Applied Life Sciences

Explore the modern applications of bio-molecular research in anthropology, chemistry, biology, and physics as a student of Applied Life Sciences. This interdisciplinary program focuses on the study of living organisms at the bio-molecular or cellular level, and the human manipulation of molecular biological processes, with hands-on learning through laboratory courses, research opportunities, and internships.

You will acquire skills in cutting-edge molecular biology, biotechnology, and diagnostic methods in our world-renowned labs including the Paleo DNA Laboratory.

The Applied Life Sciences major can include a concentration in Biomedical Sciences, as well as specializations in Biotechnology or Experimental Life Sciences.

Transfer Options

It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both.  

There are a number of ways to transfer to Lakehead. Let us help you achieve your degree completion goals. For more information regarding specific admission requirements from college or university, check out the “Admissions Requirement” tab above and select your most recent level of study.

 

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Applied Life Sciences
    Degree:
    Science
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, Math 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 from: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, Math 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, Pre-Calculus 12, 2 from: Anatomy and Physiology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Environmental Science 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Physics 12, or Statistics 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English, Math, 2 from: Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Math (additional), or Physics
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S, Pre-Calculus 40S, 2 from: Applied Math 40S, Advanced Mathematics 45S & Introduction To Calculus 45S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, or Physics 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 from: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to these requirements are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy these specific prerequisite requirements.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122, Pre-Calculus A120 or B120, 2 from: Biology 121 or 122, Calculus 120, Chemistry 121 or 122, Foundations of Math 120, Introduction to Environmental Science 120 or Advanced Environmental Science 120, or Physics 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, Advanced Math 3200, 2 from: Academic Math 3201, Biology 3201, Calculus 3208, Chemistry 3202, Environmental Science 3205, or Physics 3204
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, Pre-Calculus 12, 2 from: Biology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Mathematics 12, or Physics 12
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    Biology, Chemistry & Physics are recommended

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A, Pre-Calculus 621B, 2 from: Biology 621A, Calculus 611B, Chemistry 621A, Environmental Science 621A, Foundations of Math 621A, or Physics 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604), Linear Algebra I (201-NYC, 201-105, or 201-106), 4 from: Biology I (NYA), Biology II, Calculus I (201-NYA or 201-103), Calculus II (201-NYB or 201-203), Chemistry (NYA, NYB, or NYC), or Physics (NYA, NYB, or NYC)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 from: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Equivalent courses to the Ontario prerequisite requirements will be considered.
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B, Pre-Calculus 30, 2 from: Biology 30, Calculus 30, Chemistry 30, Earth Science 30, or Physics 30
  • Applied Life Sciences and Biotechnology Diploma (Lakehead-Georgian Partnership)
    Degree:
    Science
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, Anatomy and Physiology 12, Chemistry 12, Pre-Calculus 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English, Biology, Chemistry, Math
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Pre-Calculus 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to these requirements are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122, Biology 121 or 122, Chemistry 121 or 122, Pre-Calculus A120 or B120
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, Advanced Math 3200, Biology 3201, Chemistry 3202
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Pre-Calculus 12
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    High school, college transfer, and mature students are required to achieve a final average of at least 75%. University transfer students are required to achieve a final average of at least 70%.

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A, Biology 621A, Chemistry 621A, Pre-Calculus 621B
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604), Biology I (NYA), Chemistry (2 from: NYA, NYB, or NYC), Linear Algebra I (201-NYC, 201-105, or 201-106)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U). Equivalent courses to the Ontario prerequisite requirements will be considered.
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Pre-Calculus 30
  • Applied Life Sciences with Major Concentration in Biomedical Sciences
    Degree:
    Science
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, Math 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 from: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, Math 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, Pre-Calculus 12, 2 from: Anatomy and Physiology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Environmental Science 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Physics 12, or Statistics 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English, Math, 2 from: Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Math (additional), or Physics
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S, Pre-Calculus 40S, 2 from: Applied Math 40S, Advanced Mathematics 45S & Introduction To Calculus 45S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, or Physics 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 from: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to these requirements are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122, Pre-Calculus A120 or B120, 2 from: Biology 121 or 122, Calculus 120, Chemistry 121 or 122, Foundations of Math 120, Introduction to Environmental Science 120 or Advanced Environmental Science 120, or Physics 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, Advanced Math 3200, 2 from: Academic Math 3201, Biology 3201, Calculus 3208, Chemistry 3202, Environmental Science 3205, or Physics 3204
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, Pre-Calculus 12, 2 from: Biology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Mathematics 12, or Physics 12
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    Biology, Chemistry & Physics are recommended

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A, Pre-Calculus 621B, 2 from: Biology 621A, Calculus 611B, Chemistry 621A, Environmental Science 621A, Foundations of Math 621A, or Physics 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604), Linear Algebra I (201-NYC, 201-105, or 201-106), 4 from: Biology I (NYA), Biology II, Calculus I (201-NYA or 201-103), Calculus II (201-NYB or 201-203), Chemistry (NYA, NYB, or NYC), or Physics (NYA, NYB, or NYC)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), 2 from: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Equivalent courses to the Ontario prerequisite requirements will be considered.
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B, Pre-Calculus 30, 2 from: Biology 30, Calculus 30, Chemistry 30, Earth Science 30, or Physics 30


 

As a first year Applied Life Sciences major, you will be required to complete the following courses:

  • Anthropology 1032- Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology

  • Biology 1110- Animal Biology

  • Biology 1130- Plant Biology

  • Chemistry 1110 & Chemistry 1130- Introductory Chemistry I & II

  • Physics 1113 & Physics 1133 - Physics Essentials I & II or  Physics 1211 & Physics 1172- Introductory Physics I & II

  • Mathematics 1151 & Calculus 1152- Calculus I & II for Social and Life Sciences or Mathematics 1171 & Mathematics 1172- Calculus I & II

The balance of your courses will be electives. We recommend taking an English course to develop your writing and communication skills.

 

Undergraduate Research

As Canada’s #1 Undergraduate Research University, we make research in your undergraduate years a reality. We offer formalized research internships in Ancient DNA (Anthropology) and Biology, available as elective courses in third and fourth year.

The Ancient DNA Internship is a three-week laboratory course, whereas the Biology Research Internship takes place in either the spring or summer session and consists of 120 hours of research. These courses are extremely beneficial to develop your lab skills, enhance your understanding of a particular topic and set yourself apart from students with a similar background.

 

Concentration & Specialization Opportunities

We have a number of elective courses that can be combined to receive a specialization or concentration within your Applied Life Sciences major, or simply to help develop your passion on a particular topic. These include:

  • Forensic Anthropology

  • Human Skeletal and Dental Biology

  • Physiology of Exercise

  • Biogeography

  • Biology of Food Safety

  • Introduction to Optics

For a full listing of our recommended elective courses, visit our Academic Calendar.

 

Accessible Faculty and Mentorship

Our small class sizes promote hands-on skill development and individual attention from professors. Our faculty is readily accessible and always willing to help. We also have faculty advisors that can assist you if you are interested in continuing your education in medicine, veterinary medicine, etc. 

As an Honours student, you will have the opportunity to work very closely with a faculty member on your Honours thesis project, contributing to groundbreaking research within this evolving field of study.

 

Clubs & Societies

The Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) is proud to support nearly 100 clubs across the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses including the Pre-Med Society, Association of Biology Students, and more. They broaden your ways of thinking and doing, and almost anyone can join or found a club on campus.


More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information



Arts & Science
Orillia
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal
1
$5,984.51
$1,126.83
$7,111.34
2
$5,955.86
$1,044.11
$6,999.97
3
$5,915.30
$1,044.11
$6,959.41
4
$5,398.29
$1,044.11
$6,442.40
Environmental Sustainability (Applied Life Science, Computer Science)
Georgian - Barrie
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal
1
$5,984.51
$1,173.62
$7,158.13
2
$5,955.86
$1,090.90
$7,046.76
3
$5,915.30
$1,090.90
$7,006.20
4
$5,398.29
$1,090.90
$6,489.19

Click to display ancillary fee breakdown
Science
Thunder Bay
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal
1
$5,984.51
$1,408.45
$7,392.96
2
$5,955.86
$1,325.73
$7,281.59
3
$5,915.30
$1,325.73
$7,241.03
4
$5,398.29
$1,325.73
$6,724.02