phd biomedical engineering canada

• Engineering

Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering is a research-intensive program that immerses students in the application of biomedical sciences and engineering principles to advance solutions for challenges in human health. Students can be admitted to the PhD program through direct entry after completion of a bachelor’s degree or, alternatively, after the completion of a master’s degree. PhD students receive a guaranteed minimum stipend for four years.

Length of study

Four years (defined as the period for an academically well-prepared student to complete all program requirements while registered full-time).

Admission requirements

• Entry into PhD program after completion of a bachelor’s degree (i.e., direct entry) : A four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering, medicine, dentistry, physical sciences, or biological sciences, or its equivalent , with an average of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 grade point average scale (i.e., A minus) in the final two years of study from a recognized university ; or
• Entry into PhD program after completion of a master’s degree : A master’s degree in engineering, medicine, dentistry, physical sciences, or biological sciences, or its equivalent , with a cumulative average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 grade point average scale (i.e., B plus) from a recognized university .
• Proof of English-language proficiency is required for all applicants educated outside of Canada whose native language is not English. View the BME English-language requirement policy to determine whether you are required to take a language test and for a list of accepted testing agencies and their minimum scores required for admission.
• Applicants must find a BME faculty supervisor. ( NB : You do not need a supervisor at the time of application. However, admission is competitive and only candidates who have found and secured a research supervisor will be admitted to begin graduate studies.)
• MD/PhD candidates must apply through the MD program
• Possession of the minimum requirements for entry does not guarantee admission
• GRE score is not required

Application procedures

• Complete the online application (see requirements ) and pay the application fee
• Arrange for your English test score to be reported electronically to the University of Toronto by the testing agency if applicable. The institution code for U of T is 0982-00 (there is no need to specify a department)
• Contact the BME Graduate Office to identify your BME faculty supervisor

Rolling admission; multiple rounds with different enrollment capacity in each cycle

Tuition fees

Last updated: January, 2022

More information

What can I do with my degree? Read our alumni stories

Life at BME, from BME students

Learn about different research labs

Don't know how to approach a faculty? Listen to our podcasts

Sign up for an information webinar

Network with faculty

© 2024 Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering

• U of T Home
• Accessibility
• Student Data Practices
• Website Feedback

• Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

Biomedical Engineers apply their knowledge in engineering, biology, and medicine to healthcare and medical device industries. Biomedical Engineering is a distinct field that encompasses engineering disciplines, biology, life sciences, medicine, clinical applications, and the improvement of human health. Since 2006, our PhD program has trained students in the fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering, providing extensive research experience in biomechanics, biomaterials, biochemical processing, cellular engineering, imaging, medical devices, micro-electro-mechanical implantable systems, and physiological modeling, simulation, monitoring, and control, as well as medical robotics. Graduates continue on to PhD programs as well as research and development positions in industry and other institutions.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The Biomedical Engineering Program at UBC is a part of the School of Biomedical Engineering, which falls under both the Faculty of Applied Science and Faculty of Medicine. This unique interdisciplinary structure provides students with unparalleled access to engineering experts across varied Biomedical Engineering research areas at UBC. It emphasizes a balance of biomedical engineering and life science study with a focus on clinical and industrial application. Our graduates have gone on to become industry leaders, especially in the medical device industry, and provide a network of professionals within the community.

Biomedical Engineering at UBC is the only program in Canada to offer the Engineers in Scrubs (EiS) training program. The EiS program began as an NSERC-funded Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program designed to foster innovation in medical technology by training biomedical engineers in clinical environments. Students receive a significant portion of their training in hospital settings, and the program focuses on the medical technology innovation process. This program complements the research training of MASc and PhD students and allows them to work closely with medical professionals in identifying clinical problems and developing a solution.

I was particularly attracted to the applied and interdisciplinary nature of my program. I get to collaborate with surgeons, mechanical engineers, and computational experts in solving complex problems and, at the end of the day, can walk away with something tangible that we've created. The direct human impact associated with applied research is really important to me.

Emily Bliven

Quick Facts

Program Enquiries

Admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 93

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Property field_prog_lang_test_min

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior degree requirements.

Applicants to the BME program should normally hold a research master's degree in engineering or a closely-related degree with significant technical, analytical and mathematical components (e.g., physics, biophysics, chemistry, computer science). Students with degrees in other fields (e.g., life sciences, kinesiology, physical therapy) may be considered for the program if they have adequate technical preparation. In exceptional cases, applicants from Canadian or US institutions who hold a bachelor's degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to our doctoral degree program. Please see the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for more information. Applicants from international institutions will have specific minimum admission requirements established by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

2) Meet Deadlines

January 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Research highlights.

Recent research highlights include: Overdoes Detection Device, Surgical Screw Cover, Magnetic Drug Implant, Parkinson’s App Painless, and Inexpensive Microneedle System Non-Invasive Migraine Monitoring Technique

Research Focus

UBC Biomedical Engineering researchers work in a wide range of areas. Our main research themes include Cellular and Molecular Engineering (including Regenerative Medicine, Synthetic Biology, and Imumune Engineering); Imaging and Computational Biology (including AI & Multiscale Imaging, Bioinformatics/Systems Biology, and Computational Modeling & Automation); Human Interfacing Devices (including Therapeutic Delivery Systems & Nanodevices, Bionics & Bio-Sensors, Biomaterials, and Biomechanics/Injury Prevention).

We are now building capacity to increase research opportunities in areas of global importance including molecular and cellular engineering and synthetic biology, genomics and nano-devices, immune-engineering and advanced biomaterials, regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence and simulation systems with biomedical application, visualization and imaging from nanomolecular to physiological scales.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

The majority of PhD students are offered research assistantships (RAs) by faculty members. RAs are funded by research grants for specific projects which almost always constitute thesis projects. Although you will automatically be considered for an RA when submitting your online application, to successfully secure an RA appointment you are encouraged to make contact with a research supervisor. The number of RAs offered will vary depending on lab and research space as well as available funding.

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 28 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 28 students was $6,360.
• 55 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 55 students was $24,643.
• 6 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 6 students was $5,499.
• 61 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 61 students was $7,444.
• 12 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 12 students was $23,014.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

8 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 7 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

The PhD program in Biomedical Engineering is designed to prepare students for employment in the public or private sector, or to pursue further studies. Graduates find employment at academic institutions and in high level research and development positions in industry and other institutions. Recent graduates have gone on to work at BCIT, Phillips, and Precision Nanosystems. A burgeoning field, ample opportunities exist in the medical instrument industry, pharmaceutical/biochemical industry, hospitals, medical research facilities and educational institutions, and regulatory bodies, governments, and industry associations.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Abolmaesumi, Purang (Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information engineering; Medical and biomedical engineering; Artificial Intelligence; Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Technologies; Cancer Imaging; Computer Assisted Interventions; Image Guided Surgery; Machine Learning; Medical Imaging; Surgical Robotics; Ultrasound Imaging)
• Bacca, Mattia (Mechanical engineering; Medical and biomedical engineering; Solid Mechanics; Biophysics; Soft materials; Fracture Mechanics and Adhesion)
• Bamji, Shernaz (Medical and biomedical engineering; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; neurodevelopmental disease; primary neuronal cultures; synapse biology; transgenic mouse models)
• Bashashati Saghezchi, Ali (Bioinformatics; Medical and biomedical engineering; Artificial Intelligence; Computational Pathology; Cancer Genomics; Computational Biology; Digital Pathology; Image Processing; Machine Learning; Ovarian Cancer; Signal Processing; Multi-modal Learning)
• Blakney, Anna (Biomedical materials; Medical molecular engineering of nucleic acids and proteins; Gene and molecular therapy; Gene delivery; RNA; Biomaterials; Immunoengineering)
• Cembrowski, Mark Steven (Molecular neuroscience; Mathematical modelling and simulation; Mechanisms of memory in the brain; Anxiety; Big Data; Bioinformatics; Cell types; Computation; CRISPR-Cas9; Fear; Genetics; modeling; Neural circuits; neuroscience; Neuroscience of memory; PTSD; RNAseq)
• Cheung, Karen (Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information engineering; Medical and biomedical engineering; additive manufacturing; BioMEMS; Biomedical Technologies; biosensors; microfluidics; neural interfaces; organ-on-chip; Tissue Engineering)
• Chiao, Mu (MEMS, Micro Sensors, Micro Actuators, BioMEMS, Nanotechnology, Bioengineering, Electronic Packaging, Nanoscience, Energy sources for micro-electro-mechanical systems)
• Conway, Edward (Basic medicine and life sciences; coagulation; Innate immunity; Inflammation; vascular biologh)
• Cripton, Peter (Mechanical engineering; Medical and biomedical engineering; biomechanics; Cranio-Encephalic and Spinal Cord Trauma; hip fracture; injury prevention; Mechanical Systems; neurotrauma; Spinal cord injury; spine biomechanics; Trauma / Injuries; Traumatic Brain Injury; Sex Differences in Seat Belt Performance)
• de Boer, Carl (Gene regulation)
• Dumont, Guy A (biomedical engineering; automatic drug delivery; mobile health; global health; anesthesia; physiological monitoring;, Adaptive control, predictive control, control of distributed parameters systems, advanced process control, applications of wavelet analysis, biomedical applications of control, pulp and paper process control)
• Fels, S Sidney (Human computer interaction, human 3D biomechanical modeling, speech synthesis, medical applications of modeling, computer vision, interactive arts and music)
• Field, Thalia (stroke; Clinical trials; cerebral venous thrombosis; outcomes; cognition; Machine Learning)
• Garbi, Rafeef (Bioinformatics; Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information engineering; Medical and biomedical engineering; Artificial Intelligence; Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Technologies; Computer Vision; Deep Learning; image analysis; Imaging; Machine Learning; Medical Image Computing)
• Goerges, Matthias (Electronic health (e-Health); Health information systems (including surveillance); Expert systems technologies in artificial intelligence; Anesthesiology; Medical devices; Human-computer systems and interface; Bio-signal processing and analysis; Digital health; predictive analytics; decision support systems; Critical Care Medicine; Biomedical Technologies; Health Care Technologies; Human Computer Interaction and Design; Medical informatics; Software Development; patient-oriented research; Data sharing / open data)
• Grecov, Dana (Rheology, Rheometry, Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, Computational Fluid Mechanics, Liquid Crystals, Biolubricants, Lubricants, Journal Bearings, Multi-Phase Flow, Synovial Joints, Synovial Fluid, Arthrithis, Liquid crystals and nanomaterials, Biofluid Mechanics)
• Haas, Kurt (Medical and biomedical engineering; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Autism; Brain Circuit Development; Dendritogenesis; Epilepsy; Genetics of Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Neurological diseases; Neuronal Communication and Neurotransmission; Neuronal Computation; Neuronal Modeling; Neuronal Systems; Neuronal and Synaptic Activity; Plasticity / Neuronal Regeneration; Synaptic Plasticity)
• Hacihaliloglu, Ilker (Bio-signal processing and analysis; Medical biotechnology; Biomedical signal processing; Image guided surgery systems; Medical and biomedical engineering, n.e.c.; Data analytics and signal processing, n.e.c.; Artificial intelligence (AI); Extraction of relevant information from 3D medical images; Image Guided Surgery; computer assisted diagnosis; Deep Learning; point of care ultrasound; ultrasound image processing; Brain Health; orthopedic surgery; liver disease; lung disease; traumatic Brian injury; neurosurgery; Biomedical Engineering)
• Hodgson, Antony (Image guided surgery systems; computer assisted orthopaedic surgery; Medical Imaging; surgical navigation; orthopaedics; biomechanics; surgical robots; Image Processing; Machine Learning)
• Hoodless, Pamela (Computational cell biology; Cancer; Genomics; Medical and biomedical engineering; Nucleic acids studies; Developmental Genetics; Embryology; Embryonic Development; Epigenetics; Heart Valve / Valvular Diseases; Heart valve formation; Liver; Liver development; Stem Cells and Organogenesis; transcriptional regulation)
• Ju, Myeong Jin (Medical and biomedical engineering; algorithms for quantitatively imaging biological dynamics in human retina; cellular resolution functional retinal imaging systems; Medical Imaging; optical imaging systems; signal processing algorithms)
• Kaigala, Govind (enabling technologies for healthcare and life-sciences; new concepts and devices (liquid scanning probes) for manipulating biointerfaces)
• Karsan, Aly (Hematological tumours; Cancer molecular targets; Leukemia; Hematopoiesis; Genomics and epigenomics; Noncoding RNAs; Aging)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• High T-cell concentration bioprocessing for cell therapy manufacturing
• The interplay between gene regulatory networks and cell signaling: engineering the collective behaviour
• Flexible polymer-based capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (polyCMUTs) for conformal sonography
• Development of a microfluidic human airway-on-a-chip with cell-laden hydrogel for studying aerosol inhalation exposure with application demonstrated using whole wood smoke
• Biomaterials-mediated blood stem cell engineering
• Towards improving prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment with shear wave absolute vibro-elastography and automatic low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy planning
• Process parameter development for the scaled generation of stem cell-derived pancreatic endocrine cells
• Improving data acquisition from 3-D microtissues in image-based cancer drug screening
• An integrated system for ultrasound-based surgical navigation of iliosacral screws
• Development of polarization speckle methods for clinical melanoma evaluation
• Engineering the thymic niche for T-cell differentiation from stem cells
• Management of noncompressible truncal hemorrhage with injectable self-dispersing hemostatic formulations
• Bioprocess engineering of cell encapsulation
• Quantification of femoroacetabular impingement and its contribution to hip pain

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering (MEng)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Engineering

Further Information

Specialization.

Biomedical Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that involves the application of engineering techniques and technologies to medical and healthcare areas. Opportunities for interdisciplinary education and research exist in areas such as biomechanics, biomaterials, biochemical processing, cellular engineering, imaging, medical devices, micro-electro-mechanical implantation systems, physiological modelling, simulation, monitoring and control, as well as medical robotics.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Yas Oloumi Yazdi

I had completed my undergraduate degree at UBC. I was familiar with the campus and the city. My family also lives in Vancouver and being able to stay close to them while studying at one of the top engineering schools in the world with such a beautiful campus seemed like the ideal and obvious choice.

Ahmed Kabil

UBC is a wonderful university with so much to offer! Its reputation for academic excellence is truly outstanding, and Vancouver is a stunning location to study in. The community at UBC is incredibly diverse and inclusive, providing so many opportunities for research, leadership, and extracurricular...

Neha Suvindran

I was drawn to the unique Engineers in Scrubs (EiS) Program offered at UBC. It is a one-of-a-kind program in which graduate students get to work alongside clinicians and stakeholders to solve real-world healthcare problems. Moreover, my supervisor Prof. Peyman Servati is the director of STITCH (...

Omar Bashth

UBC has a very strong stem cell community that fosters great collaborations between labs and institutes. I am excited and privileged to be close to this community to learn and contribute to the science.

Considering UBC for your graduate studies?

Here, you can choose from more than 300 graduate degree program options and 2000+ research supervisors. You can even design your own program.

• Why Grad School at UBC?
• Application & Admission
• Info Sessions
• Research Projects
• Indigenous Students
• International Students
• Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
• Newly Admitted
• Student Status & Classification
• Student Responsibilities
• Supervision & Advising
• Managing your Program
• Health, Wellbeing and Safety
• Professional Development
• Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
• Final Doctoral Exam
• Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
• Life in Vancouver
• Vancouver Campus
• Graduate Student Spaces
• Graduate Life Centre
• Life as a Grad Student
• Graduate Student Ambassadors
• Meet our Students
• Award Opportunities
• Award Guidelines
• Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
• Killam Awards & Fellowships
• Policies & Procedures
• Information for Supervisors
• Dean's Message
• Leadership Team
• Strategic Plan & Priorities
• Vision & Mission
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Initiatives, Plans & Reports
• Graduate Education Analysis & Research
• Media Enquiries
• Newsletters
• Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

• Strategic Plan 2019-2024
• Improving Student Funding
• Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
• Enhancing Graduate Supervision
• Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
• Supporting Student Development and Success
• Reimagining Graduate Education
• Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

• Public Scholars Initiative
• 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
• PhD Career Outcomes
• Great Supervisor Week

The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More

University of Manitoba

University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2

Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

Our mission is to integrate science, engineering and medicine by bringing together many different disciplines in a unique collaboration to improve human health and enrich the educational experience of students. We educate our students in the fundamentals of science, engineering and medicine, and train them to carry their scientific expertise and engineering skills from the research labs to the actual world of medical technologies, and also to bring clinical insights from the patients back to the research laboratories.

Program details

Admission requirements.

• Price Faculty of Engineering • Rady Faculty of Health Sciences • Faculty of Science • Faculty of Graduate Studies

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Expected Duration

Professors and researchers.

Our faculty members are decorated professors and researchers from many faculties and departments across the University of Manitoba, including engineering, medicine, computer science, physics, kinesiology, radiology, pharmacology, neuroscience/neurosurgery, pathophysiology, chemistry, psychology, dentistry, anatomy/cell sciences, oncology and occupational therapy.

Many of our faculty members are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in their respective research areas.

Research, labs and facilities

The biomedical engineering program conducts award-winning research in Alzheimer’s, dementia, nuclear medicine, infectious disease, computational biomechanics, prosthetics, ehealth/mobile networks, high-resolution imaging, instrumentation and macro/nanoencapsulation of bioactive agents. Our program’s faculty and students have also been recognized for their work with pharmacology, spectrochemical imaging, artificial intelligence, immersive simulators, statistics, epilepsy/sleep and spinal neuronal networks.

Our labs and research facilities are located on the university’s Fort Garry campus and other locations within the university’s affiliated hospitals across Manitoba.

Funding and awards

Funding and awards are available for qualifying Canadian and international students.

Expected duration: 4 years

Tuition and fees:  Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees .)

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering consists of coursework and a substantial research component. A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 7000 level or higher is required. Students from engineering backgrounds normally have to take anatomy and physiology. Students from science backgrounds should not enroll in anatomy and physiology. In addition, all biomedical engineering PhD students are required to attend seminars, in which students present their research to, and learn from, their colleagues in the program.

In addition to coursework, students must present, submit and defend a comprehensive thesis that constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of study.

Sample course offerings

• BME 7012: Foundation of Physiology
• BME 7022: Biomedical Instrumentation
• BME 7024: Basics of Electromagnetic
• BME 7026: Basics of Biological Signal Analysis
• BME 7028: Basics of Biomechanics
• BME 7040: Biomedical Ethics

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar .

Qualification for admission to the PhD in Biomedical Engineering program is contingent on first receiving tentative acceptance from a faculty advisor who will accept you into their research group.

To qualify for admission to the PhD in Biomedical Engineering program, you must normally have completed a master's-level degree from a faculty of engineering, health sciences or science or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from a recognized university.

In addition, the following pre-requisite courses are required prior to an offer of admission:

• MATH 1210: Linear Algebra
• MATH 1510: Calculus 01
• PHYS 1050: Physics 01

Individual research groups and programs may require additional degrees, credentials, pre-requisites and/or more specific degree requirements.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies .

How to apply

Before submitting an application for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, you must first find a faculty advisor who will accept you into their research group. Be sure to follow the complete instructions for gaining tentative acceptance from an advisor provided on the biomedical engineering page.

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering accepts applications for Fall, Winter and Summer admission. Applications are submitted online and must include the following before they will be reviewed by the admissions committee:

• $100 application fee (non-refundable)
• Uploaded copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
• Proof of English language proficiency , if required

Please note: Students applying directly from a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program must hold a passing grade in a minimum of 18 credit hours of courses at the 7000 level.

Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for City Planning reviews applications in March.

Winter applications are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Design and Planning reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Interior Design reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Landscape Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Anthropology reviews applications in March/April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applications open September 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications open   up to 18 months prior  to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for History reviews applications in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications open July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  Committee basis . The Committee for German and Slavic Studies reviews applications in February/March.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis .

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Management reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physical Therapy reviews applications in April / May.

Applications open  August 1 of the year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Program currently undergoing review, applications will not be opening at this time.

Select Preventive Dental Science in the Program drop-down on the application form.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Education reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed after the deadline, with decisions issued in March - April.

Currently not accepting applications to this program.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. Applications received by the March 1 deadline for a September start-date will receive first consideration for any available funding. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for any available funding, please contact the department for further information.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Human Rights reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Law reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing (MN) reviews applications in April / May.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing PhD reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee reviews applications as per the timelines noted below each table.

Winter applications reviewed in October Summer applications reviewed in February Fall applications reviewed in June

Winter applications reviewed in June Summer applications reviewed in October Fall applications reviewed in February

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. This includes having the support of a faculty supervisor before you apply.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Natural Resources Management reviews applications in March - June.

After the annual application deadline (see below), applications are reviewed on a committee basis by the Faculty of Social Work internal admissions committee. Once this process is complete, decisions are sent to all applicants in March / April. 

Applications open  July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Social Work reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Music reviews Fall term applications in December / January, and Winter term applications in July.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Occupational Therapy reviews applications in May / June.

Master of Occupational Therapy regular program  applications open September 15 of the year prior to deadline .

Master of Occupational Therapy accelerated program  applications open October 1  of the year prior to deadline .

The name of your confirmed supervisor is required at the time of application. To identify a prospective thesis research supervisor on your application, please  contact Immunology Faculty members .

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Community Health Sciences reviews applications in March / April.

The name of your preferred supervisor is required at time of application.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Students selected for in-person interview will be notified in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physician Assistant Studies reviews applications in April.

Offers of admission will be released to successful applicants on May 17, 2024 from the University of Manitoba Master of Physician Assistant Studies, the same day as the University of Toronto BScPA Program and McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program. The three institutions are pleased to provide applicants their offers on the same day to help with the decision-making process.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pharmacology and Therapeutics reviews applications one month after the application deadline.

Applications for Pathology MSc are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications for Pathologist Assistant are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pathologist Assistant reviews applications in April / May. 

The Pathologist Assistant program only admits Canadian and US students every two years. The Fall 2023 intake has been suspended. The next intake is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2025.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Statistics reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Biological Sciences reviews applications one month after deadline.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Indigenous Studies reviews applications in February and June.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. For those who wish to be considered for scholarships, applications must be received by January 15 of the year in which you're seeking admission.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions Committee for Applied Human Nutrition reviews applications in February.

Les demandes d’admission sont évaluées par un comité . Le comité d’admission évalu les demandes durant les mois de Mars et Avril.  

Les demandes peut être surmise jusqu’à concurrence de 18 mois avant le début de premier trimestre.

Toute demande d’admission en ligne doit être déposée, avec documents à l’appui, au plus tard aux dates indiquées.

Soumettre ou continuer votre application

Engineering research

Learn about the key areas of research in biomedical engeineering and across the Price Faculty of Engineering.

Tuition and fees

Learn about tuition and fee requirements for graduate studies at UM.

Scholarships and awards

Engineering graduate students are eligible for program- and faculty-specific as well as university-wide funding opportunities.

Academic Calendar

Explore program requirements and detailed descriptions for required and elective courses throughout the biomedical engineering graduate programs.

Explore the Price Faculty of Engineering

As the oldest engineering school in Western Canada and home to nearly 20 unique programs of study across multiple engineering disciplines, the University of Manitoba's Price Faculty of Engineering is a premier centre of engineering research and education in the prairies.

• Programs of study
• Student experience
• Community and partners

Explore the Faculty of Graduate Studies

Discovery happens here. Join the graduate students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world. They are drawn to the University of Manitoba because it offers the opportunity to do transformational research.

• Funding, awards and financial aid
• Graduate student experience

Keep exploring

Discover more programs

With over 140 graduate programs across multiple faculties, schools and colleges, the University of Manitoba offers more learning, teaching and research opportunities than any other post-secondary institution in the province.

• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSc)
• Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering (MSc)
• PhD in Biosystems Engineering

Join the students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world.

What it's like to be a UM student

Be adventurous, challenge yourself and make a difference.

Opportunities for Indigenous students

Experience a world-class education in the heart of Canada.

Why international students study with us

We offer state of the art facilities with 140 years of history.

Our campuses

Admission and application inquiries.

Faculty of Graduate Studies Room 500 UMSU University Centre 65 Chancellors Circle University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

[email protected] Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Price Faculty of Engineering Room E2-290 Engineering & Information Technology Complex 15 Gillson St. University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6

[email protected] Phone:  204-474-9809 Fax: 204-275-3773

• My UCalgary
• Class Schedule
• UCalgary Directory
• Continuing Education
• Active Living
• Academic Calendar
• UCalgary Maps
• Close Faculty Websites List Viewing: Faculty Websites
• Cumming School of Medicine
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Kinesiology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Nursing (Qatar)
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Work
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Haskayne School of Business
• School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
• School of Public Policy

Schulich School of Engineering

• Werklund School of Education
• Future Students
• Explore programs
• How to apply
• Understanding graduate studies
• Indigenous graduate students
• Financing grad school
• International students
• Graduate Student life
• Current Students
• Indigenous Graduate Students
• Newly Admitted
• Graduate Orientation
• Pre-arrival
• Registration
• Annual Registration
• Concurrent Registration
• Flexible Grading Option (CG Grade)
• Confirmation of registration
• Course registration
• Leave of absence
• Registration status
• Studying at another university
• Updating personal information (included preferred name)
• Thesis-based students

Fees and funding

• Understanding your fees
• Paying your fees
• Funding options
• Payment plan
• Supervision
• Best practices and guidelines
• Conflict of interest
• Changing supervision
• Academic integrity
• Annual progress report
• Intellectual property
• Building a thesis
• Submit your thesis
• Conducting oral exams remotely
• Thesis defence
• Course-based Students
• Academic Integrity
• Sources of funding
• Payment Plan
• NEW: Term-Based Registration
• Completing my degree
• Important dates and resources
• Forms and documents
• Service Requests and eForms
• News, updates and events
• Find your Graduate Program Administrator
• Calendar Archives
• Award Opportunities
• Graduate Awards Database
• Award opportunities
• Doctoral Recruitment Scholarships
• Award Guide
• Step 1: Applying
• Looking for awards
• Eligibility
• Preparing your application
• Step 2: Receiving
• Accept/Decline your award
• Getting paid
• Step 3: Managing your award
• Renewing your award
• Award interruption
• Award Termination
• Policies and Regulations
• Regulations
• Contact the Scholarship Office
• My GradSkills
• Academic Success
• My GradSkills Partners
• Communication Skills
• Research Communications Feedback Sessions
• Oral communication
• Visual communication
• Written communication
• Experiential Learning
• Internships
• For employers
• For graduate students
• Finding an internship
• Making your internship a TTI
• Applying for a TTI
• For graduate supervisors
• Images of Research
• Three Minute Thesis
• 2024 UCalgary 3MT Finalists
• 2024 3MT Finals' Hosts and Judges
• Past Three Minute Thesis Videos
• Workshops and Resources
• Career planning and professional development resources
• My GradSkills Calendar
• My GradSkills Workshop Matrix
• Online/Virtual Training
• UCalgary Alumni Mentorship Program
• Exceptional scholars
• What I wish I knew
• FGS Services
• Supervisory Renewal
• Supports for graduate students
• Graduate Academic and International Specialists
• Graduate supervisors
• Thesis and candidacy exams
• Supervisor resources
• Maintaining your supervisor profile
• Supervisory privileges
• Leadership team
• FGS Council
• Committees of Council
• Minutes and meetings
• Website Feedback

Biomedical Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

The Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program doctoral degree offers an in-depth focus on cutting-edge research that prepares graduates for work in industry, academia or government. Areas of application range from prevention and healthy aging to improved diagnostics, as well as technologies for better therapeutics. The degree is part of an interdisciplinary program aimed at students with backgrounds in areas such as engineering, kinesiology, physical sciences, medicine, or life sciences. Students gain hands-on experience at various active university and hospital-based research centres. Areas of study include biomechanics, medical imaging, cell and tissue engineering, as well as biomedical instrumentation.

Completing this program

• BME Foundations Course: Students will study core concepts in biomedical engineering, selecting between a biology or engineering focus.
• Additional Courses: May be chosen from across a wide range of faculties, in areas related to the student’s research topic, which may include medical imaging, biomechanics, cellular and molecular engineering, statistics, bioelectrical engineering, among others.
• Research Project and Candidacy Requirements: Students prepare a written research proposal and must complete an oral Thesis Proposal Evaluation and an oral Field of Study Exam.
• BME Core I and II Courses: Topics may include biomedical engineering research, ethics, careers paths, research skills, methodology or other areas.
• Medical Imaging Specialization: Requires three courses in Medical Imaging in addition to core program requirements.
• Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Specializations

• Medical Imaging Interdisciplinary Specialization
• Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Interdisciplinary Specialization
• Wearable Technology Interdisciplinary Specialization
• Computational Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Specialization

Academia; research and development and leadership positions in industries such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals; patent law; governmental regulatory and healthcare agencies.

A PhD in biomedical engineering is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Two courses, and more for students without biomedical engineering MSc

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research and fund the student before the student will be granted admission

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.

Maryam Badv

Philip Barber

John EA Bertram

Steven Boyd

Colin Dalton

Jeroen De Buck

Hector De la Hoz Siegler

Elena Di Martino

Antoine Dufour

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A four-year baccalaureate degree and a Master of Science (thesis) degree or equivalent in engineering, science, kinesiology or equivalent, from a recognized institution.

Work samples

Reference letters, test scores, supervision and funding.

Students can only be accepted upon identification of one or more approved Biomedical Graduate Engineering Program supervisors who are willing to supervise and fund the applicant.

English language proficiency (ELP)

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iB T including TOEFL iBT Home Edition)  minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 180.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 59 or higher
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  minimum of B+ in each course.
• Duolingo English Test  obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). ( temporary until Fall 2024 intake )

For admission on September 1:

• Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by June 1 
• International (students with international transcripts)- apply by March 1 

For admission on January 1:

• Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by Oct. 1 
• International (students with international transcripts)- apply by July 1

For admission on May 1:

• Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by Feb. 1 
• International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Nov. 1

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of biomedical engineering.

Schulich School of Engineering, ENB 202 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 1N4 403.220.3835

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Schulich School of Engineering's website

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Thesis-based MSc

Thesis-based PhD

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biological sciences, biomedical technology.

Course-based MBT

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences

Chemical and petroleum engineering.

Thesis-based MEng

Course-based MEng

Course-based MEng (Petroleum only)

Course-based MSc

Civil Engineering

Course-based MEng

Thesis-based MEng

Thesis-based MSc

Computer Science

Electrical and computer engineering.

Course-based MEng (Software)

Geomatics Engineering

Kinesiology.

Course-based MKin

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Medical science, neuroscience.

Course-based Cert

Course-based Diploma

Course-based MN

Course-based MN/NP

Thesis-based MN

Physics and Astronomy

Veterinary medicine, curious about the university of calgary.

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

Main navigation

• Graduate programs
• How to apply
• Research & supervision
• Student experience
• Connect with us

The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Biological and Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biological and Biomedical Engineering offered by the Department of Bioengineering (Faculty of Engineering) and Biomedical Engineering (Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences) is a research-intensive program that emphasizes stimulating and hands-on learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in critical thinking, knowledge synthesis, and research design to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Keywords: medical diagnostics, therapeutics, biomedical engineering, modelling, signals, systems, and sensors, imaging, microscopy, bioninformatics, compuational biology; cellular and tissue engineering; biomaterials, machine learning.

Unique Program Features

• The program provides students with advanced training in the interdisciplinary application of methods, paradigms, technologies, and devices from engineering and the natural sciences to problems in biology, medicine, and the life sciences;
• The program will focus in an area of choice while integrating quantitative concepts and engineering tools for the study of life sciences and/or for patient care;
• Faculty members conduct research in various areas including artificial cells and organs, bioinformatics, computational biology, and biocomputation, biological materials and mechanics, biomedical imaging and microscopy, biomedical modelling, biomedical sensors, diagnostics, and therapeutics, biomedical signals and systems, biomolecular and cellular engineering, bioprocess engineering, micro- and nano-bioengineering, systems and synthetic biology;
• Admitted students are guaranteed funding for several years;
• Graduates pursue careers in academia, industry, hospitals and government.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Biological and Biomedical Engineering website

Department Contact

Graduate Program info.bbme [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20BBME) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

School of Graduate Studies

Biomedical engineering, program overview.

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) offers facilities for research in biomedical engineering and for three educational programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees: the Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Engineering (MEng), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) .

Biomedical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that integrates engineering and biology/medicine. It uses methods, principles, and tools of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics to solve problems in the medical and life sciences for the study of living systems; the enhancement and replacement of those systems; the design and construction of systems to measure basic physiological parameters; the development of instruments, materials, and techniques for biological and medical practice; and the development of artificial organs and other medical devices. By its nature, the majority of the institute’s work is interdisciplinary.​

Quick Facts

Master of applied science, program description.

The Master of Applied Science (MASc) program is a research-stream, thesis-based program which provides a strong academic foundation for students who want to become immersed in the discipline of biomedical engineering. This program is designed to offer students challenging and rewarding research opportunities within the context of using engineering principles to enhance the quality of our health-care system.

The MASc program is offered in the fields of 1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; and 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the institute’s additional admission requirements stated below.

A bachelor's degree in dentistry, engineering, medicine, or one of the physical or biological sciences from a recognized university with a minimum academic standing of mid-B or 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in the final two years of study or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

Coursework. The program normally comprises at least 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

Two of the following (1.0 FCE):

BME1477H Biomedical Engineering Project Design and Execution (0.5 FCE)

BME1478H Coding for Biomedical Engineers (0.5 FCE)

BME1479H Statistical Discovery Techniques for Biomedical Researchers (0.5 FCE)

Two half-course electives relevant to the student's area of research (1.0 FCE).

Students must participate in:

Either BME1010H or BME1011H Graduate Seminar series (0.0 FCE).

JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE).

Health and safety training workshops.

Successful completion of a research thesis in at least one of the biomedical engineering research fields: 1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; and 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

3 years full-time

​Master of Engineering​

The Master of Engineering (MEng) program is an accelerated, professional program with a focus on the design and commercialization of biomedical devices. Students will have the opportunity to take on applied design challenges and meet the growing demands of this industry through a four-month practical experience through internships, research projects, or practical course activities.

The MEng program is offered in the fields of 1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; and 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation.

The MEng program can be taken on a full-time, extended full-time, or part-time basis.

Full-Time Option

• Applicants ​are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy IBME’s additional admission requirements stated below.
• ​A four-year bachelor's degree in engineering, medicine, dentistry, or one of the physical or biological sciences from a recognized university, with at least a mid-B average (3.0 grade point average [GPA]) in the final two years of study or over senior-level courses.
• ​At least 2.0 FCEs in biomedical engineering courses; these include all BME and joint BME course offerings.
• At least 1.0 FCE in commercialization and entrepreneurship courses such as BME1800H, BME1801H, BME1802H, and BME1405H. Completion of either BME1800H or BME1801H is required for graduation.
• A 1.0 FCE Practical Experience in Applied Research course in biomedical device development, usually over one session for a full-time placement (BME1899Y) or over three sessions for a part-time placement (BME1898Y). The placement must be in at least one of the following biomedical engineering research fields: 1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; or 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation. The practical experience course can be taken in academic research and teaching laboratories, government institutions, health-care facilities, in the industry, or in health-care consulting firms.
• The remaining 1.0 FCE can be two half courses in either biomedical engineering, commercialization and entrepreneurship, or any graduate-level course the student is interested in.
• All courses must be at the graduate level, which includes both 500- and 1000-level. Students can take a maximum of one 500-level course.
• Health and safety training workshops.​
• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE);​ or Forensic Engineering as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Biomedical Engineering MEng Emphases section.

3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Extended Full-Time Option

6 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Part-Time Option

9 sessions part-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S/F/W/S)

Emphasis: Engineering and Globalization (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete four half courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) from the following lists, with at least two half courses (or one full course) taken from Group A.

APS510H1, APS530H1, APS1420H, JCR1000Y (full-year course).

APS1015H, APS1020H, APS1024H, CHL5700H, CIV1399H.

Note: Students who choose to pursue an MEng project in their home department that aligns with the Centre for Global Engineering (CGEN)'s disciplinary focus, as deemed by the CGEN Director, may count the project as one required Group B course.

Students who complete the requirements of the emphasis in Engineering and Globalization and wish to obtain a notation on their transcript should contact the Faculty Graduate Studies office .

Emphasis: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE) (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete any four of the following courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) :

TEP1010H, TEP1011H, TEP1026H, TEP1027H, TEP1029H, TEP1030H, TEP1501H, TEP1502H, TEP1601H.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

APS511H1, APS1012H, APS1013H, APS1015H, APS1023H, APS1033H, APS1035H, APS1036H, APS1041H, APS1061H, APS1088H.

Finance and Management

AER1601H, APS500H1, APS502H1, APS1001H, APS1004H, APS1005H, APS1009H, APS1016H, APS1017H, APS1020H, APS1022H, APS1028H, APS1032H, APS1038H, APS1039H, APS1040H, APS1043H, APS1049H, APS1050H, APS1051H, APS1052H.

Engineering and Society

APS510H1, APS1018H, APS1024H, APS1025H, APS1031H, APS1034H, APS1101H, APS1420H.

Emphasis: Forensic Engineering (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete four courses (one core course and three elective courses; 2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) .

Core Course

MSE1031H Forensic Engineering .

Elective Courses

AER1604H, APS1034H, APS1039H, APS1040H, APS1101H, BME1480H, BME1800H, BME1801H, BME1802H, CHE561H, CHE568H, CHE1213H, CHE1431H, CHE1432H, CHE1434H, CHE1436H, CIV510H1, CIV518H1, CIV1163H, CIV1171H, CIV1174H, CIV1190H, CIV1201H, CIV1279H, CIV1282H, CIV1422H, CIV1429H, JMB1050H, JNC2503H, MIE507H, MIE533H, MIE566H, MIE1301H, MIE1303H, MIE1411H, MIE1414H, MIE1514H, MIE1616H, MIE17108H, MIE1714H, MIE1721H, MIE1723H, MIE1727H, MIE1804H, MSE1015H, MSE1016H, MSE1022H, MSE1032H, MSE1067H.

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD program offers courses and a strong research thesis component. Students emerge from this program ready to pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry, and government. Students with a particular interest in conducting biomedical engineering research with a primary clinical focus may pursue a field in clinical engineering within the Biomedical Engineering PhD program.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master's degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc or MHSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of an appropriate bachelor's degree.

1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation

Phd program.

Applicants must have a master's degree in dentistry, engineering, medicine, or one of the physical or biological sciences with an overall average of at least B+ (3.3 grade point average [GPA]) from a recognized university.

Coursework. Normally, students must complete at least 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) including:

BME1477H Biomedical Engineering Project Design and Execution (0.5 FCE);

BME1478H Coding for Biomedical Engineers (0.5 FCE); or

BME1479H Statistical Discovery Techniques for Biomedical Researchers (0.5 FCE).

Students are also expected to pursue a thesis topic relevant to at least one of the following Biomedical Engineering research fields: 1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; and 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation.

Within 12 months of registration, students must pass a qualifying examination covering the broad field of biomedical engineering appropriate to their background.

Successful completion of a thesis , representing an original investigation in biomedical engineering.

Students will continue to meet with their supervisory committee at least once every 12 months until recommendation for the departmental oral examination is made. On the recommendation of the supervisory committee and special approval from their department Graduate Chair or Coordinator, candidates have the opportunity to waive the departmental oral examination and proceed directly to the Doctoral Final Oral Examination .

Either BME1010H or BME1011H Graduate Seminar series (0.0 FCE);

JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE);

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer requirements.

Highly qualified master’s students (MHSc students in Clinical Engineering or MASc students in any field) may be considered for transfer into the PhD program in any of the five fields. MAsc and MHsc students who transfer to a PhD must fulfil the admission requirements listed under the specific field of the PhD program they are transferring to.

Program Requirements for MASc Transfer Students

Coursework. Students who transfer from the MASc program in Biomedical Engineering must complete the total course requirements for both degrees: 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) at the master’s level plus 1.0 FCE at the PhD level, for a total of 3.0 FCEs.

Students must complete two of the following (1.0 FCE):

Elective courses relevant to the student's area of research (2.0 FCEs).

Program Requirements for MHSc Transfer Students

Coursework. Students who transfer from the MHSc program in Biomedical Engineering must complete the total course requirements for both degrees: 4.0 FCEs at the master's level plus 1.0 FCE at the PhD level, for a total of 5.0 FCEs .

BME1405H Clinical Engineering Instrumentation I (0.5 FCE) and BME1436H Clinical Engineering Surgery (0.5 FCE).

BME1479H Statistical Discovery Techniques for Biomedical Researchers (0.5 FCE);

BME4444Y Practical Experience Course (1.0 FCE) in health-care facilities, the medical device industry, or health-care consulting firms. The practical experience course must total a minimum of 625 hours.

All PhD Students

Students are expected to pursue a thesis topic relevant to at least one of the following Biomedical Engineering research fields: 1) Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; 2) Engineering in a Clinical Setting; 3) Nanotechnology, Molecular Imaging and Systems Biology; and 4) Neural/Sensory Systems and Rehabilitation.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Direct entry with a bachelor's degree may be considered in exceptional cases. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in dentistry, engineering, medicine, or one of the physical or biological sciences.

Coursework. Normally, students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

Field: Clinical Engineering

Effective January 2021, admissions to this field have been administratively suspended.

If a student does not have a formal degree in clinical engineering, 0.5 FCE from one of the BME clinical engineering courses (BME1405H, BME1436H, BME1439H, or BME4444Y) is required. A student who possesses protracted professional engineering experience (five or more years) will be exempt from this requirement.

Students must (1) conduct their research in a clinical environment and (2) be co-supervised by both engineering and health science faculty. The primary supervisor must be BME-appointed; however, the co-supervisor could be from a clinical unit other than BME but must be appointed to SGS.

Highly qualified master’s students (MHSc students in Clinical Engineering or MASc students in any field) may be considered for transfer into the PhD program in any of the five research fields. To be eligible to transfer to the PhD, Clinical Engineering MHSc students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) within the MHSc curriculum.

MHSc students who transfer to the PhD in the field of Clinical Engineering must fulfil the PhD program requirements listed below. MHSc students who transfer to the other PhD fields must fulfil the program requirements of the PhD field as described in the applicable section.

Students in the Clinical Engineering field must (1) conduct their research in a clinical environment and (2) be co-supervised by both engineering and health science faculty. The primary supervisor must be BME-appointed; however, the co-supervisor could be from a clinical unit other than BME but must be appointed to SGS.

Programs and courses

• Future students
• Support uOttawa
• Brightspace

Doctorate in Philosophy Biomedical Engineering

• Degree offered: Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• within four years
• Academic units:  Faculty of Engineering ,  School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science ,  Department of Mechanical Engineering ,  Department of Chemical Engineering ,  Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biomedical Engineering .

Program Description

Ottawa-Carleton Joint Program

Established in 2006, the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME) combines the teaching and research strengths of many academic units across the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. 

Graduate education in biomedical engineering is multidisciplinary, and it combines the teaching and research input of seven primary participating academic units at:

University of Ottawa :

• Department of Mechanical Engineering (MCG)
• School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)
• Department of Chemical Engineering (CHG)

Carleton University :

• Department of Systems and Computer Engineering
• Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• School of Computer Science
• Department of Physics

Research facilities are shared between the two campuses. Students have access to the professors, courses and facilities at both universities; however, they must enroll at the “home university” of their thesis supervisor if they are enrolled in the MASc option, or of their project supervisor if they are enrolled in the MEng with project/internship.

Main Areas of Research

The Institute benefits from the expertise of a number of prominent medical researchers and well established University of Ottawa medical research units including : the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Ottawa Eye Institute. In addition to the participating academic units listed above, a number of others are involved in the program through the research activities of some of their faculty members, or through graduate courses that may be taken as electives by students in the program.

Members of the Institute are engaged in five main research fields:

• Medical instrumentation
• Biomedical image processing
• Biomechanics and biomaterials
• Medical informatics
• Telemedecine

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Applied Science Biomedical Engineering Specialization in Bioinformatics (MASc)
• Master of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Concentration in Clinical Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Engineering Biomedical Engineering (MEng)

Fees and Funding

• Program fees

The estimated amount for  university fees  associated with this program are available under the section  Finance your studies .

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a  differential tuition fee exemption .

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the  Awards and financial support  section.
• Programs are governed by the  general regulations  in effect for graduate studies and by the general regulations of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME).
• In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.
• Research activities can be conducted either in English, French or both, depending on the language used by the professor and the members of his or her research group.

Program Contact Information

Graduate Studies Office, Faculty of Engineering STE 1024 800 King Edward Ave. Ottawa ON Canada K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5347 Fax.: 613-562-5129 Email: [email protected]

Twitter | Faculty of Engineering Facebook | Faculty of Engineer

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Hold a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline with a minimum average of 75% (B+).

Note: International candidates must check the  admission equivalencies  for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Demonstrate a good academic research performance.
• We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible.
• To enroll, you need to have been accepted by a thesis supervisor.
• The supervisor’s name is required at the time of application.
• The choice of research supervisor will determine the primary campus location of the student. It will also determine which university awards the degree

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Language tests recognized by the University of Ottawa:

• TOEFL: 550 (Paper-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based); or
• IELTS: Overall 6.5 – Individual 5.0 (Paper-based or internet-based); or
• An  equivalent language test .

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the  general regulations  in effect for graduate studies and by the general regulations of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME).
• Research facilities are shared between the two campuses. Students have access to the professors, courses and facilities at both universities.

Documents Required for Admission

In addition to the  documents required  for graduate and postdoctoral studies, candidates must submit the following documents:

• A statement of purpose

Letter outlining your professional goals and proposed research area.

• Two confidential letters of recommendation from professors who have known you and are familiar with your work.

You are strongly encouraged to contact your referee(s) prior to submitting your application in order to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.

• You must submit official transcripts from all the universities you have attended. This applies to all courses and programs at any university you attended, including regular programs (completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a special student or visiting student, etc.
• If the transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, a certified translation (signed and stamped/sealed) must be submitted.
• A  preference form

Note: Documents that are not required for admission will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the master’s program in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program without writing a master’s thesis, provided the following conditions are met:

• Achieved an 80% (A-) average in their last two years of undergraduate studies
• Completion of 5 graduate courses (15 units) with a grade of A- or better in each;
• Satisfactory progress in the research program;
• Written recommendation from the supervisor and the thesis advisory committee;
• Approval by the graduate studies committee.

Note: The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrolment in the master’s. Following transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

Students must meet the following requirements:

The Department may require students to take additional courses depending on their backgrounds.

Students may register for elective courses at either University of Ottawa or Carleton University with the approval of the OCIBME director or associate director.

Successful completion of the comprehensive examination before the end of the fourth term of registration.

 A written thesis proposal and oral examination to take place before the end of the sixth term of registration.

Students are responsible for ensuring they have met all of the  thesis requirements . The thesis must be based on original research carried out under the direct supervision of a research faculty member in the Department.

Minimum Requirements

The passing grade in all courses is B.

Students who fail 6 units, the thesis proposal, the comprehensive exam, the thesis, or whose progress is deemed unsatisfactory must withdraw from the program.

Research Fields & Facilities

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.

uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Development in Research (SADRs):

• Canada and the World
• Molecular and Environmental Sciences

With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.

Research at the Faculty of Engineering

Areas of research:

• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb . 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.

In all programs, the student may choose graduate courses from either university with the approval of the Advisor or Advisory Committee. The available graduate courses are listed below. Course descriptions are to be found in the departmental section of the calendar concerned. All courses are of one term duration. Courses of each department are indicated by the prefix of the first number given as follows:

BMG 5XXXX Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ottawa BIOM XXXX Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carleton University

Not all of the listed courses are given each year. The course is offered in the language in which it is described.

BMG 5001 Stage en génie clinique / Clinical Engineering Internship (6 crédits / 6 units)

Stage en génie clinique dans un établissement extérieur à l'université. Rédaction d'un rapport ayant trait aux activités menées durant l'internat. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant) par le superviseur et un professeur nommé par le directeur du programme. / Internship in an institutional setting outside the university. Requires a formal written paper relating to the internship activities. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory) by the supervisor and a professor appointed by the program director. Préalable : approbation du directeur du programme. / Prerequisite: approval of the program director. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 5801 à la Carleton University. / This course is equivalent to BIOM 5801 at Carleton University.

Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term

Préalable: approbation du directeur de programme. / Prerequisite: approval of the program director.

BMG 5103 Biomedical Instrumentation (3 units)

Instrumentation designed to measure physiological variables related to the function of the heart, lungs, kidney, nervous and musculo-skeletal systems; emergency, critical care, surgery and anesthesia equipment. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5100 at Carleton University.

Course Component: Lecture

Courses BMG 5103 , ELG 6320 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5104 Biological Signals (3 units)

Modeling of neuromuscular biological signals, including subthreshold phenomena, active behaviour of cell membranes, and innervation processes. Measurement of biological signals, including electrode effects. Time domain, frequency domain, and adaptive filtering techniques for noise reduction. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5101 at Carleton University.

BMG 5105 Medical Imaging Modalities (3 units)

Mathematical models of image formation based on the image modality and tissue properties. Linear models of image degradation and reconstruction. Inverse problems, regularization for image reconstruction. Image formation in radiology, computed tomography, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, positron emission tomography. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5200 at Carleton University.

Courses BMG 5105 , ELG 5127 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5106 Introduction to Medical Imaging Principles and Technology (3 units)

Basic principles and technological implementation of x-ray, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging modalities used in medicine; contrast, resolution, storage requirements for digital images; applications outside medicine, future trends. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5201 at Carleton University.

Permission of the Department is required.

BMG 5107 Applications in Biomedical Image Processing (3 units)

Image processing methods applied to biomedical images. Overview of medical imaging modalities. Image enhancement, segmentation, registration, and fusion. Image quality metrics. Image formats. Application examples. Includes: Experiential Learning Activity This course is equivalent to BIOM 5202 at Carleton University.

BMG 5108 Advanced Topics in Biomedical Image Processing (3 units)

Recent and advanced topics in the field of biomedical image processing and its related areas. Prerequisite: permission of the program director. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5203 at Carleton University.

BMG 5109 Advanced Topics in Medical Instrumentation (3 units)

Recent and advanced topics in the field of medical instrumentation and its related areas. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5106 at Carleton University.

BMG 5110 Advanced Topics in Biomechanics and Biomaterials (3 units)

Recent and advanced topics in the field of biomechanics and biomaterials and its related areas. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5304 at Carleton University.

BMG 5111 Advanced Topics II Medical Informatics and Telemedicine (3 units)

Recent and advanced topics in the field of medical informatics and telemedicine and its related areas. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5403 at Carleton University.

BMG 5112 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (3 units)

Research ethics and methods. Engineering systems approach to analysis and modelling of human anatomy and physiology. Introduction to topics including biomechanics, electrophysiology, and computational biology. Biomedical technologies. Impact of technology on society. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5010 at Carleton University.

BMG 5113 Clinical Engineering (3 units)

Overview of the Canadian health care system; brief examples from other countries; clinical engineering and the management of technologies in industrialized and in developing countries; safety, reliability, quality assurance; introduction to biomedical sensor technologies; applications of telemedicine; impact of technology on health care. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5406 at Carleton University.

BMG 5120 Biomechanics of Movement (3 units)

Human and animal movement examined through the lens of mechanics. Biological, mechanical, and neurological processes by which muscles produce movement. Experimental, mathematical, and computational tools. Clinical and sports applications. Recent advances in biomedical research. Assignments, computer simulations, and a small research project.

The courses BMG 5120 , MCG 4153 , and MCG 4553 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5122 Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Theories and Applications (3 units)

This course covers principles of materials science and cell biology that apply to biomaterials and tissue engineering. Polymers, ceramics, metals, biomaterial surface modifications, molecular and cellular interactions with biomaterials, immune response, tissue engineering principles, ethical considerations and regulatory overview. Technical analysis of a biomaterial-based medical device.

The courses BMG 5122 , MCG 4154 , and MCG 4554 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5130 Fundamentals of Policy I: Policy Analysis (3 units)

Policy analysis and policy processes with an emphasis on the stages of the policy process, as well as the influences of institutions, ideas and interests. This course is equivalent to HLTH 5201 at Carleton University.

BMG 5300 Biological and Engineering Materials (3 units)

Properties of structural biological materials (bone, tendon, ligament, skin, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels) from an engineering materials viewpoint. Selection of engineering materials as biomaterials. Introduction to biocompatibility. Histology of soft tissues. Viscoelasticity, mechanical properties and models of muscles, ligaments and tendons. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5300 at Carleton University.

BMG 5301 Biomechanics of Skeletal System, Motion and Tissue (3 units)

Analysis of human motion. Kinematics and kinetics of various activities. Engineering analysis and modeling techniques applied to human motion. Injury mechanics, treatment, prosthetic replacements. Fracture behaviour and healing processes. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5301 at Carleton University.

BMG 5302 Biofluid Mechanics (3 units)

Properties of blood. Blood flow models for vessels, circulation systems and the heart. Man-made blood vessels. Kidney flow and exchange. Modeling of perfused tissues and cells. Transport phenomena across membranes. Molecular and ionic transport. Other body fluids. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5302 at Carleton University.

BMG 5304 Interactive Networked Systems and Telemedicine (3 units)

Telemanipulator; human motoring and sensory capabilities; typical interface devices; mathematical model of haptic interfaces; haptic rendering; stability and transparency; remote control schemes; time delay compensation; networking and real-time protocols, history and challenges of telemedicine; telemedicine applications: telesurgery, tele-monitoring, tele-diagnosis and tele-homecare. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5402 at Carleton University.

Courses BMG 5304 ad ELG 6133 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5305 Pattern Classification and Experiment Design (3 units)

Introduction to a variety of supervised and unsupervised pattern classification techniques with emphasis on correct application. Statistically rigorous experimental design and reporting of performance results. Case studies will be drawn from various fields including biomedical informatics. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5405 at Carleton University.

Courses BMG 5305 and ELG 6102 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5306 Special Topics in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Biomechanics (3 units)

Overview of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on artificial organ and prosthetic device design requirements. Application of engineering principles to cells and tissues, biofluid mechanics, human body energetics, measurement techniques, mechanics of human body systems, with emphasis on the artificial heart. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5306 at Carleton University.

The courses BMG 5306 and MCG 5489 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5311 Design of Medical Devices and Implants (3 units)

Solutions to clinical problems through the use of implants and medical devices. Pathology of organ failure and bioengineering and clinical aspects of artificial organs. Examples: blood substitutes, pacemakers, ventricular assist devices, artificial hearts and heart valves. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5311 at Carleton University.

BMG 5312 Design of Orthopaedic Implants and Prostheses (3 units)

Anatomy of the musculo-skeletal system. Electromyography. Static and dynamic analysis of the human skeleton. Materials and manufacturing considerations for orthopaedic devices. Strength and failure theories. Implant fatigue, fracture and corrosion. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5312 at Carleton University.

BMG 5315 Biorobotics (3 units)

Interpretation of physical laws as applied to human motion; kinematics and dynamics of humanoid robots, modeling of biological sensors and actuators, artificial muscles, tele-manipulation, dual arm robots, robot-assisted surgery, and multi-fingered end-effectors. Approaches to design of mechatronic devices to support and enhance human movement including rehabilitators, extenders, haptic devices, and minimally invasive surgery systems. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5315 at Carleton University.

BMG 5319 Introduction to Microfluidics (3 units)

Physics of liquid transport in micro-fabricated systems including physics at the microscale, hydrodynamics of microfluidic systems, diffusion mixing, introduction to microfabrication, examples of microfluidics devices and Micro PIV techniques, project.

The courses BMG 5319 , MCG 4112 , and MCG 4512 cannot be combined for units.

BMG 5330 Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Systems (3 units)

Review of electromagnetic waves at radio and microwave frequencies. Electrical and magnetic properties of tissue. Impact of electromagnetic waves on tissue. Cellular effects. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5330 at Carleton University.

Prerequisite: knowledge of electromagnetic theory.

BMG 5501 Étude technique et modélisation de l'anatomie et de la physiologie du corps humain (3 crédits)

Méthodes de systèmes d'ingénierie pour analyser et modeler les systèmes anatomiques et physiologiques du corps humain. Propriétés mécaniques et électriques des tissus. Systèmes musculosquelettiques, cardiovasculaires et pulmonaires. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 5001 à la Carleton University.

Volet : Cours magistral

BMG 5502 Éthiques, normes et méthodes de recherche (3 crédits)

Théories éthiques, prise de décision, codes de déontologie; expérimentation sur des animaux et des êtres humains, consentement, comités de déontologie; méthodes de recherche et règlements concernant la conception, la fabrication et la certification d'appareils médicaux; collecte, contrôle et analyse des données, y compris la protection de la confidentialité, dilemmes bioéthiques, effets (sociaux, politiques, financiers) de la technologie et de la recherche. Les cours ELG 7514/EACJ 5300, BMG 5502 ne peuvent être combinés pour l'obtention de crédits. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 5002 à la Carleton University.

BMG 6000 Projet en génie biomédical / Biomedical Engineering Project (6 crédits / 6 units)

Projet en génie biomédical supervisé par un professeur approuvé par le directeur du programme. Rédaction d'un rapport approfondi, qui doit être présenté oralement. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant) par le superviseur du projet et un autre professeur nommé par le directeur du programme. Le projet peut normalement être complété en une session d'études à temps complet. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 5900 à la Carleton University. / Project in biomedical engineering supervised by a professor approved by the program director. Requires an in-depth report that must be presented orally. Graded S (Satisfactory) or NS (Not satisfactory) by the supervisor and by another professor appointed by the program director. The project can normally be completed in one session of full-time study. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5900 at Carleton University.

Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research

BMG 6001 Projet en génie clinique / Clinical Engineering Project (6 crédits / 6 units)

Projet en génie clinique supervisé par un professeur du programme et un ingénieur clinique. Rédaction et présentation orale d'un rapport approfondi. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant) par les superviseurs du projet et un autre professeur nommé par le directeur du programme. Le projet peut normalement être complété en une session d'études à temps complet. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 5901 à la Carleton University. / Project in clinical engineering supervised by a professor in the program and a clinical engineer. Requires an in-depth report that must be presented orally. Graded S (Satisfactory) or NS (Not satisfactory) by the co-supervisors and by another professor appointed by the program director. The project can normally be completed in one session of full-time study. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5901 at Carleton University.

BMG 6996 Séminaire en génie biomédical / Biomedical Engineering Seminar

Cours composé d'une série de séminaires présentés par des étudiants de deuxième cycle et des chercheurs en génie biomédical. En plus d'avoir à animer un séminaire, tous les étudiants doivent assister à au moins dix séances. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 5800 à Carleton University. / This course is in the form of seminars presented by graduate students and other researchers in the area of Biomedical Engineering. To complete this course, a student must attend at least ten seminars and make one presentation in the context of this seminar series. This course is equivalent to BIOM 5800 at Carleton University.

Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar

BMG 7199 Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering (3 units)

Various possibilities exist for pursuing directed studies on topics approved by a course supervisor, including the above-listed course topics where they are not offered on a formal basis.This course is equivalent to BIOM 5906 at Carleton University.

Course Component: Research

BMG 9901 Séminaire de doctorat en génie biomédical / Biomedical Engineering PhD Seminar

Une série de séminaires présentés par des étudiants aux cycles supérieurs et des chercheurs invités. En plus d'avoir à présenter deux séminaires, les étudiants doivent assister et participer à au moins 20 séminaires. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). Ce cours est équivalent à BIOM 6800 à Carleton University. / This course is in the form of seminars presented by graduate students and other researchers in the area of Biomedical Engineering. To complete this course, a Student must attend at least 20 seminars and make two presentations in the context of this seminar series. This course is equivalent to BIOM 6800 at Carleton University.

BMG 9997 Rapport et soutenance du projet de thèse / Report and Defence of Thesis Proposal

Inscription requise de tous les candidats au doctorat jusqu'à la réussite à l'examen de synthèse. / Following completion of the comprehensive examination, registration required for all PhD candidates until the thesis proposal is accepted by the Advisory Committee

BMG 9998 Examen de synthèse / PhD Comprehensive Exam

À la suite de la réussite à l'examen de synthèse, inscription requise de tous les candidats au doctorat jusqu'à ce que le projet de thèse soit accepté par le Comité consultatif. / Registration required for all PhD candidates until the comprehensive examination is passed.

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Graduate Studies

Biomedical engineering.

Training of multidisciplinary professionals who are comfortable in both biomedical and engineering environments, with focus on advances in medical research and applications of new technology in health care and biological systems.

Interdisciplinary

Program Contact

Degree Options

Biomedical engineering (masc).

A research program created by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences to provide a unique collaborative environment that leverages McMaster’s existing expertise in medical sciences and engineering, and links current and emerging areas of molecular, medical and bioengineering research

Areas of Research

• biomaterials and tissue engineering
• biomedical technology

Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

A research program created by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences to provide a unique collaborative environment that leverages McMaster’s existing expertise in medical sciences and engineering, and links current and emerging areas of molecular, medical and bioengineering research.

• biomaterials & tissue engineering

Biomedical Engineering (MD/PhD)

Biomedical engineering (accelerated masc).

An accelerated MASc option is available to students currently enrolled at McMaster University whereby the degree may be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Application for entry into the accelerated option occurs in the penultimate year of undergraduate studies.

Areas of research

• biomaterials and devices
• imaging, sensing and detection
• therapeutics

For information on the Direct to PhD option , visit the Faculty of Engineering website .

Amelia Earhart Fellowship $$

A scholarship through Zonta International. For women of any nationality pursuing a PhD, who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering.

For eligibility, application details and deadlines, visit the Zonta International website.

Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) Varied values

Varied values

ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.

For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.

Autism Scholars Award $$$

Deadline Date:

December 1, 2023

With the support of the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, a scholar awards program in autism has been established to ensure that Ontario attracts and retains pre-eminent scholars. The community of autism scholars fostered by this awards program will excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge concerning child autism, and its translation into improved health for children, more effective services and products for children with autism, and increase the province’s capacity in diagnosis and assessment of autism and a strengthened treatment system.

One one-year award at the master’s level and up to two one-year awards at the doctoral level will be made by the COU:

• Master’s Award: $18,000 ($6,000 per term beginning September 2024)
• Doctoral Award: $20,000 ($6,666 per term beginning September 2024)

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements $$

May 22, 2024

The CGS-MSFSS supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences abroad. By accessing international scientific research and training, CGS-MSFSS recipients will contribute to strengthening the potential for collaboration between Canadian and foreign institutions.

Please review eligibility and criteria for more information about this travel award.

If you wish to apply, please contact your department graduate administrator.

Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program

The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.

CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral $$$$

October 2, 2023

McMaster internal ResearchNet deadline: October 2, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

Applications are prepared and submitted by students in ResearchNet by the internal deadline set by McMaster. You will not be able to submit your application to ResearchNet until all the required tasks are completed, including the letters from your sponsors.

We encourage you to work closely with your supervisor and department on your application. The application you submit to ResearchNet on October 2 will be the final version that will be sent to CIHR if approved by McMaster.

CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) $$$

The CGS M Awards Program supports students in all research disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the university level, under the guidance of the three agencies.

For a recorded information session about the Fall 2023 application process, click on the Learn More button.

CSA Group Graduate Scholarship $$

March 31, 2024

The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.

The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.

Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award $$

April 30, 2023

The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.

Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.

Fulbright Canada Student Awards $ – $$$

November 15, 2023

Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.

GSA Travel Award $

The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.

The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.

Application dates:

• Fall competition for September to December travel: Opens September 1, 2023 and closes October 2, 2023
• Winter competition for January to April travel: Opens January 2, 2024 and closes February 5, 2024
• Summer competition for May to August travel: Opens May 1, 2024 and closes June 3, 2024

H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarship $$

The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.

Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship $$-$$$

March 14, 2024

The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.

The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.

Incoming students are eligible to apply.

Health Research Postdoctoral Opportunities

A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.

Hugh C. Morris Experiential Learning Fellowship $$$$

The Hugh C. Morris Experiential Learning Fellowship, valued at $40,000 Cdn, is open to any graduate student studying in Canada who is working in a field related to

• earth, geosciences
• environment
• alternative energy
• climate change
• sustainability

or the social impact, social sciences or design sciences related to these areas, and is designed to provide a unique experiential, international travel program designed by the student to engage diverse sectors, advance their research, learn from a range of contexts and cultures, and bring their learning back to Canada.

Review deadlines and all associated information on the Kimberley Foundation website.

Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship $

Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.

John Charles Polanyi Prize $$$

In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.

Lyle Makosky Values and Ethics in Sport Fund $

April 30, 2024

This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are

• high-performance athletes enrolled at a Canadian university, community college or other post-secondary educational institution.
• post-secondary students active in sport at a non-high-performance level.
• sport practitioners active/working in sport as an official, administrator or high-performance coach.
• educators working in a sport, sports sciences, sport management/administration or other applicable discipline.

All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.

Visit their website for all details and contact information.

MacDATA Graduate Fellowship $$

March 15, 2021

The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:

• To provide trainees with an opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills in data science.
• To facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge in data science across faculties.

Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships $$-$$$

February 1, 2024

The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.

Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship . Both are to support graduate study.

Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program $$

March 31, 2023

Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.

The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.

Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security $$$

February 23, 2024

Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.

Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] .

McMaster Graduate General Bursary $

What is a bursary.

A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).

The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.

Who can apply?

Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Bursary eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled at McMaster
• Submit a completed application by the bursary deadline
• OSAP students who receive an income update request must complete it by the income update deadline
• Continue to demonstrate financial need throughout the study period
• Indigenous students
• students with OSAP government aid restrictions include:
• academic progress restriction
• income verification restriction
• provincial and/or federal default restriction
• credit check restriction
• students with a disability taking a reduced course load
• students with out-of-province student aid
• part-time students
• students receiving social assistance

McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

July 15, 2020

Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:

• the impact of exercise on mobility;
• the interrelationship between psychological function and social function;
• causes and consequences of multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy;
• the role of caregiving, equity, economics and transportation in optimal aging;
• the understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases of aging;
• evaluating approaches to knowledge translation to improve optimal aging; and
• the use of technology to promote optimal aging and aging in place.

The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.

MIRA and Labarge Scholarships in Aging Research $$$

February 28, 2002

The MIRA and Labarge Scholarship program offers awards at the master’s and PhD level in two distinct streams. The Labarge Mobility Scholarship supports applicants whose research on aging includes a focus on mobility. The MIRA Scholarship in Aging Research supports interdisciplinary aging research in one of MIRA’s identified areas of focus.

The scholarships are open to master’s students beginning a new McMaster graduate degree in the 2022/2023 school year and PhD students entering year one or two of their studies. Interested candidates must develop and submit a research proposal in collaboration with a MIRA supervisor and an interdisciplinary mentor from outside the primary supervisor’s Faculty. MIRA requires confirmation that the supervisor and/or program will commit to matching the minimum level of support for the recipient for the duration of the graduate degree. See call for proposals and application form for more information.

MIRA Graduate Student Travel Awards $

March 15, 2020

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers.  Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.

For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA .

Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15

MURA Academic Scholarship

Established in 2020 the McMaster University Retirees Association (MURA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student researching technological advances related to seniors, and who demonstrates academic excellence.

NSERC Doctoral scholarships $$$-$$$$

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) and NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships – Doctoral (PGS D) programs provide financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in eligible doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering. This support allows these scholars to fully concentrate on their studies and seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields. There is a single application and review process for the CGS D and the PGS D programs. The top-ranked applicants are awarded the CGS D (tenable only in Canada) and highly ranked applicants in the next tier are awarded the PGS D (tenable in Canada and abroad).

Both programs are administered through a single application.

NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

October 17, 2019

The NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) program provides support to a core of the most promising researchers at a pivotal time in their careers. The fellowships are also intended to secure a supply of highly qualified Canadians with leading-edge scientific and research skills for Canadian industry, government and academic institutions.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship website.

OGS for Indigenous Graduate Students $$$

Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.

This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.

Ontario Graduate Fellowships $$$

Ontario Graduate Fellowships (OGF) provide funding to full-time students in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral level. It’s a merit-based scholarship for students with an A- or above.

Value: $12,000 ($4,000 per term)

Duration: 1 year

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) $$$

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship – International $$$

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship for International Students is by nomination only. Applicants to this award must contact their department for application instructions

Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Award $$$$

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, a scholar awards program in women’s health has been established to ensure that Ontario attracts and retains pre-eminent women’s health scholars.

The community of women’s health scholars fostered by this awards program will excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge about women’s health and its translation into improved health for women, more effective health services and products for women, and a strengthened health care system.

Rainbow Fund $

To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty of the Future Value varies

Value varies

This fellow is awarded to female students who are citizens of a developing country or emerging economy. Applicants should be preparing for doctoral or postdoctoral research in the in the physical sciences, engineering, technology and related disciplines.

Deadline is usually during the Fall months. For all details – eligibility, value, deadlines, etc. – go to the Schlumberger Foundation website.

Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada Graduate Student Award of Merit $$

At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.

Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.

Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit .

The Barkleys of Avonmore Scholarship $

The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University.  Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.

The Cecil and Yvette Yip Graduate Bursaries $$

The Cecil and Yvette Yip Graduate Bursaries were established in 2003 by Dr. Cecil Yip (Class of 1959) and Mrs. Yvette Yip to recognize and encourage graduate students whose innovative work in the physical sciences and engineering crosses formal disciplinary boundaries. Preference will be given to students in any graduate program in the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Engineering, whose thesis research demonstrates excellence in integrating engineering science within the study of biology. The students must also demonstrate financial need to be eligible. A variable number of bursaries are to be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies.

The CHEPA Doctoral Research Scholarship $

Established in 2022 by David Feeny and George Torrance, founding members of the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to doctoral students enrolled in any program, who are conducting research under the supervision of faculty members belonging to CHEPA and who demonstrate academic and research excellence. The scholarship will support PhD students who have successfully completed their comprehensive examinations. Preference will be given to students with research interests that include health-related quality of life, health technology assessment, health economics, health services research, or health policy.

The Dr. Colin Webber Graduate Scholarship $$

Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.

Value: Minimum $1,600

The Dr. Gunhard A.E. Oravas Memorial Scholarship $$$

April 15, 2024

Awarded by The Gunhard A.E. Oravas Educational Fund, The Dr. Gunhard A.E. Oravas Memorial Scholarship is granted to doctoral students at McMaster University involved in research in the area of Computational Mechanics of Deformable Solids .

Annual award; up to three scholarships of maximum $12,000 each.

Main Criteria

The quality of the proposed research and academic background of the PhD student.

How to apply

Please submit:

• Research proposal (max. 3 pages: Overview of the current state of knowledge, research scope and methodology, novelty of contribution).
• Resume (1 to 2 pages) and transcripts (MSc/BSc)
• Letter of recommendation from faculty supervisor.

How to submit

Email completed application to Dr. S. Pietruszczak at [email protected] .

About Dr. Gunhard A.E. Oravas

Dr. Gunhard A.E. Oravas was a professor in the department of Civil Engineering, whose research interests included engineering mechanics and structural engineering. He was an outstanding scholar and dedicated teacher who greatly contributed to the quality of engineering education at McMaster University. This award is established from a charitable donation by the beneficiary of his estate.

Email Dr. S. Pietruszczak at [email protected] or visit The Gunhard A.E. Oravas Educational Foundation website for more information.

The Edna Howard Bursary $

Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.

The Graduate Students Association Bursary $

The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.

The H. Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary $

The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.

The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship $$

The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship was established in 1987, and is open to non-Canadian students from countries of the British Commonwealth. This prestigious award is open to students who qualify for admission into any graduate program that extends to the doctorate, although the student’s initial registration may be at the Master’s level. The award is once renewable contingent upon satisfactory academic performance. It will be awarded at the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.

The James F. Harvey and Helen S. Harvey Travel Scholarships $

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey.  James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935.  This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel.  To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary $

The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary was established in 1997 by The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. To be granted to graduate students in the faculties of Business, Engineering, Science or Social Science who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to graduate students who are conducting research related to commercial transportation issues and policy, specifically the role of transportation in stimulating regional economic development and trade.

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada Graduate Award

Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

The Liburdi Engineering PhD Scholarship $$$

Established in 2019 by Joseph Liburdi. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies based on the recommendation of the Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering to a doctoral student in the School of Biomedical Engineering who demonstrates academic excellence and mentorship of undergraduate students.

The Myra Baillie Academic Grant $

Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.

Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each

The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary $

The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary was established in 1996 by family, friends and colleagues of Robert John Morris. To be granted to graduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. Whenever possible, preference will be given to Engineering students studying in the area of nuclear engineering or advanced energy systems or, students in the Faculty of Humanities or Faculty of Social Sciences.

The School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel $-$$

March 8, 2024

The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel .

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

Application Date

The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.

The Stelco Graduate Bursaries $$

The Stelco Graduate Bursaries were established in 1996 by Stelco – a market-driven, technologically advanced group of businesses committed to maintaining leadership roles as steel producers and fabricators – in support of graduate students pursuing their educational goals. These bursaries will be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to students enrolled in any graduate program who demonstrate financial need. Preference may be given to graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral $$$$

September 6, 2023

The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.

It is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.

Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and foreign citizens are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Wilson Leadership Scholar Award $$-$$$

March 28, 2022

The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.

Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.

Yates Scholarship $

The Yates Scholarship Fund (up to $500) was established in 1963 by the bequest of William Henry Yates. This fund support upper-level doctoral students with research activities and conference travel when a paper is being delivered. Applicants must have completed their comprehensive exam.

Related News

{Link Label}

Mcmaster’s dash team to the rescue for data analysis and software help.

McMaster celebrates seven new Vanier Scholars

Meet science and engineering valedictorian Sara Moetakef Imani

Nominations open for 25th Annual Graduate Student Recognition Awards

Five grad students receive Wilson Leadership Scholar Award

McMaster ranked #1 for graduate student research intensity

In conversation with mcmaster’s graduate studies librarian, leeanne romane.

Engineering launches Fellowships with partnering universities to increase diversity in engineering, technology

Winter term will be online: Provost’s letter

830,000 print books from Library’s collection now digitally available to faculty, students

When setting your preferences, you disabled the cookies allowing the chat bubble. If you wish to view it, enable the functionality cookies.

You can also find the answers you’re looking for by contacting us .

• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate programs
• Understanding the types of programs
• Programs offered next semester
• Programs open to English-speaking students
• Administration and Management Sciences
• Arts and Music
• Communication
• Economics and Politics
• Environment and Sustainable Development
• Environmental Planning and Design
• Fundamental and Applied Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Individualized programs
• Life Sciences
• Literature and Languages
• Social Sciences
• Social Sciences and Social Action
• Teaching and Education Sciences
• Theology and Religious Sciences

Find your path

Discover programs based on your areas of interest

Test your compatibility with our study programs

• Make an informed choice
• Verify eligibility conditions
• Respect official deadlines
• Obtain recognition of prior learning
• Submit an application
• Change program
• Pay the application fees
• Submit supporting documents
• Access the Centre étudiant
• Track your application in the Centre étudiant
• Modify the application
• Receive a response
• Request admission reconsideration
• Plan your next steps
• Quebec student
• Canadian student (outside of Quebec)
• International student

Can't find what you're looking for?

• Live campus life
• Explore student services
• Join our team of ambassadors
• Innovate through research

Hints, tips and advice to keep you on track

• Download our admission brochure
• Financing your studies at UdeM
• Find your research supervisor
• Find your ideal program with Affiniti
• Find your path with Career Quiz
• Get help with French
• Upcoming events
• Summer Immersion Program
• You don't have an account?
• Create your account

Langue/language

Faculty of Medicine

PhD in Biomedical Engineering Program structure

Graduate 3-535-1-0

Course listing

The doctorate program consists of 90 credits.

Students must take an additional 12 complementary credits in engineering or biomedical sciences if they are directly entering the PhD program or if they have not done any graduate studies in biomedical engineering.

Also, the academic or research supervisor may require the student to take a course in basic science in biology or medicine (such as physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, cell biology or pathology) if deemed necessary because of the student's previous education. This course must be submitted to the graduate student affairs coordinator of the biomedical engineering program for approval. If the required course is at the undergraduate level, it will be considered as a non-program course.

It is recommended that students take the following two courses:

• MMD 6100 Skills for Health Researchers
• MMD 6005 Health Research and Ethics

All credits in this doctorate program are mandatory. Out of the 90 credits, 87 are for research and a thesis.

Foundations of Biomedical Engineering

Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Evaluation of interventional and diagnostic techniques: clinical trials with or without a control group, placebo effect, bias. Bioethics: legal liability, standards.

Note: Course given at Polytechnique Montréal. Students at Université de Montréal must obtain authorization to transfer credits under the agreement between Québec universities (CRÉPUQ).

PhD Seminar in Biomedical Engineering

Presentations and discussions on subjects related to the courses and doctoral research projects in biomedical engineering. Discussions of recent publications. Presentations by guest speakers. Note: Course given at Polytechnique Montréal. Students at Université de Montréal must obtain authorization to transfer credits under the agreement between Québec universities (BCI).

Block 70B Research and thesis

PhD Comprehensive Examination

Date of last modification: 30 April 2024

Report a change (internal usage)

Biomedical Engineering

Degrees offered in this discipline.

Established in 2006, the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME) combines the teaching and research strengths of many academic units across the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. 

The Ottawa–Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering (OCIBME) is a multi-disciplinary institute that combines resources from seven participating academic units at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, including:

University of Ottawa

• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Carleton University

• Department of Systems and Computer Engineering
•  Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• School of Computer Science
• Department of Physics

The Institute draws on the expertise of its two participating medical research units, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) and the University of Ottawa Eye Institute. It also relies on the expertise of a number of prominent researchers from associated academic units in both universities, medical professionals and well-established medical research institutions. The OCIBME offers a multi-disciplinary graduate program and four main research fields—medical instrumentation, biomedical image processing, biomechanics and biomaterials and medical informatics and telemedicine. The OCIBME has close ties with local Ottawa hospitals, including The Ottawa Hospital, which provides unique opportunities for graduate students. As a leading academic health sciences centre in Canada, The Ottawa Hospital is one of the largest teaching hospitals in Canada, with specialty centres for cancer, heart, kidney and vision care and in rehabilitation services.

Studies made for you

Degree options.

• Master of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Applied Science Biomedical Engineering (MASc) Specialization in Bioinformatics
• Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Engineering Biomedical Engineering (MEng) Concentration in Clinical Engineering
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

Key research themes

• Medical instrumentation
• Biomedical image processing
• Biomechanics and biomaterials
• Medical informatics and telemedicine

These programs are only offered in English.

Program requirements

Career opportunities.

• Rehabilitation engineer
• Biomedical engineer
• Future students
• Current students

How to apply keyboard_arrow_right

Find a thesis supervisor keyboard_arrow_right

Awards and financial support keyboard_arrow_right

Student experience keyboard_arrow_right

Graduate studies office keyboard_arrow_right

Questions about graduate studies?

Graduate studies office.

[email protected]

Phone:  613-562-5347

• Search SBME
• Apply to SBME
• Strategic Plan
• Canada’s Living Laboratory
• Curriculum: For students who entered UBC in 2021W & After
• Curriculum: For students who entered UBC in 2020W and Prior
• Pre-Biomedical Engineering Standard Timetable (PBME STT)
• Past Synergy Students & Projects
• Graduate Program Guide and Registration
• Tuition & Student Fees
• MEng Application Instructions
• MEng Project (Internship)
• MASc/PhD Application Instructions

PhD Program

• PhD Comprehensive Exam
• PhD Rotation
• PhD Final Exam
• MASc Program
• MASc Thesis Exam
• Funding Opportunities
• SBME Propels
• Engineers In Scrubs
• SBME Synergy: Undergraduate Summer Research Program
• 2023 SBME Synergy – For Current Students
• REDI Committee
• Leadership Team
• External Advisory Committee
• Industry Advisory Committee
• Sustainability Committee
• Indigenous Engagement Committee
• Core Support Facilities
• Cellular & Molecular Engineering
• Imaging and Computational Biology
• Human Interfacing Devices
• SBME Innovates
• Research & Innovation
• SBME Convergence
• SBME Interfaces Podcast
• Careers at SBME
• SBME Symposium 2024

Careers | Contact Us |

UBC – SBME UBC – SBME -->

Supervisory Committee and Research Supervisor

The program of each student is overseen by a committee of no fewer than 4 committee members (normally at least at the rank of Associate Professor), one of which is the student’s Research Supervisor. One of the committee members (not the supervisor) should be designated as the chairperson. This role will apply to the supervisory committee and also to the Examining Committee.

The supervisor provides academic guidance directed toward the completion of Ph.D. dissertation of high quality, and assists with the financial planning associated with the program. In case of absence from the campus of a month or more, the supervisor must appoint an acting supervisor for each of his/her Ph.D. candidates.

The research supervisor or a co-supervisor must be a full-time, regular faculty (at least at the rank of Assistant professor) or associate faculty member in the School. Emeritus or Associate faculty are normally required to appoint a full-time regular or associate faculty member as a co-supervisor.

Supervisory Committee

Other members of the supervisory committee are nominated by the student’s supervisor. The Chair must be an Associate Member or Core Faculty of SBME. The Chair role will apply to the Supervisory Committee and also to the Comprehensive Examining Committee. The Chair of the Committee is responsible for ensuring the graduate project is grounded in the design components of biomedical engineering (see Appendix: SBME Thesis Guidelines). The committee should be as diverse as possible, including faculty members with primary appointments in Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Applied Science. At least 50% of the members of the supervisory committee must be members of The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The supervisory committee membership may include senior instructors, honorary faculty, adjunct faculty, off campus professionals as well as faculty members from other universities. A request for approval for these members submitted to the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies must include a copy of the individual’s curriculum vitae and a letter from the graduate program supervisor.

Students must submit their Supervisory Committee proposal form within 8 months of starting their program. The form must be submitted on CANVAS. Form: SBME Supervisory Committee Approval Form April 2023. If you are not currently enrolled SBME Graduate Advising Canvas course, please contact SBME Student Services.

Annual Meetings

It is required that the supervisory committees meet regularly, at least once a year, to ensure student’s progress. Annual meetings require 3 people (of which the supervisor is one). If a committee member cannot attend, they will organize a one-on-one meeting with the student. The majority of cases with a very difficult doctoral examination or extended completion time occur when there are not regular meetings with the supervisory committee.

Expectations Document

All incoming MASc and PhD students and their supervisors will be given a set of expectation documents. Students are required to meet with their supervisors at the onset of their program to discuss the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both student and supervisor.

Supervisors of students with program start dates prior to September 2018 are encouraged to use this document as well to facilitate a discussion on the graduate student-supervisor relationship.

Biomedical Engineering (MASc, MEng, PhD)

Part of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Program Overview

Format : Full-time (MASc, MEng, PhD), Part-time (MEng)

Degree Earned : Master of Applied Science, Master of Engineering or PhD

This collaborative graduate program prepares students for careers in biomedical engineering and provides them with the opportunity to advance their own research, tap into Toronto Metropolitan University’s leading faculty-based research and work on industry-related projects.

Throughout the program, students are supported by a network of experienced faculty supervisors and have opportunities for training at research hospitals such as St. Michael’s Hospital and the University Health Network. This program supports student development in biomedical engineering R&D — which is ranked as the number-one job in the health-care industry — to meet the demand for better medical devices, more sophisticated medical equipment and improved biomedical procedures.

At a Glance

Admissions information.

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in engineering, or a related field in the biomedical sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, genetics, etc.) from an accredited institution
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+) in the last two years of study
• Statement of interest
• Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency requirement
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
• Completion of a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, or a related field in either engineering or biomedical sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, genetics, etc.), from an accredited institution
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+)

More information on  admission requirements . Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Check Application Deadline

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates .

Financing Your Studies

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit  Fees by Program .

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit  Financing Your Studies .

Research Areas

• Biomaterials
• Biomechanics
• Biomedical signals and systems

Sample Courses

Core Courses

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Foundations in Biomedical Engineering

Elective Courses

• Advanced Imaging
• Advances in Biomaterials
• Advances in Tissue Engineering
• Biomedical Ultrasound
• Computations in Genetic Engineering
• Design of BioMEMS
• Modelling of Biomedical Systems
• Nanobiotechnology

Biomedical Engineering (MASc, MEng, PhD) graduate program calendar

• Biomedical Zone that encourages collaboration and experiential learning
• Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) – a partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael’s Hospital
• Specialized labs for biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical signal analyses, microfluidics, tissue engineering and more

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office 11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON Telephone: 416-979-5150 Email:  [email protected]

For information specific to programs please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Dafna Sussman Graduate Program Director Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 553767 Email: [email protected]

Annie Jiang Graduate Program Administrator Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 553330 Email: [email protected]

"I have benefitted from the quality of learning, world class resources and the diverse academic background of fellow students. In addition, the program is equipping me with the necessary tools to plan my career, while improving my future professional prospects." Rupa Haldavenkar, PhD student

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Biomedical Engineering (MASc, MEng, PhD).

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.

28 Best universities for Biomedical Engineering in Canada

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Canada ranked based on their research performance in Biomedical Engineering. A graph of 552K citations received by 20.3K academic papers made by 28 universities in Canada was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Toronto

For Biomedical Engineering

2. McGill University

3. University of British Columbia

4. Western University

5. University of Alberta

6. Laval University

7. University of Calgary

8. University of Ottawa

9. McMaster University

10. University of Waterloo

11. University of Montreal

12. Polytechnic School of Montreal

13. University of Saskatchewan

14. Queen's University

15. University of Manitoba

16. Dalhousie University

17. Ryerson University

18. University of Victoria

19. Simon Fraser University

20. University of Sherbrooke

21. University of Guelph

22. Carleton University

23. Concordia University

24. University of New Brunswick

25. School of Higher Technology - University of Quebec

26. York University

27. Memorial University of Newfoundland

28. University of Windsor

The best cities to study Biomedical Engineering in Canada based on the number of universities and their ranks are Toronto , Montreal , Vancouver , and London .

Engineering subfields in Canada

• Future Students
• Career Services and Co-op
• Student Clubs
• Academic Consideration for Absences
• Current Students
• Engineering Student Wellness
• Postdoctoral Studies
• International Students
• Academic Support
• Wellness Resources
• Awards and Scholarships
• Campus Life
• News and Events
• Areas of Expertise
• Faculty Awards and Honours
• Institutes and Centres
• Research Chairs
• International
• Western Research
• The Engineer's Impact
• Advisory Council of Western Engineering
• Hire a student
• WORLDiscoveries
• Western Alumni
• Leaders' Reception
• L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal
• Young Alumni Award
• Dean's Office
• Administrative and Ancillary Units
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering Leadership and Innovation
• Mechanical and Materials Engineering
• Undergraduate
• Departments
• Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

• Master of Engineering Programs
• MEng Co-op Program
• Graduate Diploma Programs
• Flex Doctoral (PhD) Program
• How to Apply for Admission
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Financial Planning
• Preparing for Western
• Professional Development
• Climate Risk

Program Website Graduate Program Coordinator

School of Biomedical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering ACEB 2405 London, Ontario, Canada t. 519.661.4288

Funding Details

Funding is availble for admissible research (MESc and PhD) students.

Additional information about scholarships and funding at Western is available here .

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English or if an applicant has not completed 2 years of undergraduate or graduate education at an English-speaking institution in a country whose official first language is English, must provide proof of your proficiency in English by successfully completing one of the following English Language Proficiency examinations.

• The  Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 86 for the internet version with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is  0984 ].
• The  International English Language Testing Service  (IELTS). Minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9, with no individual score below 6.

Application Deadlines

Fields of research.

• Biomaterials
• Biomechanics
• Mechatronics

Western Engineering Spencer Engineering Building, Western University London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B9 Tel: 519-661-2111 [email protected] Privacy | Web Standards | Terms of Use | Accessibility

Western Mail

Student Services

Western Events

Biomedical vs Biotechnology Engineering: What’s the Difference?

Author: University of North Dakota April 23, 2024

Imagine a world where diseases run rampant without effective treatments, where crops struggle to grow without resilience against pests and harsh environments and where life-altering injuries remain untreated due to the absence of prosthetic limbs or advanced surgical techniques.

Request Information

This stark portrayal highlights the critical importance of biotechnology and biomedical engineering in our modern world. 

However, while these fields share the common goal of improving human health and well-being, they each offer distinct approaches and applications. To make an informed decision between biotechnology and biomedical engineering, it's essential to thoroughly understand both fields. So, read on as we explore the intricacies of these two disciplines, as well as their similarities, differences and unique contributions to society.

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is a field that utilizes living organisms, cells and biological systems to develop a wide range of products and technologies that enhance human life. It spans various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and environmental conservation.

By incorporating principles from biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and technology, modern biotechnology continues to make significant contributions to society. It helps extend human lifespans, fights diseases, increases crop yields and reduces greenhouse gas emissions through the use of biofuels.

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering is a specialized discipline within engineering that bridges the gap between engineering principles and the medical field. Engineers in this field develop innovative medical devices, such as prosthetics and medical imaging technologies, to improve patient care and treatment outcomes. 

Beyond device development, biomedical engineers investigate the body's reaction to various external pressures—from automotive accidents to athletic impacts—leveraging this knowledge to improve protective gear and strategies for preventing injuries.

What is the Difference Between Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering?

Now that we've outlined some general definitions of biomedical engineering and biotechnology and identified their focal points let's compare the two, beginning with the educational prerequisites and extending to the job prospects and expected salaries in each field.

Biotechnology requires a strong educational foundation in the life sciences and related fields. A bachelor's degree in biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline is often required to enter the field. Coursework typically covers topics such as genetics, cell biology, microbiology, bioinformatics and bioprocessing techniques. Additionally, obtaining hands-on laboratory experience through internships or research opportunities can be highly beneficial for gaining practical skills and enhancing employability. 

Graduates with a bachelor's degree may qualify for entry-level positions in biotechnology companies, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies or government agencies. For those aspiring to advance their career in biotechnology or pursue more specialized roles, obtaining a graduate degree is often necessary. 

A master's degree in biotechnology, molecular biology or a related field can provide the required knowledge and research experience for higher-level positions or leadership roles within the industry. Some may even obtain a Ph.D. in biotechnology or a related discipline to delve into advanced research topics, contribute to scientific discoveries and pursue academic or research-oriented careers.

Similarly, a career in biomedical engineering requires a solid educational background in engineering, particularly in biomedical engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or bioengineering. Many biomedical engineers hold a bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering , which covers coursework in biology, physiology, biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging and signal processing.

Graduate education is also common in biomedical engineering, with many professionals pursuing master's or Ph.D. degrees to advance their careers. A Biomedical Engineering master’s can provide specialization in areas such as medical device design, tissue engineering or biomedical imaging, while a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering offers opportunities for original research and specialization in a specific area of interest.

Skill Set Requirements

To succeed in biotechnology, you need the following skills:

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as DNA sequencing and PCR
• Expertise in genetic engineering required to modify DNA sequences
• Knowledge in bioinformatics for analyzing biological data using computational tools
• Laboratory skills for culturing and manipulating cells
• Problem-solving abilities, critical thinking and innovation for developing new biotechnological products and processes

On the other hand, biomedical engineering requires:

• Strong foundation in anatomy, physiology and materials science
• Proficiency in biomedical instrumentation for designing and utilizing medical equipment
• Creativity in generating innovative solutions for healthcare challenges
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and safety of medical devices
• Understanding of regulatory standards governing the development and commercialization of medical technologies

Job Responsibilities

Professionals in biotechnology are tasked with a range of responsibilities to advance scientific discoveries and develop innovative products. This may include:

• Developing pharmaceutical drugs, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biofuels or bioremediation techniques to address various societal needs
• Conducting research and development activities to explore new biotechnological applications and improve existing processes
• Ensuring quality control and compliance with laws and regulations throughout the production process
• Contributing to the advancement of knowledge in biotechnology through publications, presentations and participation in scientific conferences

Biomedical engineers also play a crucial role in the healthcare industry and their responsibilities usually include:

• Designing and developing medical devices, diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques to address medical challenges and improve patient outcomes
• Conducting product testing and validation to ensure the safety, efficacy and reliability of medical devices before market release
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals, including physicians, surgeons and therapists, to understand clinical needs and develop innovative solutions
• Ensuring regulatory compliance by adhering to applicable laws, standards and regulations governing the design and manufacture of medical devices

Work Environment

In biotechnology, professionals can work in various environments, such as biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, agricultural biotech companies, research laboratories and government agencies. They may also explore opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation within biotechnology startups. 

Conversely, biomedical engineers typically find themselves in hospitals, medical device companies, research institutions and regulatory agencies, where they collaborate with healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers and regulatory experts to develop and implement medical devices and technologies. This collaborative nature highlights the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in advancing healthcare and medical technology.

Job Outlook and Salary

Both biotechnology and biomedical engineering are expected to experience a 5% growth rate from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. However, there are notable differences in the projected number of openings per year, with about 10,600 openings for biotechnology professionals compared to approximately 1,200 openings for bioengineers and biomedical engineers over the decade. 

The demand for biological technicians is anticipated to rise due to the increasing need for biological and medical research, particularly in emerging fields like synthetic biology and biotechnology research and development projects. Meanwhile, the employment growth of biomedical engineers is expected to be driven by the rising demand for biomedical devices and procedures and increased public awareness of medical advances.

Regarding salary, biomedical engineers command a higher median annual wage of $108,060 compared to the average salary of $87,387 for biotechnology jobs. These figures underscore the lucrative nature of careers in these fields, highlighting both as attractive options for those interested in science and engineering careers with a direct impact on health and society.

Biotechnology vs. Biomedical Engineering: Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between biotechnology and biomedical engineering should be easier now that you have a better understanding of what these two fields entail as well as the differences between them. So, all you have to do is carefully consider how each field aligns with your personal interests, career goals and preferred work environments. 

For example, if you are passionate about working with living organisms and biological systems, then biotechnology might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, biomedical engineering could be a better fit if you are more interested in applying engineering principles to design medical devices and improve healthcare outcomes.

Additionally, evaluate your career goals and desired work environments to make an informed decision. If you envision yourself working in pharmaceuticals, agricultural biotech companies or research laboratories, biotechnology may more closely align with your aspirations. Conversely, if you aspire to work in hospitals, medical device companies or research institutions focused on healthcare and medical technology development, biomedical engineering might be the preferred path.

Consider exploring coursework, internships and networking opportunities in both fields to gain insights into potential career paths. Hands-on experiences and connecting with professionals in the field can provide valuable guidance and help you determine which field best aligns with your interests and goals.

Both biomedical engineering and biotechnology offer boundless opportunities to shape the future of healthcare, technology and beyond. Whether your passion lies in developing life-saving medical devices or harnessing the power of living organisms to address pressing global challenges, these fields promise fulfilling and impactful careers. 

If you're ready to pursue one of these careers rooted in discovery and innovation, consider exploring the educational offerings available at the University of North Dakota. From undergraduate degrees to advanced programs like accelerated degrees and specialized minors, UND provides a rich academic environment to nurture your aspirations in biomedical engineering and biotechnology. 

Look into our comprehensive range of programs, including the Biomedical Engineering minor and B.S. with a major in Molecular and Integrative Biology and take the first step toward a rewarding career at the forefront of scientific advancement.

What factors should I consider when deciding between pursuing a career in biotechnology or biomedical engineering? ( Open this section)

When deciding between biotechnology and biomedical engineering, consider factors such as personal interests, career goals, preferred industry sectors, job prospects and salary potential. 

How can I gain practical experience or internships in biotechnology or biomedical engineering during my studies? ( Open this section)

To gain practical experience or internships in these fields, explore opportunities offered by research institutions, biotech companies, hospitals and academic laboratories and consider participating in research projects, volunteer work or industry-sponsored programs. Additionally, reach out to professors, career services offices and professional organizations for internship listings and networking opportunities.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid opportunities specifically for students studying biotechnology or biomedical engineering? ( Open this section)

Yes, numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available, offered by professional organizations, universities, government agencies and industry associations specific to these fields. For example, UND students receive an average of $13,000 annually in financial aid assistance.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. Thanks!

• Chair’s Perspective
• Industry Outlook
• Job Opportunities
• Core Faculty
• Program Faculty
• Graduate Students
• Program Overview
• Degree Requirements
• Courses and Prerequisites
• Academic Advising
• How to apply
• Master's Program
• Research Interests
• Medical Physics Track
• AGC in Life Sciences Innovation
• Current Students Only
• Research Areas
• Affiliated Labs and Facilities
• Seminar Series

Master's Degree

Doctoral degree.

A minimum of 33 graduate credits is required to earn the Master of Science in BME (project option) or 39 credits for the Master of Science in BME (thesis option). The program study can be chosen from any of the following approved concentrations:  (1) Biomedical Principles, (2) Biomedical Design, (3) Biomedical Entrepreneurship

The program of study can be tailored in consultation with your faculty advisor/mentor to accommodate almost any BME area of interest through the use of a technical elective system.

• There is a separate application process through the Center for Biotechnologies (contact: Dr. Louis Peña, [email protected]).
• or petition for equivalent course to satisfy this requirement.
• Non- BME courses need to be approved by the Graduate Program Director prior to the start of the semester of enrollment.
• Current acceptable management technical electives are: BUS 510, EST 534, EST 580, EST 519, MBA 511, MBA 512, MBA 584, MBA 568, MBA 570.
• The number of credits associated with each variable credit course is shown in parenthesis.
• An overall grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained in the BME core courses (BME 501, 502, and 505 for the Engineering Principles and Engineering Design tracks, BME 501, 502 and 509/511 for the entrepreneurship track; and in all formal coursework to be awarded an M.S. degree in BME.

Project or Thesis Options . 

Project option: .

• 33 credits and an appropriate  project submitted for approval to a faculty committee and/or the graduate program director.
• Most students can complete this program within three academic semesters. 
• For students who wish to pursue a career in industry that typically does not involve Research & Development (R&D). 
• Students can enroll BME 595 to document completion of the project on their transcript.

Thesis option:

• 33 credits + 6 credits of BME 599.
• Must submit and defend a written thesis.
• For students who wish to pursue an industrial career with an R&D focus. 

Suggested courses for the different specializations/tracks can be modified based on your specific research interests in consultation with the Graduate Programs Director and your major advisor.

Please see the following Graduation Checklists for Particular BME MS Tracks:

• Student matriculating in to the doctoral (Ph.D.) degree program must complete all the requirements for the M.S. degree in BME at Stony Brook or enter the program with a relevant M.S. degree. This latter option is termed admission with “Advanced Standing”.
• After completion of the M.S. degree or admission with Advanced Standing, there are no course requirements per se.
• Following completion of a Qualifying Examination, an independent basic research program will be undertaken.
• Subsequently, the student will present and defend their dissertation proposal defense to advance to "Candidacy”. One semester of teaching practicum must be satisfactorily performed.
• Completion of the research program will culminate in the submission and oral defense of a doctoral dissertation.

The University requires at least two consecutive semesters of full-time graduate study. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within seven years after completing 24 credits of graduate study.

• Research interests

MEMP PhD Thesis Defense (4:00pm): Mingyu Yang

Back to Events List

MIT 32-141 and Zoom (See below for full information)

Myelination diseases of the central nervous system: Artificial Axons as  in vitro  models of chemomechanical cues

Myelination is a key biological process wherein glial cells such as oligodendrocytes wrap myelin around neuronal axons, forming an insulative sheath that accelerates signal propagation down the axon. A major obstacle to understanding myelination is the challenge of visualizing and reproducibly quantifying this inherently three-dimensional process  in vitro . To this end, Van Vliet et al. previously developed Artificial Axons (AAs), a biocompatible platform consisting of 3D-printed axon mimics that can be ensheathed by oligodendrocytes  in vitro . In this thesis, we advance and apply the Artificial Axon platform to create  in vitro  models of lesion-like environments to elucidate the mechanisms underlying myelination diseases. 

First, we improve the existing AA platform to investigate how biophysical cues affect myelin wrapping by rat oligodendrocytes. We build a new high-resolution 3D printer (HR-3DP) that can fabricate AAs with sub-kilopascal elastic moduli and <2 µm diameters. We demonstrate that the extent of myelin ensheathment by rat oligodendrocytes is sensitive to the Young’s modulus, diameter, and density of axons, indicating that each of these biophysical cues may play a causal role in influencing an oligodendrocyte’s propensity to myelinate. We further demonstrate that the responses of oligodendrocytes to pro-myelinating compounds are dependent on axon stiffness, and that the relative ranking of drug efficacies differs between stiff and compliant axons.

Second, we demonstrate the promise of using AAs to model lesion-like environments using human oligodendrocytes. We used AAs to model the impact of myelin debris and microglia co-culture on myelin ensheathment, recapitulating  in vivo  results demonstrating a dose-dependent effect of myelin debris on myelin ensheathment. We further demonstrate the compatibility of the AAs with myelination by human oligodendrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In particular, we explore the effect of the apolipoprotein (ApoE) genotype on myelin ensheathment, based on clinical data that individuals with the ApoE4 allele exhibit worsened MS prognosis compared to individuals with the ApoE3 allele. We demonstrate how targeted perturbations to cholesterol metabolism pathways differentially impact ApoE3 vs. ApoE4 human oligodendrocytes. In sum, these results demonstrate the potential of AAs to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of myelination in the context of human disease. Thesis Supervisor: Krystyn J. Van Vliet, PhD Vice President of Research and Innovation, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering; Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University

Thesis Co-Supervisor: Aristide Gumyusenge, PhD Merton C. Flemings (1951) Career Development Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, MIT

Thesis Committee Chair: Darrell G. Irvine, PhD Professor, Materials Science and Engineering; Bioengineering, MIT

Thesis Reader: Kristin Galetta, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zoom invitation – 

Mingyu Yang is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Mingyu Yang MEMP PhD Thesis Defense Time: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 4:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Your participation is important to us: please notify  hst [at] mit.edu (hst[at]mit[dot]edu) , at least 3 business days in advance, if you require accommodations in order to access this event.

Join Zoom Meeting https://mit.zoom.us/j/7650653300 

 One tap mobile +16465588656,, 7650653300# US (New York) +16699006833,, 7650653300# US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 765 065 3300

US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 6833

Join by SIP 7650653300 [at] zoomcrc.com

Join by Skype for Business https://mit.zoom.us/skype/7650653300

UC's record graduating class prepares for next chapter

Uc will recognize the biggest spring graduating class in its 205-year history.

The University of Cincinnati caters to students such as Quincy Allfree who — like the poet Walt Whitman said — contain multitudes.

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business student completed a co-op in Kentucky, earned a certificate in Spanish business and joined a mentoring fellowship all while pursuing a double major in marketing and business information systems.

He will have a large cheering section of family when he walks across the stage at Fifth Third Arena for the largest spring commencement in the 205-year history of the university based on preliminary numbers.

With four ceremonies spread across three days, UC’s spring commencement kicks off at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 25, with the doctoral hooding and master’s recognition ceremony. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are required for all guests. The arena only allows clear plastic bags.

UC’s undergraduate commencement will consist of two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, April 26, and 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27. The ceremonies will be streamed live .

UC President Neville Pinto will address a record number of graduates at spring commencement. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

Pursuing your passions

Allfree enjoys art and drawing, but he also wanted to learn more about how to reach a bigger audience. So he double-majored in marketing and business information systems in the Lindner College of Business.

And he wanted to learn more about photography and videography, so he minored in media production in UC’s College-Conservatory of Music.

Because he likes to travel, he wanted to brush up on his language skills, so he got a certificate in business Spanish from UC’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Allfree is in UC’s Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program, where he became fast friends with his first-year roommate. The program is designed to give first-generation and underrepresented college students a community of support to help them succeed.

Allfree said being a Turner scholar made the transition to college much easier.

“I think it worked for me because I come from a small high school in Cincinnati,” he said. “I didn’t know many people at UC, so it allowed me to have a built–in community.”

Quincy Allfree, pictured center, belonged to UC Business Fellows, a professional mentorship group in UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II

Allfree joined UC Business Fellows, a mentorship program for future business leaders.

Some of his favorite experiences were trips abroad to Canada and Colombia. He traveled to Toronto in his first year at Lindner. And during spring break he went to Colombia for a study-abroad program, where he put his Spanish skills to the test.

He has a large contingent of family coming to commencement. And he’s looking forward to UC’s Afrocentric graduation celebration called Tyehimba. 

Allfree said apart from imparting new skills and knowledge, UC demonstrated the importance of kindness.

“You never know what people are going through,” he said. “Be a friend to people, even if it’s not someone you see yourself fraternizing with.”

About the spring class of 2024

UC will confer 7,521 degrees to 7,391 students. (Some students are earning multiple degrees.) Both represent new records dating back two centuries at UC for a single graduating class.

UC will award 539 associate degrees, 4,549 baccalaureate degrees, 252 doctoral degrees, 1,886 master’s degrees, 3 micro-credentials and 292 professional certificates.

This year 15% of graduates are first-generation college students. And 210 students come from Cincinnati Public Schools. Nearly 3% of grads are U.S. veterans or dependents of veterans.

New this year, three students will graduate from UC’s micro-credentialing program as electronic health records specialists. UC also will celebrate its first spring graduating class in the new master’s of legal studies program.

UC has seen a dramatic increase in master’s graduates in information technology and baccalaureate graduates in cybersecurity in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Meanwhile, the College of Engineering and Applied Science has seen a surge in graduates in its computer science and biomedical engineering programs, reflecting a growing interest in these fields.

The spring class of 2024 has the largest-ever percentage of master’s and doctoral graduates, representing more than 28% of graduates. And nearly 15% of grads participated through distance learning programs.

Graduates hail from 84 of Ohio’s 88 counties, a new record. They come from all 50 states and 81 countries as far away as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Philippines and Japan.

Women represent 56% of the spring class of 2024. And 57 grads will celebrate their birthday during the three days of commencement.

UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning graduate Tim Brown will receive an honorary degree during UC's spring commencement at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC

Spirit of entrepreneurship

The Board of Trustees will award an honorary degree to UC graduate and international entrepreneur Timothy Brown, co-founder and chief innovation officer for the sustainable shoe and clothing company Allbirds.

Brown, a native of Wellington, New Zealand, is a 2005 graduate of UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, where he majored in graphic design and worked in UC’s top-rated co-op program.

Tim Brown was a standout soccer player at UC. Photo/UC Athletics

At UC, he was a standout soccer player who turned professional, playing for the Richmond Kickers in Virginia, the Newcastle Jets in Australia and the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand.

He used his experience as a professional athlete and a designer to make what Time magazine called “the world’s most comfortable shoe.” Allbirds uses natural and sustainable fibers like wool.

“I consider my design education such a valuable thing for what I’m now doing as an entrepreneur,” Brown said in a 2016 interview.

Brown returned to campus in 2019 to accept UC Athletics’ Outstanding Alumni Award. While there, he addressed students at his alma mater, telling them not to listen to naysayers about what is and is not possible. He was warned how difficult a task it would be to succeed in Division 1 soccer while taking on a demanding program like graphic design. 

“I had to fight through the warnings and prove people wrong,” he told students. 

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Professor Neil Armstrong folds a paper airplane with his aerospace engineering students during a lesson on flight characteristics. Armstrong taught at UC after serving as a test pilot and being the first person to set foot on the moon. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand

Following a legend

UC graduate Chin Hua “Odin” Ou is following in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. Armstrong came to UC to teach aerospace engineering after leaving NASA. Before becoming an astronaut, Armstrong was an engineer and test pilot who worked to improve the aerodynamics of aircraft.

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Odin Ou wants to design aircraft. Photo/Provided

Like Armstrong, Ou wants to help design better airplanes. He will accept a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Among his UC highlights was publishing a paper on unmanned aerial vehicle design at a conference and competing in an international competition in Fort Worth, Texas, as a member of the UC AeroCats. They finished an impressive fourth overall in the 2023 competition.

Ou said the trip to Texas was epic.

“We built two types of UAV. To transfer them to Texas, we rented a truck and van to drive down from Cincinnati,” he said. “It’s the biggest road trip I’ve taken.” They celebrated their good finish at a barbecue restaurant.

“I would definitely recommend the aerospace engineering program at UC. It’s a great place to study,” he said. “The environment here is very friendly. And there are a lot of resources to use.”

Ou is an international student from Taiwan. During his time at UC, he traveled to Montana, Washington and Florida. And he went to Detroit to visit his younger brother who is studying transportation design there.

Their father is a retired electrical engineer. He is excited to see his parents at commencement. Afterward, he will return to Taiwan to complete his mandatory military service. And then he hopes to work for an aviation company.

“After all these years of studying, it’s a big end to me — and a new chapter,” he said.

UC graduates Jaina and Benton Hellmann, pictured with their family, will graduate together this spring. Photo/Provided

No sibling rivalry

Siblings Jaina and Benton Hellmann are graduating together this year.

Jaina is an Honors Program student who conducted research at a pediatric hospital while studying chemistry in UC’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“Our project focuses on how your body develops an immune ‘memory’ against antigens that have invaded you before,” she said. “I never dreamed of doing biomedical research. I’ve seen myself grow as a researcher and team member at UC.”

Siblings Jaina and Benton Hellmann are graduating together this spring. Photo/Provided

Now she plans to pursue a doctorate in environmental engineering in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.

“She’s the brains of the family,” her brother, Benton, joked.

Benton has a job offer in cybersecurity after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Information Technology in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

“I took some computer classes in high school and that kicked things off with me. I wanted to have a secure future so information technology was a safe bet,” he said.

Benton said he especially liked living on campus.

“It was easy to get to a game and be a part of campus life. And it was convenient to get help from classmates,” he said. 

Jaina said she tried to balance academics with research and her social life. She took part in RallyCats, a student spirit organization that provides a cheering section for a range of student sports. Their motto: They play the games; we make the noise!

“There are so many fun memories, like when we beat Houston to make the College Football Playoff and stormed the field. Being a part of that is something I’ll never forget,” she said.

She wants to pursue a career in water-quality monitoring.

“UC has been a really good place for me to discover who I am as a person in and out of the classroom,” she said.

UC will celebrate spring commencement over three days at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

Pushing frontiers of medicine

Darl Jacob is earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UC’s College of Arts and Sciences, where he conducted research in immunology.

“We were working on therapeutic interventions for people who are diagnosed with immune deficiencies,” he said.

He has been interested in chemistry since high school. The field of immunology is seeing dramatic advancements in treatments of diseases like cancer, he said.

“It’s been interesting to see how you can modify the body’s immune cells,” he said.

Jacob was born in India but grew up in the United Arab Emirates. His family will come from two continents to attend his commencement. Meanwhile, his brother is in Europe, working on a graduate internship in electrical engineering in the United Kingdom.

“My mom and dad are coming from the UAE and my grandmother is coming from India,” he said.

His dad also works in chemistry as a biochemist.

“The good thing is my dad was able to give me a lot of insights about opportunities in chemistry, particularly if I wanted to go into research,” he said.

After graduation, Jacob will attend Brown University for graduate school.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that resilience is a good thing. And it’s really important to ask questions when you don’t know something,” he said. “That’s something I’ll take to grad school.”

Featured image at top: UC students will celebrate commencement over three days at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

Become a Bearcat

Whether you’re a first-generation student or from a family of Bearcats, UC is proud to support you at every step along your journey. We want to make sure you succeed — and feel right at home.

• College of Pharmacy
• College of Medicine
• College of Allied Health Sciences
• Student Experience
• Academic Excellence
• Veteran's Affairs
• Alumni Association
• College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
• International
• Lindner College of Business
• College-Conservatory of Music
• Experience-based Learning
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
• College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services
• Blue Ash College
• Clermont College
• Graduate School
• College of Law
• College of Nursing
• Next Lives Here
• College of Engineering and Applied Science

Related Stories

April 22, 2024

UC will confer degrees to 7,521 degrees to 7,391 students. (Some students are earning multiple degrees.) Both represent new records at UC for a single graduating class dating back two centuries.

2023: A year in review

December 15, 2023

Review the University of Cincinnati's historic and productive year in 2023 through our year-in-review website.

Path to 50K: A journey defined by our impact

August 28, 2023

University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto shares the importance of UC's impact as enrollment projected to eclipse 50,000 students for first time in university history.