Bachelor of Science in Natural Science/Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation (Honours)

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

Modern Natural Resources Management is about people, science and technology. It manages the natural environment for the benefit of society, through the application of both natural and social science. As a student, you will acquire a complement of business skills, scientific expertise, along with practical experience; in fact, everything necessary to create meaningful and lasting solutions environmental challenges of today. You have the opportunity to discover methods that will sustain our forests and ecosystems for generations to come. Should you decide to enrol in Environmental Management, you may choose between three options after your second year of study: Wildlife Conservation and Management, Sustainable Land Use, or Conservation Management and Planning.

As your understanding of the natural environment grows, you will obtain the tools to tackle the current issues that natural resource managers face. You can also engage in the high-tech world of modern management through the use of GPS/GIS technologies, 3-D visualization satellite imagery, genetic research and much more. It's up to you!

Whether you decide to take either the forestry or environmental management degree, the curriculum is common to both programs, for the first two years. By gaining a broad introduction to the topics and issues surrounding the natural world, you will develop a better appreciation of your own role and potential contributions, both personally and professionally.

Each year, employers visit the Thunder Bay campus to recruit, because we have a reputation for providing valuable, hands-on experience to students, making them assets in the work force from the very beginning. Graduates no longer limit themselves solely to "typical" careers in big industry or government; instead, they become planners and facilitators, one who keep in touch with the nature throughout their careers. Our graduates work all over Canada and beyond, with large and small organizations, as entrepreneurs or consultants.

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
• And much more

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).

Our Geoarchaeology program is truly unique, and one of the few offered in North America. Our location in Northwestern Ontario, among diverse landscapes, soils, and natural features, makes Lakehead University a great place to study the hands-on discipline. 

The program is a collaboration between the departments of Anthropology, Geography, and Geology, and focuses on applying the concepts and methods in these fields to interpret artifacts left behind by ancient societies. 

You will explore very diverse topics, related to humankind and Earth, including: 

• Archaeological Site Formation 
• Physical and Natural Science 
• Ancient Cultures 
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 
• Human Evolution 

If you are inquisitive and enjoy being outdoors and learning about different cultures, Geoarchaeology is the program for you. You will have opportunities to immerse yourself in adventure and discovery with training in the field, access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and research collaboration with faculty members.

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 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 an electrical engineer, you will work on the development and manufacturing of electrical and electronics equipment. You will learn the fundamentals of physical science, as well as more practical areas in the design and operation of industrial control systems, communication systems, electronic circuits, and the generation and distribution of electrical power.

Nearly all industries use electricity and electrical devices, making skilled professionals in this field highly desirable all over the world.

Our Electrical 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.

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. 

Lakehead University offers a Master of Science degree in Psychological Science.

As an exception to the general Master's regulations, applications to this program must be made by December 15.  Only complete applications will be reviewed.
The Master of Science in Psychological Science is a research-intensive program that addresses all areas of psychology including biological, cognitive, and individual and social bases of behaviour. The Psychological Science curriculum is based on an apprenticeship model, which includes flexible core courses that are appropriate to a student's area of research. 

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.

Our music degree programs have been carefully designed to offer students a fine balance between academic and performance courses. As a student, you will explore the various dimensions of music through courses taught by teachers of national and international stature as well as receive mentorship opportunities from seasoned musicians and professionals in the field.

As a music student, you will have the opportunity to take courses in:

• Performance
• Theory
• Conducting
• Composition
• Orchestration
• Canadian Music
• World Music
• Pedagogy

It is our goal to develop your talent as both a soloist and a collaborative musician, and cultivate your creativity by exposing you to diverse musical genres, traditions, and innovations. Instruction is available in all orchestral instruments as well as:

• Classical Guitar
• Piano
• Voice
• Saxophone
• Organ

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of music ensembles such as:

• Vocal Ensemble
• Chamber Ensemble
• Wind Ensemble
• New Music Ensemble
• Jazz Ensemble

Our strong community connections open the door to academic and professional opportunities with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, New Music North, Consortium Aurora Borealis, and more. You will be able to share your talent and develop your professional skills as you progress through the program.