Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis Based)

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

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 MA Social Justice Studies is an innovative, interdisciplinary program. The program allows students to pursue a 4 FCE course based degree or, with the approval of the Social Justice Studies Committee, complete a practicum, a creative project, or a research project in lieu of the final 1 FCE of coursework. The program prepares students to work, research and advocate towards a more socially just society which values equality, solidarity and human rights and recognizes the citizenship of each human being.

The program has three streams: an MA in Social Justice Studies, a Specialization in Social Justice Studies, and an MA in Social Justice Studies with a Specialization in Women's Studies. Within the MA they may choose the course stream, a research project stream, a creative project stream, or a practicum stream.

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. 

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.

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 mechanical engineer you will design, simulate, manufacture, assemble and test various systems such as engines, turbines, industrial production equipment, material handling systems, robots, machines, and mechanisms of many types.

Mechanical engineers are employed in many sectors of the economy such as power generation, transportation, and renewable energy, employing engineering sciences to solve complex problems that face our civilization.

Our Mechanical 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.

If you are interested in understanding the world around you, and how its functioning can be put into practice in everyday life, join us at Lakehead University.

Our students are exposed to cutting edge knowledge in a wide variety of fields in physics including condensed matter physics, lasers and optical physics, nanotechnology, materials science, medical imaging and mathematical physics to equip them with the knowledge and technical skills needed for successful careers.

Students interested in the physics program at Lakehead University will develop

• Problem solving skills
• Technical skills with a variety of experimental equipment
• Computational skills
• Teamwork

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.

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.

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.

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 
• Resource Allocation 
• Decision-Making 

You will also gain a marketable edge through field and specialty courses focused on labour, natural resources and industrial organization 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.