Program Overview
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering is a field that integrates principles of engineering with the biological sciences to develop innovative technologies and solutions for the healthcare industry. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve patient care and advance medical research.
Why Biomedical Engineering?
The Biomedical Engineering program at the University of Waterloo aims to close the gap between engineering and medicine. Students will develop knowledge in engineering fundamentals, biomechanics, physics, physiology, and design. Hands-on labs will provide experience in modeling, prototyping, and testing biomedical systems. By graduation, students will be ready to design and build tomorrow's innovative healthcare technologies.
Courses in Biomedical Engineering
In the first year, students will take foundational courses combining biology with applied sciences and engineering. The sample first-year courses include:
- BME101 - Communications in Biomedical Engineering
- BME121 - Digital Computation
- BME161 - Introduction to Biomedical Design
- BME181 - Physics 1: Statics
- SYDE111 - Calculus 1
- SYDE113 - Elementary Engineering Mathematics
In the upper years, students can explore various courses, including:
- BME102 - Seminar
- BME122 - Data Structures and Algorithms
- BME162 - Human Factors in the Design of Biomedical and Health Systems
- BME186 - Chemistry Principles
- SYDE112 - Calculus 2
- SYDE114 - Matrices and Linear Systems
Upper Year Courses
For information about courses past the first year, students can refer to the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
Customize Your Degree
Options
Options are available to provide students with a path to expand their degree and get a secondary emphasis in another subject or area. Some available options include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biomechanics
- Computer Engineering
- Computing
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Management Sciences
- Mechatronics
- Physical Sciences
- Quantum Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
Specializations
A specialization is recognition of selected elective courses within the degree. Specialization offerings are unique to the engineering program and are listed on the diploma. Specializations available to Biomedical Engineering students include:
- Biomaterials & Tissues Specialization
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Specialization
- Medical Devices Specialization
- Neural Engineering Specialization
- Sports Engineering Specialization
Co-op for Biomedical Engineering Students
The co-op program provides students with paid work experience before graduation. Students will alternate between school and work every four months, integrating classroom learning with real-world experience.
Example Co-op Positions
Example co-op positions for Biomedical Engineering students include:
- Junior biomedical engineer
- Medical device software developer
- Robotics and embedded sensor research assistant
- Automation engineering
- Signal processing algorithm developer
- Bioengineering research assistant
- Medical device designer
- Systems software engineer
Example Careers for Biomedical Engineering Graduates
Biomedical Engineering graduates can pursue various careers, including:
- Brain-computer interface designer
- Clinical application developer
- Medical device product designer
- Biomedical data analyst
- Systems integration engineer
- Product development specialist
- Clinical application analyst
Capstone Design Projects
Capstone Design is the culmination of the engineering undergraduate student experience, creating a blueprint for innovation in engineering design. Students will work on projects related to their chosen discipline, applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and on co-op work terms.
Example Capstone Design Projects
Example capstone design projects include:
- SATURN (Sensory Awareness of Touch Upper-limb Radial Network)
- CACHA Clinic Manager
Student Design Teams
The Sedra Student Design Centre consists of over 20,000 square feet of space dedicated to design teams and student projects. Some examples of design teams include:
- BIOMOD Team
- MedTechResolve
- Alternative Protein Project
Biomedical Engineering Alumni
Biomedical Engineering alumni have gone on to achieve great things, including:
- Zoey Zhang, who was named a rising star for her work solving challenges and championing initiatives that advance inclusion in engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical Sciences is the study of life from a medical perspective, while Biomedical Engineering is the application of that scientific knowledge to develop medical technology.
Is Biomedical Engineering a Path to Become a Doctor?
While it is possible to become a doctor with a Biomedical Engineering degree, it is not the recommended path. Biomedical Sciences is a better route to becoming a doctor or other healthcare professional. Biomedical Engineering leads to becoming an engineer, usually in the medical field and biotechnology field.