Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Life Sciences

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

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. 

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.

Co-op Placement

During your undergrad you will have the opportunity to participate in our co-operative education program to gain rewarding experiences in the industry, acquire practical skills and earn an income to finance your education. We have placed over 700 students with industry partners including IBM, Environment Canada, RIM, Atomic Energy of Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission, CIBC and more.

Student Mentorship

We have a full-time faculty member who is dedicated to mentoring first and second year students’ programming skills. This resource is particularly useful if you have limited experience in computer programming and would like one-on-one time with an expert in the field outside of your class and lab time.

Specialization

We offer a unique Game Programming Specialization to all Computer Science majors. This specialization teaches you the intricacies of animation, two and three dimensional graphics, gameplay and much more while you develop single, multiplayer and mobile games.

Accessible Faculty

Our department is small enough to provide you with direct access to the professors, and individual access to advanced computing equipment. Our faculty is active in its research, and committed to balancing theoretical information with hands-on opportunities. Projects and research papers are regularly integrated into our undergraduate courses.

By the year 2041, it is projected that over 25% of Canada's population will be over the age of 65. As the world's populations age, so does the demand for professionals with knowledge in this field. Gerontology at Lakehead University is very multidisciplinary as seniors require assistance and advocacy on a range of topics from financial issues to sexuality. Gerontology incorporates elements from the following disciplines: 

• Anthropology 
• Kinesiology 
• Psychology 
• Education 
• Public Health 
• Women's Studies 
• Social Work 
• Philosophy 

As a graduate, you will understand individual and societal influences on aging and their relevance to health and well-being throughout the adult life span. More specifically, you will demonstrate knowledge on the following topics: 

• The aging process from biological, social, psychological and physical perspectives 
• The role of social support and spirituality in well-being 
• Legal issues related to older persons 
• Death and dying issues and ethics 
• Abuse and neglect of older persons 
• Family as caregivers 
• Aging as a developmental process 
• Ethical dilemmas 

We offer the ability to combine your Gerontology degree with a degree in Women's Studies or Psychology. The departments of Social Work and Sociology also offer Major Concentrations in Gerontology.

A Master of Science (MSc) in Civil Engineering at Lakehead University satisfies the demand for highly qualified personnel that are prepared to address global challenges within the field of Civil Engineering. This program offers students the opportunity for advanced study and the development of independent research abilities in the discipline. Students in the MSc program have the opportunity to work collaboratively with world-class researchers in state of the art facilities and all within a collegial learning environment. Graduate students will benefit from small class sizes, a collegial environment, and close supervisor-student interactions. The program offers three routes to the degree:

• The thesis option fosters develops the independent research abilities of students. These objectives are achieved through a combination of course work and research. This option is ideal for students seeking to continue on to doctoral studies as well as students interested in research and development careers within industry. All thesis students must enrol full-time in the program.
• In addition, there are two course-based options that combine advanced level coursework with either a research project or paper. The course based options allow students broad exposure to advanced topics within the field as well as the opportunity to complete a research project or investigate an emerging field of engineering through the completion of a research paper. Both full-time and flex-time options are available for course-based students.

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 software engineer, you will apply engineering methodologies and good practices for managing the creation of software from conception to the release of the finished product, including analysis, design, coding, testing and deploying software systems.

Software has become a fundamental part of modern society, while continuing to evolve in size, scope, and complexity. As a result, there is an immediate and important need for qualified software engineers who can model entire software and hardware systems, who can lead interdisciplinary project teams of designers and developers, and who can ensure quality, integrity, and safety of the software infrastructure that the public depends on every day.

Our Software 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We believe flexibility in your studies equates to flexibility in your career path. Our Psychology major can be paired with other majors including Gerontology, Philosophy, Women's Studies, and Education, to explore the intersection of these fields.

Much of our faculty are practicing clinical psychologists with a range of expertise and connections, making it possible to immerse students in research and volunteer opportunities from first year onward.

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.