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:
*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces. |
Other Canadian High School Students |
General Admission Requirements:
*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:
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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:
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Canadian University |
General Admission Requirements:
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Canadian Bible College |
General Admission Requirements:
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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, Math 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and 1 Additional Academic 30 Level CourseProgram 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 CreditsProgram 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 CourseProgram Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, Pre-Calculus 12, Biology 12, and Chemistry 12Program Specific Requirements for International Students:English, Biology, Chemistry, and MathProgram Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:English 40S, Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, and 1 Additional Academic 40S Level CourseProgram 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 122Program 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 LevelProgram 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 CourseProgram 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 621Program 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 CoursesProgram 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 CreditsProgram 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
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.
More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information
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 | $1,002.74 | $7,652.19 | $4,327.47 | $3,324.72 | $1,329.89 | $1,434.84 | $664.95 | $717.42 |
2 | $6,617.62 | $982.74 | $7,600.36 | $4,291.55 | $3,308.81 | $1,323.52 | $1,428.47 | $661.76 | $714.24 |
3 | $6,572.55 | $982.74 | $7,555.29 | $4,269.02 | $3,286.27 | $1,314.51 | $1,419.46 | $657.26 | $709.73 |
4 | $5,998.10 | $982.74 | $6,980.84 | $3,981.79 | $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 | $1,002.74 | $23,603.99 | $12,303.37 | $11,300.62 | $4,520.25 | $4,625.20 | $2,260.13 | $2,312.60 |
2-4 | $22,601.25 | $982.74 | $23,583.99 | $12,283.37 | $11,300.62 | $4,520.25 | $4,625.20 | $2,260.13 | $2,312.60 |
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 | 133.00 |
LUSU Services Subtotal | 515.25 | |
Total | 982.74 |
* 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 | 982.74 | |
Total | 1002.74 |
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 |