunity to explore various areas within the discipline, such as:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Medical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry 

Our Department of Chemistry is well-equipped for both teaching and research, with small class sizes to ensure you have the support necessary to succeed. In addition to faculty expertise, you will have access to a number of modern research instruments housed in our advanced facilities including the Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Chemistry, we encourage you to pursue your interests in the field and the other core sciences. In addition to your Chemistry degree, you may combine your studies with a degree in Biology and/or Education, or a Specialization in Medical Sciences.

If you are interested in a career in the medical applications of chemistry, consider taking advantage of our Specialization in Medical Sciences to give you an added professional edge. Courses such as Bioinformatics, Medical Imaging, and Biological Physics will prepare you for a more focused career path post-graduation, or success in professional schools such as medicine or dentistry.

Mathematics seeks hidden patterns that help us to understand life and the complex problems that surround us. This discipline of numbers, quantity, and space can be applied to many fields and industries, from Life Science to Finance. As a student in our Department of Mathematics, you will develop advanced analytical and critical thinking skills in addition to: 

• Research techniques 
• Scholarly writing proficiency 
• Comprehensive understanding of mathematical structures 
• Mathematical proof formulation and solution skills 

Mathematics is a very diverse and intellectually stimulating field of study. In addition to our traditional Mathematics programs, we offer Mathematical Physics and the flexibility to combine your Mathematics degree with a degree in Education, Economics, or Physics. You will benefit from our small class sizes, world-class faculty, unique research opportunities, and the ability to pursue mathematical topics you find most appealing.

Physics
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

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.

Psychologists share a desire to make a positive contribution to human welfare through understanding and influencing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviour of individuals. They are concerned with what motivates us, what social, physical, and biological factors affect us, and what makes us unique.

Our multidisciplinary approach to Psychology provides you with the opportunity to explore these topics and the inner workings of the brain through either an Arts or Science stream, depending on your academic interests. Whichever stream you choose, you will graduate with the objective tools to develop theories, test them through scientific experimentation, and develop new knowledge through comprehensive research methods.

The breadth of study within our Psychology program is what sets Lakehead University apart. Throughout your undergraduate degree, you will gain at least one credit of exposure to all elements of the disciplines and sub-fields including Biological, Cognitive-Affective, Individual, Social, Abnormal, and Developmental, in addition to your stream electives.

Economics is a social science dedicated to the study of decision-making under scarcity, and the factors that influence wealth. Economics involves financial topics and broader historical, sociological and cultural topics ranging from the individual (microeconomics) to governments, industries and central banking (macroeconomics). This extensive and multidisciplinary study of the economy is what sets it apart from other seemingly similar topics such as Business or Finance.

As an economics student you will gain insight into the long-term effects of policy on communities by studying:

• Resource Allocation
• Current Policy Debates
• Statistics
• Economic Theory
• Incentives
• Econometrics
• Decision-Making 

You will also gain a marketable edge through field and speciality courses focused on labour, natural resources and industrial organisation. The natural ebb and flow of the economy means that economics is a changing and dynamic field. Our continually updated course content reflects new theories, information and current events impacting the Economics field. Mathematics is a large component of many of our Economics courses; therefore, our recommendation is that you have some knowledge and skill in the area.

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