  In this work, we extend and apply effective field theory techniques to
systematically understand a subset of lattice artifacts which pollute the
lattice correlation functions for a few processes of physical interest. Where
possible, we compare to existing lattice QCD calculations. In particular, we
extend the heavy baryon Lagrangian to the next order in partially quenched
chiral perturbation theory and use it to compute the masses of the lightest
spin-1/2 and spin-3/2 baryons to next-to-next-to leading order. We then
construct the twisted mass chiral Lagrangian for baryons and apply it to
compute the lattice spacing corrections to the baryon masses simulated with
twisted mass lattice QCD.
  We extend computations of the nucleon electromagnetic structure to account
for finite volume effects, as these observables are particularly sensitive to
the finite extent of the lattice. We resolve subtle peculiarities for lattice
QCD simulations of polarizabilities and we show that using background field
techniques, one can make predictions for the 4 spin-dependent nucleon
polarizabilities, quantities which are difficult to access experimentally.
  We then discuss the two-pion system in finite volume, determining the
exponentially small volume corrections necessary for lattice determinations of
the scattering parameters. We also determine the lattice spacing artifacts that
arise for a mixed-action lattice simulation of the two-pion system with
Ginsparg-Wilson valence quarks and staggered sea quarks. We show that the
isospin 2 scattering length has a near continuum like behavior, differing from
the chiral perturbation theory calculation by a computable difference.
