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Lakehead University

Thunder Bay , Thunder Bay ,Canada

Bioinformatics, Honours Bachelor of Science

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.

Campus Information

Thunder Bay

Orillia Campus

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

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.

PSW Opportunity

Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.

Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.

Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.

Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.

Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)
Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Applicants will be considered for admission provided they present one of the following certificates:
A State Higher Secondary Certificate awarded by a State Board of Higher Secondary Education or; 
India and Delhi Senior School Certificate awarded by the Central Board of Secondary Education or; 
Indian School Certificate awarded by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations
For applicants who are currently in-progress, please submit:

X level exam scores,
XI level final mark sheet, and
Mid-year or predicated XII results.

The DET is now being widely accepted across institutions in Canada given its reliability and flexibility for students to access the test even while socially distanced, ease to book without lengthy testing wait times, and fast delivery of results.
 
TEST

Minimum Score

TOEFL paper based

550 (with no component less than 50)

TOEFL computer based

213 (with no component less than 17)

TOEFL internet based

80 (with no component less than 19)

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)

MELAB - Michigan English Language Assessment Battery

85

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment

60