Civil and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Civil and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, uniting Civil Engineering with biomedical sciences to forge new frontiers in sustainable infrastructure.

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

The diverse expertise within the Department of Civil Engineering enable us to address several grand challenges related to biomedical engineering with the goal of building healthier communities. These included studying the fate and transport of pathogens in ground water systems and their subsequent impact on the environment and human health.

In addition, we study flow of contaminated water (e.g. with radionuclides or heavy metals) in fractured rock systems. The department also has an ongoing program on the systemic risk of hydraulic fracking on ground water aquifers. 

Healthy communities

Our faculty considers medical evacuation plans and medical resource allocation and optimization under national- or regional-levels disasters (e.g. nuclear release, wild fire, etc.) in order to ensure the health and resilience of our communities.

Mechanical tools

With a strong foundation in mechanics, we equip our graduates with the necessary tools to model human body motion dynamics and responses to extreme loading conditions (e.g. explosions) as well as simulating human injuries (e.g. bone fracture, traumatic brain injuries, etc.) using numerical tools (e.g. finite element analysis). 

Infrastructure systems

Realizing the importance of our healthcare infrastructure, we educate students on state-of-the-art methods to ensure the resilience of such critical infrastructure systems in order to avoid cascading failure under natural or man-induced hazards.

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 Civil 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
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.

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:

  • Toronto Hydro Corporation
  • Canadian Solar Solutions
  • Metrolinx
  • Government of Ontario
  • Sobotec
  • McNally Construction
  • Aecon Group

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.

  • McMaster Seismic Design Team
  • Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Student Chapter (EERI McMaster)
  • Civil Engineering Club
  • McMaster Engineering Musical
  • 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

Careersand research

Example career paths:

  • Design and construction of buildings and infrastructure systems
  • Earthquake engineering
  • Environmental and water resources engineering
  • Education
  • Government
  • Consulting
  • Industry
  • Construction

Research areas:

  • Techniques to increase the performance of concrete, masonry and steel structures; mitigation of damage due to extreme load situations
  • Sensing and automation for heavy construction; development of innovative disruptive and intelligent transportation systems.
  • Watershed planning and storm water management; groundwater cleanup; energy harvesting from wastewater
  • Mitigation of damage due to earthquake, blast and other extreme load situations
  • Watershed planning and stormwater management
  • Energy harvesting from wastewater

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

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

How to apply

Department of Civil Engineering

We’re building healthier communities to create a brighter world.

Learn more
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