Biology Brochure 2023 - Lakehead University

Exceptional experiential learning, from labs to the outdoors.

BIOLOGY

lakeheadu.ca/ses-biology

WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

BIOLOGY

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.

Our program also offers 4 areas of concentration that will allow you to further study a particular area of interest including:

• Animal Sciences

• Biodiversity & Conservation

• Plant Sciences

• Biomedical Science

The small size of our department allows you to become involved with ongoing faculty research, ranging from ecology to biorefining. Exciting professional opportunities exist for you post-graduation with further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine or graduate school.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Satisfy your curiosity about structures and functions in the natural world by studying biology in a way that suits your career aspirations. Whether outdoors or in the lab, you will do hands-on work on local and global issues in ecology and evolution, biodiversity conservation, disturbance ecology and ecosystem recovery, aquatic ecotoxicology, environmental microbiology, biomass conversion, bio-refining, bioenergy, animal science and much more. Our location in the Boreal Forest makes Lakehead University the ideal institution to study Biology. Intensive local field trips and field schools take advantage of our natural surroundings and wildlife

We are also a proud member of Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology - www.oupfb.ca

FIELD TRIPS IN WILD PLACES

From Mount McKay to the Botanical Conservatory and from regional lakes, rivers, wetlands and forests to applied medical and research laboratories, our students learn ecology and evolutionary concepts and biological techniques where they happen.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Honours Bachelor of Science in:

• Biology

• Biology and Chemistry

• Natural Science

• Environmental Science with College Transfer Option

Concurrent Bachelor of Education

Biology Minor

Diversify your studies with a double major in Biology and Chemistry, or focus your studies in specific areas of interest with concentrations in Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences, or Biodiversity and Conservation. You will have access to Instrumentation Labs where you’ll learn to operate the tools and equipment to conduct your own research and generate data. This practical knowledge gives you an advantage when applying to graduate or professional school or a science-based job.

DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

Biology and APLS HBSc program concentrations in Thunder Bay:

• Plant Sciences

• Animal Sciences

• Biodiversity & Conservation

• Biomedical Sciences

INTERDISCIPLINARY UNDERGRADUATE

Honours Bachelor of Science in:

• Applied Life Sciences

• Bioinformatics

• Water Resources Science

* We also offer a 3-year BSc (Natural Sciences Major) for those who wish to apply a basic knowledge of biology to their chosen career.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PHD

• Biotechnology

• Natural Resources Science

• Chemistry and Material Science

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Master of Science in Biology

HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI

Alex Macey HBASc (Biology); Concentration in Neuroscience, ‘20

“At the beginning of my studies at Lakehead, I was unsure of the academic and career path I wanted to take. Luckily for me, Lakehead University staff and faculty supported me in finding my way. They took the time to have discussions with me regarding my goals, and helped me choose and register for classes that suited my strengths and interests. The support I received at the beginning of my studies was key to my success during my four years.”

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Fourth year HBSc Biology students can gain valuable research experience by working under the direct supervision of our faculty in an area of mutual interest and complete an undergraduate thesis worth a full course equivalent (1FCE). This experience prepares our students for post graduate degrees, leading to MSc and PhD and equips them for careers in academia, government departments, private sectors (major consulting companies) and independent research institutions.

Don’t let them be typical. Your university years will define the rest of your life.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

Why did you choose Lakehead University?

I liked the small class sizes and the nature in and around the Thunder Bay campus. From skating on Lake Tamblyn to exploring the amazing hiking trails, lakes and waterfalls within an hour of the city, you are always so close to nature!

What is your favouroite ting about your program?

I chose Biology because I love ecology. I think it’s amazing how interconnected Earth’s systems are and how every species in an ecosystem influences the others. The labs were also very hands-on and the professors were approachable and available whenever I was having difficulties.

Cara Freitag

SES - 4th year Major in Geography, Minor in Biology (2023)

INTERESTED IN TEACHING?

If you are interested in teaching, you have two options - both lead to certification by the Ontario College of Teachers.

(1) Concurrent Education - Earn two degrees at once. Study Education alongside your Science program. This would extend your education by another 2 years.

(2) Consecutive Education - After graduating with your Science degree, reapply to complete the 2-year Education program.

TEACHING DIVISIONS

Whether you choose to study concurrently or consecutively, you will need to choose a teaching division in which to specialize.

PRIMARY / JUNIOR: Preparing you for a career teaching students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Choose to study in either Thunder Bay or Orillia.

INTERMEDIATE / SENIOR: Preparing you for a career teaching students in Grades 7-12. This teaching division is only offered at the Thunder Bay Campus. For more information about Lakehead University’s Teacher Education Program, please visit: lakeheadu.ca/education

CHOOSE YOUR CAREER

ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION

• Conservation Biologist

• Environmental Health Officer

• Biochemist

• Botanist

• Zoologist

• Marine Biologist

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

• Cytotechnologist

• Microbiologist

• Medical Geneticist

• Forensic Laboratory Analyst

BIOINFORMATICS

• Operations Research Analyst

• Bioinformatics Specialist/Programmer

• Computer Scientist