BSc Honours Major Biology

You’ll gain practical skills through small class sizes, hands-on labs, and direct access to the Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab (LUIL), where you’ll operate research equipment yourself. The program’s location in the Boreal Forest means field trips and field schools are integrated into regular class hours, offering unique, local research opportunities.

Experiential highlights include:

• Laboratory courses: In cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, and genetics

• Fieldwork: In the Boreal Forest and local ecosystems

• Research assistantship and summer faculty research internships

• Independent research: With the use of the Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab (LUIL)

• Research project: In an Honours thesis with faculty supervision

• Data mapping and analysis: With Lakehead University–Geospatial Data Centre

• Applied and community-based research projects

• Use of specialist equipment: Such as the Biotechnology Laboratory for Enzymes and Bioproducts, Paleo-DNA Laboratory, and Aquatic Toxicity Research Centre

• Scientific presentations and group projects

• Co-op and work-integrated learning opportunities

Graduates of Lakehead University’s Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology Major) program are highly employable, moving into roles such as research biologist, laboratory technologist, environmental consultant, science educator, and conservation officer. Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or graduate research, reflecting the program’s strong reputation and practical focus.

Here’s how Lakehead specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Research: Small class sizes mean close mentorship and networking with faculty. Students gain hands-on experience in almost every course through labs and fieldwork, and can participate in faculty research projects ranging from ecology to biorefining. The Honours Thesis option allows you to design and conduct your own research project with direct faculty supervision.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While specific Lakehead data isn’t published, biology graduates in Canada typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings as you gain experience or further credentials.

• Industry Partnerships: Lakehead’s location in the Boreal Forest enables intensive local field trips and field schools, leveraging unique access to diverse ecosystems. The university’s community and industry connections help students secure summer jobs, internships, and research placements.

• Accreditation: The Honours BSc Biology is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and offers four areas of concentration: Animal Sciences, Biodiversity & Conservation, Plant Sciences, and Neuroscience, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students develop strong lab, field, and analytical skills, and have access to the Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab, where you learn to operate advanced scientific equipment themselves — an advantage for graduate school or science-based jobs.

Further Academic Progression: After your Honours BSc Biology at Lakehead, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) in Biology or related fields at Lakehead or other universities. The program also prepares you for entry into professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or education, supported by Lakehead’s strong academic and research environment.