Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus 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 such as digital photogrammetry, remote sensing, soil and water testing and geographic information systems (GIS). We also offer regional field camps and a Regional or International Field Study course that is available in your final year of study.

This is an interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the Departments of Anthropology and Geography, designed to train graduates to investigate, understand and appreciate issues peculiar to northern environments and cultures. Click here for more information on the program.

Graduates of this program will have the skills to meet the challenges of environmental and cultural issues faced by communities, industries, and services in northern areas. The research focus of the program will be the boreal north - the area covered by the boreal forest and the ecotone between the forest and tundra - although research in the Arctic and far north will not be excluded. Areas in other parts of the world with characteristics similar to those in the boreal north will also be considered as appropriate locations for study.

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.

Our courses blend in-class learning with field placements, in settings including correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, schools, or child welfare agencies, designed to develop critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary skills.

As a student at our Thunder Bay campus, concentrations in Indigenous Learning, and Gender and Women's Studies are available to broaden your expertise within the field.

Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education and will provide you with a challenging and meaningful experience, applicable to a range of professional practice settings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Our balance of in-class and hands-on courses will provide you with the experience necessary to assess movement across the lifespan.

If you are interested in becoming a Registered Kinesiologist, our broad-based learning curriculum successfully prepares you to challenge the registration exam for the regulatory college license requirements to practice in Ontario. 

The Lakehead Advantage

You will gain hands-on assessment experience from day one through a series of applied, lab-based courses and through our Practice of Kinesiology applied courses. Multiple small lab sections allow for considerable one-on-one time with professors and fellow students. 

We have academic advisors exclusively for the School of Kinesiology who are available to all students at any point during the year. It is our goal to ensure you receive the guidance and mentorship necessary to achieve the utmost success with your undergraduate degree and beyond. 

We are one of few Kinesiology programs in Canada with a formalized co-operative program for our undergraduate students. Applications are due before Christmas break in second year. Successful applicants are required to complete a minimum of 4 four month paid work terms.   Following successful completion of the work terms students will return to complete the final academic year in the program.. This practical experience gives you a competitive edge when entering the workforce or pursuing professional certifications.

The sustainability of our environment and natural resources is a pressing 21st century issue. Our Honours Bachelor of Science in Resource and Environmental Economics program combines the academic structure of an economics degree with the scientific depth of an environmental science degree to help you understand how economic activity impacts the world around us. In light of growing concerns of climate change, Environmental Economists are in high demand in an effort to improve management strategies.

As a Resource and Environmental Economics student, you will examine resource allocation and decision-making processes with respect to policies related to water quality, air pollution, waste disposal, and climate change. The natural resources component of the program will focus on the economics of resource extraction, resource depletion, and sustainability.

Our program combines fundamentals from the following disciplines:

• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Biology
• Philosophy
• History

Much like the economy, the environment and the discussion surrounding is constantly evolving. New theories and topics are always emerging in the field, making Resource and Environmental Economics a very exciting and ground-breaking discipline.

As instruments of communication and discovery, languages open a window amidst the diversity of human experience. An understanding of multiple languages will continue to be in high demand well into the future and provide you with a powerful and marketable edge.

Lakehead's Languages program will offer you the chance to major in French as well as the possibility to explore the languages of Classics, Finnish, German, Spanish, Italian, and Native languages. In addition to achieving an advanced level of competency in a second language, you will encounter courses that encourage participation through research reports, oral presentations, and discussion on various socio-cultural and literary topics.

While Language studies are naturally associated with a career in education or interpretation/translation, there is virtually no career or profession in which the abiity to speak another language is not an advantage or necessity. Government agencies, business, health sciences, and industry are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of hiring candidates who have a competency in two or more languages.

Undergraduate Degrees:

• BA
• BA/BEd
• HBA
• HBA/BEd (French)
• HBA (English and French)
• HBA (French and Philosophy)
• French Minor
• Spanish Minor
• Finnish Minor
• Certificate of French Proficiency
• Aboriginal Languages Specialist's Certificate

Geology is a qualitative science that combines elements of physics, chemistry, biology and other sciences to study the Earth, the processes that make up the Earth, and the history of our planet. As a student in the program you will: 

• Examine rocks, minerals, and sediment 
• Study environmental hazards 
• Explore elements that make up the planets and moons in our solar system 
• And learn much more about our Earth's 4.5 billion-year history 

Our location amidst the Canadian Shield functions as an outdoor lab and classroom. Our faculty regularly holds classes outside and organizes field trips and extended field schools to take advantage of the superior environment and give you practical training that is highly valued by the industry from day one. 

Our faculty collaborates with industry, government, and other academics with research covering the spectrum, from pure to applied science. This breadth of expertise and course content can meet the interests of any student in the program. 

Our program is designed to ensure that you will have the necessary courses to register as a Professional Geologist with APGO, which is required to work as a geologist in Ontario. This experience makes our students highly employable post-graduation.