Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering is a graduate program offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alberta. The department is part of both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

Why Study this Program?

The program offers research facilities and lecture courses for graduate students, leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering, as well as the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy with a specialization in Biomedical Sciences. The degrees differ according to the undergraduate preparation of the student, with the former for students with a background in engineering or academically similar areas, and the latter in biological sciences.

Research Areas

The research activities of members of the Department are directed at aspects of biomedical engineering, including:

• Digital image processing
• Nanostructured biomaterials
• In-vivo nuclear magnetic resonance
• Vascular imaging
• Stroke
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
• Non-invasive biochemical analysis through spectroscopic methods
• MRI of cerebral vascular disease
• Restoration of function following spinal cord injury Additionally, research is performed by members of other departments who collaborate with those of the Department in areas that include:
  • Adaptive controllers in medicine
  • Aerosol inhalation and delivery
  • Assistive technologies
  • Biofilms
  • Biomaterials and drug delivery
  • Biomechanics of bone
  • Biomechanics of walking
  • Biomedical modeling
  • Biophotonic and ultrasonic imaging
  • Bracing and wheelchairs
  • Cardiovascular biomaterials
  • Cell and tissue cryobiology
  • Computational neuroscience
  • Control and restoration of motor movement
  • Functional electrical stimulation
  • Lab-on-a-chip
  • Laser applications in medicine
  • Mathematical modeling of drug delivery
  • Mathematical modeling of the immune system
  • Medical image processing
  • Micro-computed tomography
  • Modeling of biomedical processes
  • Nano-bio-mechanical systems
  • Nanotechnology and drug delivery
  • Nanotechnology in medicine
  • Oral/facial prosthetic reconstruction
  • Orthodontic retraction appliances
  • Rehabilitation engineering
  • Rehabilitation robotics
  • Resorbable implants
  • Scoliosis and spinal column correction
  • Spinal disorder assessment and treatment
  • Therapeutic ultrasound and biomechanics in dentistry
  • Tissue engineering
  • Ultrasound applications in medicine

Entrance Requirements

The Departments minimum admission requirements are:

• An undergraduate degree with a grade point average of at least 3.3 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from another institution
• A TOEFL score of 95 or equivalent on the internet-based test where applicable

Program Requirements

The PhD program normally consists of:

• A minimum of 12 units in graded graduate courses or approved equivalents (6 units after a MSc degree)
• A candidacy examination normally taken within the first two years of the program
• The preparation and defence of a dissertation on an approved topic No language other than English is required for the degree. The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement

Students must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 (for both masters and doctoral students) and INT D 720 (for doctoral students) by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Length of Program

A minimum of three years is required to complete the PhD.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the following subject headings:

• Biomedical Engineering (BME)
• Chemical Engineering (CH E)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering/Biomedical Engineering (EE BE)
• Mechanical Engineering (MEC E)

Tuition and Fees

Students who receive scholarships from external agencies may hold these awards in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be nominated by the Department for a masters thesis-based Scholarship, a PhD Scholarship, or an FS Chia PhD Scholarship.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.