Biomedical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Waterloo offers students a comprehensive educational experience that combines principles of engineering with the medical and biological sciences. This innovative program is designed to prepare graduates for the rapidly evolving healthcare industry by equipping them with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to develop medical devices, diagnostic tools, and innovative healthcare solutions. The curriculum integrates foundational courses in mathematics, physics, and life sciences, with specialized topics such as biomedical instrumentation, biomaterials, imaging technologies, and systems modeling. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, design projects, and cooperative education (co-op) placements, which provide real-world industry exposure and networking opportunities. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, enabling students to address complex medical challenges with creative and effective solutions. Faculty members are experts in their fields, contributing to cutting-edge research and ensuring that coursework reflects the latest advancements in biomedical engineering. The degree prepares graduates for diverse careers in medical device development, rehabilitation engineering, biotech companies, healthcare technology, and research institutions. Graduates are also well-positioned to pursue further education and specialization in graduate studies. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative research facilities, students are encouraged to innovate and contribute to advancements in healthcare technology. The University of Waterloo’s strong industry connections and co-op programs foster a seamless transition from academic learning to professional practice, making graduates highly competitive in the global job market. Overall, the Biomedical Engineering program at Waterloo aims to develop skilled, ethical, and innovative professionals who will lead the future of healthcare technology and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

The first three years of the program are intended to provide each student with a solid engineering background in areas relevant to biomedical issues.Throughout these three years the student's ability to grasp real engineering problems is enhanced by courses in systems design methodology followed by a series of challenging problem-solving experiences in the Biomedical Design Workshops. A focus is then given to the whole curriculum and the student learns to apply the lecture material, to develop skills in solving biomedical problems while developing design and project management abilities.

The final year of the program is comprised mostly of elective courses, allowing the student to focus on one or more areas of study. This provides the required background for a future year of advanced study to the MASc degree, or for a rewarding career in industry or government with a Bachelor's degree (BASc).

1st Year

• Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
• Computer-Aided Design
• Digital Computation
• Introduction to Biomedical Design
• Physics I - Statics
• Fundamental Engineering Math 1
• Matrices and Linear Systems 
• Seminar
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Human Factors in the Design of Biomedical and Health Systems 
• Physics II - Dynamics
• Chemistry Principles
• Fundamental Engineering Math 2
• Numerical and Applied Calculus

2nd Year

• Seminar
• Statistics and Experimental Design  
• Prototyping, Simulation and Design
• Mechanics of Deformable Solids
• Mechanics of Deformable Solids Laboratory
• Engineering Biology
• Engineering Biology Laboratory
• Seminar
• Linear Signals and Systems
• Materials Science for Biomedical Engineers 
• Physiological and Biological Systems
• Physiology and Anatomy Laboratory
• Digital Systems
• Digital Systems Laboratory
• Advanced Engineering Math 1
• Work-term Report

3rd Year

• Seminar
• Control Systems
• Control Systems Laboratory
• Anatomical Systems Modelling
• Biomedical Engineering Design
• Biomedical Engineering Ethics
• Seminar
• Biomedical Engineering Design Workshop 1
• Engineering Biomedical Economics
• Biomedical Transport: Biofluids and Mass Transfer
• Physics of Medical Imaging
• Circuits, Instrumentation, and Measurements
• Circuits, Instrumentation, and Measurements Laboratory
• Work-term Report

4th Year

• Seminar
• Optimization and Numerical Methods 
• Biomedical Engineering Design Workshop 2
• Work-term Report 
• Biomedical Engineering Design Workshop 3

Electives

• Biomedical Engineering Ethics
• Engineering Design, Economics, and Impact on Society
• Environmental Sustainability and Ethics
• Environmental and Sustainability Assessment I
• Environmental and Sustainability Assessment II
• Environment and Development in a Global Perspective
• Conservation/Resource Management of the Built Environment
• Economic Impact of Technological Change and Entrepreneurship
• Impact of Information Systems on Organizations and Society
• Societal and Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology 
• Biomedical Ethics
• Technology and Social Change
• Society, Technology and Values: Introduction
• Design and Society
• Biotechnology and Society
• Cybernetics and Society
• The Computing Society
• Information Technology and Society
• Technology in Canadian Society
• Design, Systems, and Society
• Gender, Culture and Technology
• Engineering Biomedical Economics
• Economics and Life Cycle Analysis
• Engineering Design, Economics, and Impact on Society
• Engineering Economics: Financial Management for Engineers
• Engineering Economics of Design

Requirements

• English, minimum grade of 4. Overall average of 4.
• Atestat o Srednem Obrazavanii (Secondary school leaving certificate).
• Passes in at least six subjects at the Senior (Grade 11) level, including required courses.
• English Language Test.
• Official translations are required.
• If your first language is not English, you may need to meet ourEnglish language requirements.Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) - Test Of English as a Foreign Language min 90, IELTS Academic - International English Language Testing System  min 7.0. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Marjorie Barber Entrance Scholarship
• Chachra Family Entrance Scholarships
• Arthur F. Church Entrance Scholarships
• Class of 1986 Entrance Scholarship
• Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarship
• Faculty of Engineering Entrance Scholarships
• Isabel Farrar Entrance Scholarships
• Fred Groch Entrance Scholarship
• Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships
• June Lowe Entrance Scholarship
• Paul and Suzanne Koenderman Entrance Scholarship in Engineering
• Motorola Engineering Scholarship

The University of Waterloo offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Biomedical Engineering, a program designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and biological sciences. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from electrical, mechanical, chemical, and computer engineering with a focus on developing innovative solutions for medical devices, diagnostics, imaging, and healthcare systems. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to design, analyze, and improve biomedical technologies that improve patient care and health outcomes.

Students in the Biomedical Engineering program at Waterloo benefit from a rigorous academic framework complemented by extensive hands-on experience through laboratories, design projects, co-op placements, and research opportunities. The program includes foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering, alongside specialized courses in biomedical instrumentation, biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, tissue engineering, and rehabilitation engineering. This comprehensive approach equips graduates with a solid understanding of the biological and engineering principles necessary to innovate in medical technology.

The co-op component of the program provides students with valuable industry experience, allowing them to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, gain professional skills, and develop industry contacts. Many students undertake multiple paid work terms at leading healthcare companies, medical device manufacturers, research institutes, and hospitals, which significantly enhances their employment prospects after graduation.

Facilities at the University of Waterloo support active learning and research in biomedical engineering, including specialized laboratories for bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and imaging techniques. The university's strong ties with healthcare institutions and industry partners foster collaborations that benefit students through research projects, internships, and networking opportunities.

Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering program are well-prepared to pursue careers in medical device design and manufacturing, healthcare consulting, biomedical research, regulatory affairs, or advanced studies through graduate programs. The program's emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem solving aligns with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, making Waterloo's Biomedical Engineering degree a comprehensive and highly regarded pathway into the biomedical field.