Chemical and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, combining Chemical Engineering with biomedical projects to revolutionize material and product innovation.

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

Co-op

Program highlights

Chemical Engineering focuses on the design of processes capable of producing new materials, energy and clean water in a highly effective manner – processes in which the human body excels.

Student in Chem Eng Lab

What makes the program unique?

Medicine and Biochemistry have been an integral part of the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University for more than 40 years.

Our department has been at the forefront of research on blood interactions with implant materials, influencing patient care globally. With a third of our faculty dedicated to biomedical fields, from drug delivery to bioprocessing, we also have a robust tradition of engaging undergraduates in summer research, hiring around 65 students annually to advance these critical scientific domains.

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.

How to Apply Chemical and Biomedical Engineering degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences program share a common first-year, iBioMed 1.

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.

After the initial year, students may opt for a biomedical-focussed Engineering discipline, leading to a BEngBME with choices in chemical, civil, electrical, engineering physics, materials, mechanical, mechatronics, and software engineering, or the Health, Engineering Science, and Entrepreneurship (HESE) program which blends engineering, health sciences, and business, culminating in a BHSc.

Explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline for second year and beyond.
Explore iBioMed 1
MMRT students in workshop

Program structure

This program layout applies to students registered in 2021-2022.
Where there are discrepancies in this document, the published Academic Calendar will always take precedence.
For a detailed breakdown of your course requirements, please refer to your Student Summary in Mosaic.

Level 2: 37 units (as of 2022)

Term 1Term 2
ChE 2D04
Chemical Engineering Principles I		Math 2ZZ3
Engineering Mathematics IV
ChE 2E04
Numerical Methods and Computing for Chemical Engineers		ChE 2F04
Chemical Engineering Principles II
Math 2Z03
Engineering Mathematics III		ChE 2O04
Fluid Mechanics
HTHSCI 2E03
Inquiry II: Biochemistry		IBEHS 2P03
Health Solutions Design Projects II: Introduction to Genetic Engineering
HTHSCI 2F03
Human Physiology & Anatomy I		HTHSCI 2FF3
Human Physiology & Anatomy II
Chem 1AA3
Introductory Chemistry II

Level 3: 39 units (as of 2022)

Term 1Term 2
ChE 3A04
Heat Transfer		ChE 3G04
Chemical Process Synthesis and Simulation
ChE 3D04
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics		ChE 3K04
Introduction to Reactor Design
ChE 3M04
Mass Transfer and Stagewise Operations
HTHSCI 2G03
Statistics & Epidemiology 1		HTHSCI 3G03
Critical Appraisal of the Medical Literature
IBEHS 3A03
Biomedical Signals and Systems		IBEHS 3P04
Health Solutions Design Projects III: Analysis and Decision Making
3 units from:Chem 2E03 – Introductory Organic Chemistry
Or
Chem 20A3 – Organic Chemistry I		Complementary Studies (3 units)


Level 4: 36-37 units (as of 2022)

Term 1Term 2
ChE 3I03
Data Acquisition and Analysis		ChE 3L03
Intermediate Laboratory Skills
Chem Bio 2A03
Introduction to Bio-Analytical Chemistry		ChE 3P04
Process Control
IBEHS 4B03
Biomechanics
IBEHS 4F04
Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurement		IBEHS 4C03
Statistical Methods in Biomedical Engineering
IBEHS 4P04
Health Solutions Design Projects IV: Economics and Project Management		IBEHS 4D04
Introduction to Medical Imaging
Approved IBEHS Technical Elective (3-4 units)
3 units from:
ChE 3BK3 – Bio-Reaction Engineering (term 1 List B)
ChE 3BM3 – Bioseparations Engineering (term 2 List B)
ChE 4A03 – Energy Systems Engineering (term 1)
ChE 4B03 – Polymer Reaction Engineering (term 1)
ChE 4H03 – Big Data Methods and Modeling in Chemical and Materials Engineering (term 2)
ChE 4K03 – Reactor Design for Heterogeneous Systems (term 1)
ChE 4M03 – Industrial Separation Processes (term 1)
ChE 4T03 – Applications of Chemical Engineering in Medicine (term 2)
ChE 4TA3 A/B – Engineering Practicum (term 1 & 2)
ChE 4X03 – Polymer Processing (term 2)
ChE 4Z03 – Interfacial Engineering (term 2 List B)

Level 5: 37-39 units (as of 2022)

Term 1Term 2
ChE 4N04
Engineering Economics and Problem Solving		Engineer 4A03
Ethics, Equity and Law in Engineering 
ChE 4L03
Advanced Laboratory Skills
IBEHS 4QZ3
Modelling of Biological Systems
IBEHS 5P06 A/B
Biomedical Capstone Design Project
9-10 units from:
ChE 3BK3 – Bio-Reaction Engineering (term 1 List B)
ChE 3BM3 – Bioseparations Engineering (term 2 List B)
ChE 4A03 – Energy Systems Engineering (term 1)
ChE 4B03 – Polymer Reaction Engineering (term 1)
ChE 4E03 – Digital Computer and Process Control (term 1)
ChE 4H03 – Big Data Methods and Modeling in Chemical and Materials Engineering (term 2)
ChE 4G03 – Optimization in Chemical Engineering (term 2)
ChE 4K03 – Reactor Design for Heterogeneous Systems  (term 1)
ChE 4M03 – Industrial Separation Processes (term 1)
ChE 4T03 – Applications of Chemical Engineering in Medicine (term 2)
ChE 4TA3 A/B – Engineering Practicum (term 1 & 2)
ChE 4X03 – Polymer Processing (term 2)
ChE 4Y04 A/B – Senior Independent Project (term 1 & 2 List B)
ChE 4Z03 – Interfacial Engineering (term 2 List B)
Approved IBEHS Technical Elective (3-4 units)
Complementary Studies Electives (6 units)
Student working in the laboratory

Co-op and experiential learning

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

The Engineering Co-op Program is an optional program which provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate. The Undergraduate Co-op Program is administered by the Engineering Co-op and Career Services Department (ECCS).

Example employers:

  • Xerox Canada
  • Imperial Oil
  • Hatch
  • Dow Chemical
  • Suncor/Petro-Canada
  • Uniroyal
  • GE Water & Process Technologies

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering has 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.

  • Chemical Engineering Club
  • Engineering Without Borders
  • McMaster Solar Car Team
  • MAC Formula Electric

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

Careersand research

Example career paths:

  • Process and refine fuels (gasoline, natural gas, propane)
  • Develop sustainable energy systems
  • Manufacture silicon chips
  • Produce the food we eat
  • Resolve environmental problems

Research areas:

  • Energy production and energy systems
  • Biological interface engineering and nanotechnology
  • Water and wastewater treatment

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

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

How to apply

Department of Chemical Engineering

We are tackling challenges in energy, water, food, health and environment with practical solutions that will lead to new opportunities in a fast-paced world.

Learn more

Related Degree Options