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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.

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 HS/ 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

Please Select Your Applicant Type

Bioinformatics

Degree:
Science

Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
English Language Arts 30-1, Math 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and 1 Additional Academic 30 Level Course

Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
Grade 12 U English, Grade 12 U Advanced Functions, Grade 12 U Biology, Grade 12 U Chemistry, and 2 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits

Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
English Language Arts 30-1, Math 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and 1 Additional Academic 30 Level Course

Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, Pre-Calculus 12, Biology 12, and Chemistry 12

Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
English, Biology, Chemistry, and Math

Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
English 40S, Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, and 1 Additional Academic 40S Level Course

Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
English (Grade 12 U English or equivalent) Math (Grade 12 U Advanced Functions or equivalent) Biology (Grade 12 U Biology or equivalent) Chemistry (Grade 12 U Chemistry or equivalent)

Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
English 120, 121, or 122; 1 Course from: Calculus 120, Pre-Calculus A 120 or Pre-Calculus B 120, or Advanced Math with an Intro to Calculus 120; Chemistry 122, Biology 122, and 1 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credit Numbered 120, 121, or 122

Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
English 3201, Advanced Math 3200 or Math 3207, Chemistry 3202, Biology 3201, and 6 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 Level

Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, Pre-Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Biology 12, and 1 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced Course

Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
English 621, Biology 621, Chemistry 621, Math 611B, and 1 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credit Numbered 611 or 621

Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), Calculus I and Calculus II, 2 Semester Courses in Chemistry (202 series), 2 Semester Courses in Biology (101 series), and 4 Additional Academic Semester Courses

Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
Grade 12 U English, Grade 12 U Advanced Functions, Grade 12 U Biology, Grade 12 U Chemistry, and 2 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits

Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
English A30 and B30, Pre-Calculus 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and 1 Additional Academic 30 Level Course

The program-specific prerequisite requirements do not apply to college transfer pathways. Refer to the agreements found here for more information on the admission requirements.

If you do not meet the program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program of choice, please contact Enrolment Services – Undergraduate Admissions to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Officer. An Admissions Officer can provide you with more information on how to enrol in the required prerequisite courses for your program of choice.

Step 3 – Apply Today!

Now that you have determined your admission requirements, your next step is to submit an application.

If you are interested in full-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The full-time applications can be found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

If you are interested in part-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Undergraduate Application form found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

As a first year Bioinformatics student you will be required to complete the following courses:

Biology 1100 – Animal Biology
Chemistry 1100 & 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.

Science
Thunder Bay

Year	Tuition	Ancillary Fees	Total	1st Installment	2nd Installment	1.0 FCE Tuition	1.0 FCE Total	0.5 FCE Tuition	0.5 FCE Total
1	$6,649.45	$1,003.24	$7,652.69	$4,327.97	$3,324.72	$1,329.89	$1,434.84	$664.95	$717.42
2	$6,617.62	$983.24	$7,600.86	$4,292.05	$3,308.81	$1,323.52	$1,428.47	$661.76	$714.24
3	$6,572.55	$983.24	$7,555.79	$4,269.52	$3,286.27	$1,314.51	$1,419.46	$657.26	$709.73
4	$5,998.10	$983.24	$6,981.34	$3,982.29	$2,999.05	$1,199.62	$1,304.57	$599.81	$652.29

Year	Tuition	Ancillary Fees	Total	1st Installment	2nd Installment	1.0 FCE Tuition	1.0 FCE Total	0.5 FCE Tuition	0.5 FCE Total
1	$22,601.25	$1,003.24	$23,604.49	$12,303.87	$11,300.62	$4,520.25	$4,625.20	$2,260.13	$2,312.60
2-4	$22,601.25	$983.24	$23,584.49	$12,283.87	$11,300.62	$4,520.25	$4,625.20	$2,260.13	$2,312.60

In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

Click to display ancillary fee breakdown Click to display ancillary fee breakdown

Schedule of Miscellaneous, Co-op and Course Related Fees

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Students (Thunder Bay)	Code	Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees
Athletic Building Fund	SABFF	70.00
Student Athletic Society	SATHF	115.18
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee	SCOMF	25.00
Health Services Support Fee	SHEAF	60.57
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building	SCISF	30.00
LU Services Subtotal		*300.75*
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fee
LUSU Fee		128.00
Referenda		17.00
Nanabijou		5.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fees		16.74
LUSU Fee Subtotal	SLUSF	166.74
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Services Fees
LUSU Capital Fund	SBLDF	47.25
LU Radio	SRADF	10.00
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance*	SMEDF	325.00
LUSU Bus Pass Fee**	SLBUS	133.50
LUSU Services Subtotal		*515.75*
Total		983.24

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance cost is $325.00. The policy is effective September 1, 2018 for the 12 months ending August 31, 2019. All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
- Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions.
- For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

** The LUSU Bus Pass (U-Pass) Fee - All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
* Co-op students and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for 1st Year Full-Time Students (Thunder Bay)	Code	Amount
1st Year Students Orientation Fee	SORIE	20.00
LUSU and LU Services Total		983.24
Total		1003.24

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Thunder Bay)	Code	Amount (1.0FCE)	Amount (0.5FCE)
Athletic Building Fund	SABFF	14.00	7.00
Student Athletic Society	SATHF	23.04	11.52
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee	SCOMF	5.00	2.50
Health Services Support Fee	SHEAF	12.11	6.06
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building	SCISF	6.00	3.00
LUSU Capital Fund	SBLDF	9.45	4.73
LU Radio	SRADF	2.00	1.00
LUSU Fee (includes CFS & Referenda listed below)	SLUSF	33.35	16.67
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee		3.35	1.67
Referenda		4.40	2.20
Total		104.95	52.47

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students in Distance Education Courses Only (Thunder Bay)	Code	Amount (1.0FCE)	Amount (0.5FCE)
LUSU Fee, CFS Fee & Referenda	SLUSF	33.35	16.67
Total		33.29	16.65

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)	Code	Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees
Student Athletic Society	SATHO	92.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee	SCOMO	25.00
Health Services Support Fee	SHEAO	60.57
LU Services Subtotal		*177.73*
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fee
LUSU Fee		128.00
Canadian Federation of Students Fee		16.74
Referenda		7.00
LUSU Fee Subtotal	SLUSO	151.74
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Services Fees
LUSU Capital Fund	SBLDO	47.25
LUSU U-Pass Fee	SLBUO	115.50
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance**	SMEDF	325.00
LUSU Services Subtotal		*487.75*
Total		817.22

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance cost is $325.00. The policy is effective September 1, 2018 for the 12 months ending August 31, 2019. All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.

- Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions.

- For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

** The LUSU Bus Pass (U-Pass) Fee - All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.

* Co-op students and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for 1st Year Full-Time Students (Orillia)	Code	Amount
1st Year Students Orientation Fee	SORIO	20.00
LUSU and LU Services Total		817.22
Total		837.22

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)	Code	Amount (1.0FCE)	Amount (0.5FCE)
Student Athletic Society	SATHO	18.43	9.22
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee	SCOMO	5.00	2.50
Health Services Support Fee	SHEAO	12.11	6.06
LUSU Capital Fund	SBLDO	9.45	4.73
LUSU Fee (includes CFS & Referenda listed below)	SLUSO	30.35	15.17
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee		3.35	1.67
Referenda		1.40	0.70
Total		75.34	37.67

2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students in Distance Education Courses Only (Orillia)	Code	Amount (1.0FCE)	Amount (0.5FCE)
LUSU Fee, CFS Fee & Referenda	SLUSO	30.35	15.17
Total		30.35	15.17

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Department of
Bioinformatics