Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Geography

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

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.

This program in Electrical and Computer Engineering satisfies the demand in academia and industry for highly qualified personnel in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The program is directed to graduates from the existing undergraduate Electrical Engineering and Software Engineering programs at Lakehead University and graduates from undergraduate programs at other universities. The program fosters independent research abilities of students. Students will achieve these objectives through a combination of course work and research towards the completion of a thesis.

Current research areas include the following:

• Communications and Networking: Communication and information theory, wireless communications, error correcting codes, pseudo-random signal design, broadband communication networks, network protocols and simulation, Internet, network survivability
• Circuits and Systems: VLSI synthesis, ultra-low power, thermal management, modeling, RF and microwave, electromagnetics, electrical motor drives, power electronic converters, renewable energy systems
• Biomedical: Devices for therapy, imaging, signal processing, e-health care software
• Computers and Software: Power-aware computer architecture, chip multiprocessors, parallel programming, digital ASIC synthesis, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer network software, semantic web, mobile services
• Control Systems: Intelligent Control Systems, Nonlinear Control
• Electron Devices and Semiconductors

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

The MScF Thesis-Based program is a research-oriented degree designed to give graduates a firm foundation in the process of scientific inquiry. Most research projects and internships are undertaken in one or more of the biophysical forest sciences, but social science research may also be undertaken. Research projects and internships are designed jointly by the student, a Research Supervisor at the location of the internship and the faculty member who serves as the student's Faculty Supervisor.

 Students normally complete all requirements within six terms (2 years) of continuous registration.

The MScF Course-Based (non-thesis) option requirements are 2.5 FCE required courses (including domestic or international field school), 1.5 FCE  elective courses, and an internship that is equivalent to 1.0 FCE for a total of 5 FCEs over three semesters (12-months).

Students will also participate in Field School, joining the existing initiatives offered to HBEM and HBScF students – either in a Canadian setting or International, and take a capstone course (0.5 FCE) in Professional Communication in the second semester.

The emphasis of the Course-Based offering of the MScF will be professionalism, communication and planning at a strategic level beyond basic natural resources management.  

Students in the course-based option complete a research internship designed jointly by the student, a Research Supervisor at the location of the internship and the faculty member who serves as the student's Faculty Supervisor.  The research internship will be closely coordinated by the Faculty and may involve local, regional, national as well as international collaborators. Students normally must complete all requirements within three terms (1 year) of continuous registration.

The MSc in Mechanical Engineering satisfies the demand in academia and industry for highly-qualified personnel in the field of Mechanical Engineering.
Lakehead University’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSc-ME) program aims to foster students’ independent research abilities through a combination of course work and systematic research. This MSc-ME program provides a dynamic and unique curriculum to train graduates to tackle mechanical engineering challenges faced by industries and communities effectively and efficiently. Graduate students in the MSc-ME program will benefit from small class sizes, friendly work environment, and close supervisor-student interactions.

Current research areas include the following:

• Mechatronics: Smart systems and structures, modeling and control of electro-mechanical systems.
• Vibration & Control: System identification, chaotic vibration, random vibration, active vibration control of flexible structures, linear and nonlinear control, robust control, intelligent control.
• Machinery Health Condition Monitoring: Signal processing, pattern classification, fault detection in mechanical and electrical systems.
• System State Prognostics: System state forecasting, remaining useful life prediction, artificial intelligence, machine learning.
• Design & Manufacturing: Solid mechanics, FEM, composite materials, ultrasonic waves in QNDE, design theories, system optimization, advanced manufacturing.
• Fluid & Thermal Dynamics: Heat transfer, thermal systems design and optimization, thermoelectric technology, advanced thermal systems.
• Alternative Energy & Powertrain: Renewable and clean energy systems, biofuel, IC engines, emission control.

Social Work is a versatile and influential profession that facilitates positive change whether its working to develop social policy, assisting marginalized groups, providing counselling to individuals and families, or promoting social change.

Lakehead University's School of Social Work delivers a generalist undergraduate degree with a northern focus, based on an holistic view of social work practice.

Indigenous Learning
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

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

Gender and Women's Studies
The field of Gender and 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.

Our Department of Women’s Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to feminism. Our faculty members are prominent in the fields of feminist legal studies, women’s health, queer studies, cultural and new media studies and teach related courses that easily springboard our students into the Masters of Social Justice and related postgraduate programs, law schools across Canada, midwifery, policing, and many others.

As a Women’s Studies Honours student you are free to combine your studies with a joint major in Gerontology, Psychology, History, English, Indigenous Learning, Sociology, Outdoor Recreation, or Concurrent Education, as well as Concentration or Specialization options with Social Work.

Our Department of Visual Arts offers hands-on degree programs that develop both the technical and conceptual skills needed to transform ideas into art. As a Visual Arts student you will learn to: 

• Communicate visually through various media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics 
• Develop studio skills through practical applications 
• Interpret the world, cultures, and daily life through a creative lens 
• Critically analyze visual culture 

In addition to the in-depth study of studio disciplines, our programs also include the study of art history and art theory, professional development, and outreach opportunities with local art galleries and creative organizations 

We are a relatively small Department with a close-knit community of student artists. Our small size allows our faculty to focus on you as an individual artist and offer personal attention within the studio class setting. We also attend a field trip each year to visit museums and galleries, to supplement the structure of in-class learning. Our classes have visited art and cultural centres in Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, Ottawa, Minneapolis, and New York. 

Our Department of Visual Arts hosts an annual Juried Student Art Exhibition to celebrate the high quality of student art produced as part of our programs. This event is unique to Lakehead University and draws in hundreds of art lovers, patrons, and collectors over the five-week exhibition period.

The Master of Science in Management program is designed for students with degrees in business and related fields to prepare for professional careers in management. Building upon their undergraduate studies, students have an opportunity to closely examine a particular aspect of business, while developing advanced skills in management and research. 

Students in this program gain advanced knowledge of theory and its practical application by conducting research within the domain of management and commerce disciplines. Students have the option to choose between a research project or thesis stream and work closely with a faculty advisor throughout the research process. The degree also includes seminars and classes that build relevant knowledge and skills that enable the student to use the research process to translate theory and evidence to effective business practice.

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.