Program Overview
Introduction to the Master of Engineering Program
The Master of Engineering (MEng) program is designed for students who wish to pursue their biomedical engineering education beyond the undergraduate level but do not wish to pursue a thesis-based research program. The MEng program offers three options that students can choose from: a course-only option, a coursework combined with an internship option, and a coursework combined with a co-op placement option. All pathways require a minimum of 30 credits and take about 12-16 months to complete if pursued on a full-time basis.
Program Options
The MEng program has three options:
- Course-only Option: students will not take BMEG 597 and instead fulfill the 6 credits by enrolling in additional courses, approved by the program.
- Courses with Internship Option: students will complete an internship by taking BMEG 597, which will cover 6 credits of required courses.
- Courses with Co-op Option: students will not take BMEG 597 and instead complete a 4 or 8 month-long co-op placement with one organization after completing all course requirements (30 credits).
Program Requirements
MEng students must complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework to complete the program. Both the course-based and internship options require:
- At least 24 credits must be at the 500-level.
- A minimum of 18 of the 24 credits must be in the program area at the 500-level, including a project, if required, up to a maximum 6 credits.
- A maximum of 6 credits may be taken at the 300-/400-level.
- A maximum of 6 credits of 500-level directed studies courses may be counted toward the program requirements.
Course Options
The following courses are available:
- BMEG 598: Biomedical Engineering Seminar (1 credit)
- BMEG 597: Master of Engineering Project (6 credits) (for internship option)
- BMEG 500: Orientation to the Clinical Environment (1 credit) (for Engineers in Scrubs program)
- BMEG 501: Interdisciplinary Team Project in Medical Innovation (4 credits) (for Engineers in Scrubs program)
- BMEG 554: Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering (1-3 credits) (occasional or trial basis)
- BMEG 591: Topics in Biomedical Engineering (1-3 credits) (occasional or trial basis)
Special Topics
These courses are offered on an occasional or trial basis:
- BMEG 554: Directed Studies in Biomedical Engineering (normally restricted to MASc/PhD)
- BMEG 591: Topics in Biomedical Engineering
Important Notes
- BMEG 598 incorporates both the monthly public seminars and the annual Biomedical Engineering Conference. Students are required to remain registered for and attend all BME Seminars during the duration of their program.
- A maximum of 6 credits at an undergraduate level (courses numbered 300-499) may be counted toward the requirements of a degree.
Student Responsibilities
It is very important that students familiarize themselves with UBC’s policies on academic honesty, intellectual property, and registration. Students should review UBC’s Graduate and Post Graduate Studies Student Responsibilities at the beginning of their degree.
Full-time and Part-time Enrollment
The typical completion time for the MEng degree is 12-16 months if pursued on a full-time basis. MEng degree candidates registered as full-time students are required to spend at least one winter session at the University. Only candidates who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada can also complete the MEng on a part-time basis.
Engineering Co-op
Students may add a Co-op element to their program, which will increase the total completion time. MEng students who are interested in participating in the Engineering Co-op Program are encouraged to visit the MEng Biomedical Engineering Co-op page for more information.
Satisfactory Progress
For Master of Engineering students, the minimum passing grade in any course is 60%. However, only 6 credits of courses with grades in the C to C+ range (60-67%) may be counted towards a master’s program. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained.
Unsatisfactory Progress
On the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Faculty of Applied Science (for MEng students), the student may repeat a course for higher standing or take an alternate course. When repeating a failed required course, a minimum mark of 74% must be obtained. Higher minimum grades may be required.
Program Completion
MEng students normally complete their program in 12 to 16 months. The three most common paths students take are as follows:
Completion Timeline Per Stream
| Sep to Dec | Jan to Apr | May to Aug | Sep to Dec | TBD Based on Length of Co-op
---|---|---|---|---|---
Option 1 | Courses (~12 credits) 1st Tuition Instalment | Courses (~12 credits) 2nd Tuition Instalment | BMEG 597 Internship (6 credits – no other courses) 3rd Tuition Instalment | Graduation |
Option 2 | Courses (~12 credits) 1st Tuition Instalment | Courses (~12 credits) 2nd Tuition Instalment | Courses or Academic Break* (~6 credits) 3rd Tuition Instalment | Graduation |
Option 3 | Courses (12 credits) Express Intent to Participate in Co-op 1st Tuition Instalment | Courses (~12 credits) Mandatory Pre-Employment Training Workshops 2nd Tuition Instalment | Courses (~6 credits) 3rd Tuition Instalment | Co-op (0 credits) Co-op Fees | Graduation
Academic Break
Leave is granted when a student is best advised for personal, health, or other reasons to have time completely away from their academic responsibilities. Leave, not including parental leave or leave to pursue concurrent programs, is limited to one year for Master’s students.
Withdrawal and Reinstatement
Students will normally be required to withdraw if they do not make adequate academic progress. When a student is required to withdraw, the academic record will indicate “required to withdraw”.