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

Domestic International
Application deadline MASc, PhD:

Fall 2024 entry
Please visit the BME website for details

MEng:

Please visit the BME website for details

MASc, PhD:

Fall 2024 entry
Please visit the BME website for details

MEng:

Please visit the BME website for details

Minimum admission average MASc, PhD:

mid-B average (3.0 grade point average) in the final two years of study.

 

MEng:

mid-B average (3.0 grade point average) in the final two years of study.

MASc, PhD:

mid-B average (3.0 grade point average) in the final two years of study.

 

MEng:

mid-B average (3.0 grade point average) in the final two years of study.

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? PhD:

A- average (3.7 grade point average) in the final two years of study

PhD:

A- average (3.7 grade point average) in the final two years of study

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MASc, PhD:

Before

MASc, PhD:

Secured by the applicant

MASc, PhD:

Before

MASc, PhD:

Secured by the applicant


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)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

​Master of Engineering​

Program Description

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

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • ​​​Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
    • ​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.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

​2 years

 

Extended Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • ​​​Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
    • ​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.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

​3 years

 

Part-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • ​​​Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
    • ​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.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

​6 years

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.

Group A

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

Group B

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]):

Leadership

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

Program Description

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.

 

Fields:

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

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.

  • 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.

Program Requirements

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

  • 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.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

 

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):

      • 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).

    • 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).

    • Students must complete 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); or

      • 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).

    • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

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.

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Normally, students must complete 3.0 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); or

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

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

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.

 

Field: Clinical Engineering

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

PhD Program

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.

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Normally, students must complete at least 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) 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); or

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

    • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

 

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 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.

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):

      • 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).

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

    • 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.

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).

    • Students must complete 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); or

      • 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).

    • 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.

    • 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.

All PhD Students

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

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.

  • 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.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Normally, students must complete 3.0 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); or

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

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

    • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

Amir Manbachi

“Find your strength and weaknesses, your passions and dreams, and then go after them full force.”

Amir Manbachi
Alumnus, PhD (2015), Biomedical Engineering
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