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:
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 Secondary School/ 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, 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
All fees are displayed in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)
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 | $5,984.51 | $1,408.45 | $7,392.96 | $3,696.48 | $3,696.48 | $1,196.90 | $1,328.05 | $598.45 | $664.03 |
2 | $5,955.86 | $1,325.73 | $7,281.59 | $3,640.80 | $3,640.79 | $1,191.17 | $1,322.32 | $595.59 | $661.16 |
3 | $5,915.30 | $1,325.73 | $7,241.03 | $3,620.52 | $3,620.51 | $1,183.06 | $1,314.21 | $591.53 | $657.11 |
4 | $5,398.29 | $1,325.73 | $6,724.02 | $3,362.01 | $3,362.01 | $1,079.66 | $1,210.81 | $539.83 | $605.40 |
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 | $6,283.74 | $1,408.45 | $7,692.19 | $3,846.10 | $3,846.09 | $1,256.75 | $1,387.90 | $628.37 | $693.95 |
2 | $5,955.86 | $1,325.73 | $7,281.59 | $3,640.80 | $3,640.79 | $1,191.17 | $1,322.32 | $595.59 | $661.16 |
3 | $5,915.30 | $1,325.73 | $7,241.03 | $3,620.52 | $3,620.51 | $1,183.06 | $1,314.21 | $591.53 | $657.11 |
4 | $5,398.29 | $1,325.73 | $6,724.02 | $3,362.01 | $3,362.01 | $1,079.66 | $1,210.81 | $539.83 | $605.40 |
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 | $29,355.00 | $1,408.45 | $30,763.45 | $15,381.73 | $15,381.72 | $5,871.00 | $6,002.15 | $2,935.50 | $3,001.08 |
2 | $29,355.00 | $1,325.73 | $30,680.73 | $15,340.37 | $15,340.36 | $5,871.00 | $6,002.15 | $2,935.50 | $3,001.08 |
3 | $28,957.27 | $1,325.73 | $30,283.00 | $15,141.50 | $15,141.50 | $5,791.45 | $5,922.60 | $2,895.73 | $2,961.30 |
4 | $28,957.27 | $1,325.73 | $30,283.00 | $15,141.50 | $15,141.50 | $5,791.45 | $5,922.60 | $2,895.73 | $2,961.30 |
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount |
Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) | SABWF | 99.00 |
Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHF | 139.43 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMF | 25.00 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAF | 95.14 |
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building | SCISF | 30.00 |
Lakehead Services Subtotal: | 388.57 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | ||
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDF | 59.00 |
LUSU Medical/Dental | SMEDF * | 418.00 |
LUSU Bus Pass | SLBUS ** | 252.00 |
LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSF | 156.00 |
Aboriginal Programming Fee | SLRAB | 2.00 |
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association Fee | SLRAF | 0.50 |
Nanabijou Fee | SLRNA | 5.00 |
Social Action Fee | SLRSA | 2.00 |
Sustainability | SLRSU | 5.50 |
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SLRWU | 7.00 |
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Fee | SLCFS | 20.16 |
LU Radio Fee | SRADF | 10.00 |
LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 937.16 | |
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay) | 1325.73 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs 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. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. 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
Co-op, Part-Time, Senior, and Graduate students are not covered, but may purchase the Plan.
** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUS): All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year - Undergraduate Full-Time Students (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount |
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee | SORIE | 82.72 |
Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): | 1325.73 | |
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): | 1408.45 |
2024-25 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) |
Lakehead University Services Fees | |||
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) | SABWF | 19.80 | 9.90 |
Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHF | 27.89 | 13.94 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMF | 5.00 | 2.50 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAF | 19.03 | 9.51 |
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building | SCISF | 6.00 | 3.00 |
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: | 77.72 | 38.85 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | |||
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDF | 11.80 | 5.90 |
LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSF | 31.20 | 15.60 |
Aboriginal Programming Fee | SLRAB | 0.40 | 0.20 |
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association Fee | SLRAF | 0.10 | 0.05 |
Nanabijou Fee | SLRNA | 1.00 | 0.50 |
Social Action Fee | SLRSA | 0.40 | 0.20 |
Sustainability Fee | SLRSU | 1.10 | 0.55 |
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) Fee | SLRWU | 1.40 | 0.70 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee | SLCFS | 4.03 | 2.02 |
LU Radio Fee | SRADF | 2.00 | 1.00 |
LUSU fees Subtotal: | 53.43 | 26.72 | |
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): | 131.15 | 65.57 | |
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees For Part-Time Undergraduate First Year Students: | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) | |
Orientation and First Year Experience Fee (Flat Fee - not per course) | SORIE | 82.72 | 82.72 |
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): | 131.15 | 65.57 | |
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): | 213.87 | 148.28 |
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) | Code | Amount |
Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHO | 111.56 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMO | 25.00 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAO | 95.14 |
Lakehead Services Subtotal | 231.70 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | ||
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDO | 59.00 |
LUSU U-Pass Fee | SLBUO | 152.25 |
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance * | SMEDO | 418.00 |
LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSO | 156.00 |
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSO | 7.00 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee | SCFSO | 20.16 |
LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal | 812.41 | |
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) | 1044.11 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs 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. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. 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
Co-op, Part-Time, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.
** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUO): All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
First Year Students
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount |
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee | SORIO | 82.72 |
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total | 1044.11 | |
Total | 1126.83 |
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount Per Course (1.0FCE) | Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE) |
Lakehead University Services Fees | |||
Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHO | 22.31 | 11.16 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMO | 5.00 | 2.50 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAO | 19.03 | 9.51 |
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: | 46.34 | 23.17 | |
Lakehead University Student Union Fees | |||
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDO | 11.80 | 5.90 |
LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSO | 31.20 | 15.60 |
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSO | 1.40 | 0.70 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee | SCFSO | 4.03 | 2.02 |
LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 48.43 | 24.22 | |
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): | 94.77 | 47.39 | |
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students: | |||
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course) | SORIO | 82.72 | 82.72 |
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) | 94.77 | 47.39 | |
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) | 177.49 | 130.11 |
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering | Code | Amount |
Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHG | 107.89 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMG | 25.00 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAG | 95.14 |
Lakehead Services Subtotal: | 231.70 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | ||
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance * | SMEDG | 418.00 |
LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSG | 156.00 |
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDG | 59.00 |
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSG | 7.00 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee | SCFSG | 20.16 |
LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 660.16 | |
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee ** | SLBUB | 199.04 |
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering: | 1090.90 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDG) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs 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. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. 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
Co-op students, Part-Time Students, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.
** The Georgian/Barrie Bus Pass Fee (SLBUB): All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering | Code | Amount |
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee | SORIB | 82.72 |
LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal | 1090.90 | |
Total | 1173.62 |
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) All Programs | Code | Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE) | Amount Per Half Course (0.5 FCE) |
Lakehead University Services Fees | |||
Student Recreation and Wellness | SATHG | 22.31 | 11.16 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMG | 5.00 | 2.50 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAG | 19.03 | 9.51 |
Lakehead Services Subtotal: | 46.34 | 23.17 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees | |||
LUSU Activity Fee | SLUSG | 31.20 | 15.60 |
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDG | 11.80 | 5.90 |
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students) | SWUSG | 1.40 | 0.70 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee | SCFSG | 4.03 | 2.02 |
LUSU Fees Subtotal: | 48.43 | 24.22 | |
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs: | 94.77 | 47.39 |