Electrical and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Electrical and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, blending Electrical and Computer Engineering with biomedical principles to electrify future technologies.

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

Electrical and Biomedical Engineering is a fast-growing field that involves the application of Electrical Engineering and technology to the solution of problems in medicine and biology. It bridges the historical separation between the biological/medical sciences and the engineering and physical sciences, thereby spanning interdisciplinary boundaries.

Female student examining sample in Chem Eng Lab

Why Electrical and Biomedical Engineering?

The 20th century has witnessed the emergence of biology and medicine as disciplines of technological innovation.

Scientific and technological advances in biomedicine, as well as ongoing debates about Canada’s national health care system have generated strong social and economic interests in the development of biomedical technologies.

The Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that will give students a strong foundation in both engineering and health sciences. Students will have a common first year before choosing to specialize in either health sciences or engineering in their second year.

  • Learn fundamental skills and techniques in both biomedical engineering and chosen core discipline
  • There are eight engineering disciplines to choose from (Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Engineering Physics, Materials, Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Software)
  • The admissions into one of these engineering disciplines will be based off of first year academic performance and the availability of space in the discipline

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 Electrical 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

  • HTHSCI 2F03 – Human Physiology and Anatomy I
  • HTHSCI 2FF3 – Human Physiology and Anatomy II
  • IBEHS 2P03 – Health Solutions Design Projects II: Introduction to Genetic Engineering
  • COMPENG 2SH4 – Principles of Programming
  • COMPENG 2SI3 – Data Structures and Algorithms
  • ELECENG 2CI4 – Introduction to Electrical Engineering
  • ELECENG 2CJ4 – Circuits and Systems
  • ELECENG 2FH4 – Electromagnetics I
  • MATH 2Z03 – Engineering Mathematics III
  • ENGINEER 1EE0 – Introduction to the Engineering Co-op Program
  • 3 units Health Science Elective
  • CHEM 1AA3 – Introductory Chemistry II
  • HTHSCI 2G03 – Statistics & Epidemiology 1
  • HTHSCI 3G03 – Critical Appraisal of the Health Literature
  • IBEHS 3A03 – Biomedical Signals and Systems
  • IBEHS 3P04 – Health Solutions Design Projects III: Analysis and Decision Making
  • COMPENG 2DI4 – Logic Design
  • COMPENG 2DX3 – Microprocessor Systems Project
  • ELECENG 2EI4 – Electronic Devices and Circuits I
  • ELECENG 3FK4 – Electromagnetics II
  • ELECENG 3TQ3 – Advanced Probability and Random Processes
  • CHEM 2E03 – Introductory Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 2OA3 – Organic Chemistry I
  • IBEHS 4A03 – Biomedical Control Systems
  • IBEHS 4B03 – Biomechanics
  • IBEHS 4C03 – Statistical Methods in Biomedical Engineering
  • IBEHS 4D03 – Introduction to Medical Imaging
  • IBEHS 4F04 – Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurement
  • IBEHS 4P04 – Health Solutions Design Projects IV: Economics and Project Management
  • COMPENG 3SK3 – Computer-Aided Engineering
  • ELECENG 3EJ4 – Electronic Devices and Circuits II
  • ELECENG 3TR4 – Communication Systems
  • 3-4 approved IBEHS technical electives


  • IBEHS 4QZ3 – Modelling of Biological Systems
  • IBEHS 5P06 A/B – Biomedical Capstone Design Project
  • ENGINEER 4A03 – Ethics, Equity and Law in Engineering

8 units from:

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:

  • Advanced MicroDevices (AMD)
  • Flextronics
  • Siemens Canada
  • IBM Canada
  • Hydro One
  • Toronto Hydro Corporation
  • General Motors Canada
  • Ontario Power Generation
  • Celestica

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.

  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) McMaster Student Branch
  • McMaster Electrical and Computer Engineering Society
  • PhaseOne (formerly HackItMAC)
  • McMaster Solar Car Project
  • MAC Formula Electric
  • McMaster EcoCar Team
  • McMaster ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)

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:

  • Power and renewable energy
  • Electrified transportation
  • Biomedical electronics
  • Telecommunications
  • Robotics and automation
  • Aerospace and defence
  • Consulting and services

Research areas:

  • Biomedical technologies
  • Communications
  • Electrified transportation
  • Electromagnetics and photonics
  • Integrated systems
  • Microelectronics
  • Optimization and control
  • Power electronics
  • Signal processing

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

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

How to apply

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