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:
  • 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



  • Bioinformatics
    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
    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


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
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
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

2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) SABWF  99.00
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF139.43
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF95.14
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 388.57
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF59.00
LUSU Medical/DentalSMEDF *418.00
LUSU Bus PassSLBUS **252.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF156.00
Aboriginal Programming FeeSLRAB2.00
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF 0.50
Nanabijou FeeSLRNA5.00
Social Action FeeSLRSA2.00
SustainabilitySLRSU5.50
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SLRWU7.00
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) FeeSLCFS20.16
LU Radio FeeSRADF10.00
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 SORIE82.72
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)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den)SABWF19.80 9.90
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF27.8913.94
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF19.039.51
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: 77.7238.85
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF11.805.90
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF 31.2015.60
Aboriginal Programming Fee SLRAB0.400.20
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF0.100.05
 Nanabijou Fee SLRNA1.00  0.50
Social Action FeeSLRSA0.400.20
Sustainability FeeSLRSU1.100.55
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) FeeSLRWU1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSLCFS4.032.02
LU Radio FeeSRADF2.001.00
LUSU fees Subtotal: 53.4326.72
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 131.1565.57
    
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)SORIE82.7282.72
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 131.1565.57
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): 213.87148.28
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO111.56
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO95.14
Lakehead Services Subtotal 231.70
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO59.00
LUSU U-Pass Fee SLBUO152.25
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDO418.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO156.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSO20.16
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 FeeSORIO82.72
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total 1044.11
Total 1126.83
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount Per Course (1.0FCE)Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees
   
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO22.3111.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO19.039.51
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: 46.3423.17
Lakehead University Student Union Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO11.805.90
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO31.2015.60
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSCFSO4.032.02
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 48.4324.22
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): 94.7747.39
    
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students:   
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course)SORIO82.7282.72
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) 94.7747.39
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) 177.49130.11
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 WellnessSATHG107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG95.14
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 231.70
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDG418.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG156.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG59.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG20.16
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 660.16
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee **SLBUB199.04
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 FeeSORIB82.72
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 
SATHG22.3111.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG19.039.51
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 46.3423.17
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG31.2015.60
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG11.805.90
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG4.032.02
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 48.4324.22
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs:
 94.7747.39