Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship (HESE) Program – Faculty of Engineering

Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship (HESE) Program  

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, where students are required to complete core project- and design-based courses from the iBioMed program in addition to courses that integrate business and engineering.

 

This program is in partnership with the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Length
4 years
Degree
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Co-op Available)
Program
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed)
Options

Co-op

 

Specializing in Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship, HESE graduates are ready to interact with clinicians, researchers and patients.

Health innovation

Students work in groups to create value from problems in the health and engineering disciplines, and take their ideas to market.

Are you a current iBioMed with an idea? Read our Roadmap to Innovation to help you go from bench to market.

HESE graduates

HESE students graduate ready to tackle today’s healthcare challenges.

Our students have gone on to medical school, graduate school and have joined the workforce as product managers, consulting analysts and have even founded their own companies. Learn more about where HESE students go.

Equipping students to launch impactful careers

HESE students develop crucial skills that set them apart. They contribute to meaningful change in health, engineering and entrepreneurship.  

Here’s just some ways our alumni are putting their skills to work in exciting career pathways.  

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

This is an above level 1 specialization that requires successful completion of the iBioMed 1 (IBEHS1) general first year.

Use the Future Students admissions tool for entry requirements to the iBioMed program.

How to Apply HESE degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

After completing the common first year of iBioMed I, students may opt for the Health, Engineering Science, and Entrepreneurship (HESE) program that blends engineering, health sciences, and business, culminating in a BHSc.

iBioMed 1 provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of engineering and biomedical disciplines. Students take real problems in society and learn the technical and teamwork skills to solve them.

Explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline for second year and beyond.
Explore iBioMed 1
JHE building, students walking around the building

Explore HESE Courses

HESE students complete courses in health sciences, engineering and business with a focus on health innovation and entrepreneurship.  

Our courses are hands-on and focused on real projects. Our students have designed healthcare solutions across more than 10 clinical specialties, including neurosurgery, interventional radiology and vascular surgery. 

Health Sciences courses provide a foundation in:

  • Human Anatomy and Pysiology
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Critical Appraisal of Medical Literature
  • Statistics and Epidemiology

Engineering courses are biomedical focused:

  • All ‘P’ design courses
  • Biomedical Control Systems
  • Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
  • Biomedical Instrumentation
  • Biomechanics
  • Statistical Methods in Biomedical Engineering
  • Medical Imaging

Entrepreneurship courses focus on designing for your end user to create a market-ready solution, with courses in:

  • Canadian Healthcare System
  • Human-Centred Design
  • From idea to innovation
  • Fundamentals of Business Strategy
  • Project Management
  • Clinical Trials and Regulatory Considerations
  • Innovators in Scrubs
The civil structure outside the Gerald Hatch Centre
Course Spotlight

Innovators in Scrubs

During clinical placements in IBEHS 4EE6 A/B students observe surgeries, speak to clinical stakeholders and collaborate with clinical teams.  

Each student team will spend 100+ hours with clinicians on site in Hamilton hospitals. Teams design, build and test prototypes in real clinical scenarios with surgeons, nurses and patients.  

Previous placement areas include anesthesiology, neurosurgery, cardiology, orthopedic, chronic pain, radiology, emergency medicine and vascular surgery.  

Read more about Innovators in Scrubs  (Opens in new window)
Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Co-op and experiential learning

Experiential learning provides students with hands-on opportunities beyond the traditional lecture-style format to gain valuable experience.

With the optional Engineering Co-op Program, HESE students can work in real, paid opportunities before they graduate. The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) administers the program.

iBioMed students have fulfilled co-op placements in healthcare, education, finance, government, tech and other industries.

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences have many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.

  • iBioMed Society
  • Bioengineering at McMaster Society
  • Women in Science & Engineering
  • Engineers without Borders

Browse opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

The iBioMed program at McMaster provides hands-on learning from the start, with students tackling real-world projects, pitching ideas, and building prototypes. They progress through project-based courses, culminating in a comprehensive Capstone Design Project, and showcase their work in iBioMed Showcases. This practical experience, captured in personalized portfolios, equips them with leadership skills and a problem-solving mindset, making them excellent candidates for co-op positions and future leadership roles.

Find out more

Explore the experiences catalogue

The HESE program was a transformative experience that shaped my journey as both a PhD student and the founder of my startup, Wonder Guard. From anatomy labs with cadavers to engineering design and clinical placements in hospitals departments, HESE uniquely bridged healthcare and innovation, giving me the tools to build real-world solutions in health and technology.

Manak Bajaj

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

Understand every step, from applying, to accepting your offer and joining us on campus!

How to apply

Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

Transforming healthcare challenges into new learning experiences through hands-on, entrepreneurial projects focused on solving real-world problems.

Learn more

Related Degree Options