Bioinformatics
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.
Lakehead Advantage
We are one of the few universities in Canada that offer a Bioinformatics program from first year onward. The benefit of receiving a Bioinformatics degree rather than a Biology degree with a specialization in Bioinformatics is that your education is far more multidisciplinary. Three to four years of your undergraduate are focused on applying your knowledge to the field.
Our small class sizes promote hands-on skill development and individual attention from professors and teaching assistants. Our faculty is readily accessible and always willing to help. 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 new and evolving field of study.
You will have many opportunities to work as a summer research assistant, giving you the necessary work experience and one-on-one time with educators that are not available at larger universities. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of our program, you can inquire about positions within the departments of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computer Science, and Mathematics.
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:
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
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BioinformaticsDegree:ScienceAlberta/NWT/Nunavut:English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1Program 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 30-1Program 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 12Program Specific Requirements for International Students:English, Biology, Chemistry, MathProgram Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Pre-Calculus 40SProgram 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 B120Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:English 3201, Advanced Math 3200, Biology 3201, Chemistry 3202Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Pre-Calculus 12Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:English 621A, Biology 621A, Chemistry 621A, Pre-Calculus 621BProgram 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
As a first year Bioinformatics student you will be required to complete the following courses:
- Biology 1110 – Animal Biology
- Chemistry 1110 & 1130 – Introductory Chemistry I & II
- Computer Science 1411 & 1431 – Computer Programming I & II
- Mathematics 1171 & 1172 – Calculus I & II
- Physics 1211 & 1212 – Introductory Physics I & II
The balance of your courses will be in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. It is recommended you take an English course to develop your writing and communication skills.
We encourage you gain summer work experience as a research assistant in the various disciplines that shape Bioinformatics, such as Biology, Physics, Computer Science, and Chemistry.
Our faculty is progressive in that they are always looking for ways to involve undergraduates in research opportunities, and develop undergraduate lab-based skills very early on. Working as a research assistant is a great way to find your passion within the field, and ensure that you graduate with hands-on Bioinformatics experience to help your job search.
More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information
Science
Thunder Bay
| Year | Tuition | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
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 |