Engineering Physics and Society – Faculty of Engineering

Engineering Physics and Society

Harness science and mathematics to tackle complex engineering problems head-on, with an awareness of the societal implications and the connection between technological advancements and societal change.

Length
5 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering & Society (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-op

Curriculum

Courses give students with a holistic understanding of technology’s societal impact, fostering research skills, communication, initiative, critical assessment, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Innovation

Students develop micro/nanotechnology devices in advanced labs and gain hands-on experience with Canada’s most powerful university nuclear reactor.

Specializations

Four focus areas in the final years: Nuclear Engineering and Energy Systems, Nano- and Micro-Devices, Photonics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering.

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

This is an above level 1 specialization that requires successful completion of the Engineering 1 general first year.

Use the Future Students admissions tool for entry requirements.

Nuclear Engineering and Energy Systems

  • energy systems
  • heat transfer and fluid mechanics
  • alternate energy sources
  • nuclear reactor physics and chain reactions
  • nuclear reactor design and analysis
  • radioactivity
  • interactions of radiation with matter

Nano- and Micro-Devices

  • electronics
  • physics of semiconductors
  • microelectronic devices
  • integrated circuits
  • device fabrication techniques
  • microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
  • superconductivity

Photonics Engineering

  • physics and applications of lasers
  • optical instrumentation, optical sensors
  • fibre optic communications systems
  • electromagnetic theory
  • physical optics
  • semiconductor diode lasers
  • biophotonics

Biomedical Engineering

  • fabricate a biosensor
  • build optical systems for cancer treatment
  • use nanotechnology for disease detection

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:

  • IBM
  • Hydro One
  • Amec-NSS
  • Hatch Associates
  • Intel
  • Bell Canada
  • Texas Instruments
  • Bombardier Aerospace

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.

  • Engineering Physics Society
  • McMaster Rocketry Team
  • McMaster Solar Car Team
  • McMaster NEUDOSE Team

Browse opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

Engineering programs have been enriched with interdisciplinary design courses, enabling students to work in teams on real-world problems. This practical experience builds their portfolios and hones skills vital for managing complex projects and utilizing emerging technologies. It prepares them for co-ops and future careers, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of societal issues.

Four project-based design courses that all students take include:

  • ENGINEER 1P13: Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering
  • ENGINEER 2PX3: Engineering Design 2: Communications and Societal Impact
  • ENGINEER 3PX3: Engineering Design 2: Engineering Economics
  • CAPSTONE

Find out more

Career paths:

  • Multidisciplinary Design Engineer
  • Director of Business Development
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Controls Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Project Engineer
  • Optical Engineer

Research areas:

  • Nanotechnology, biological and chemical sensors, biomedical engineering, and solar electricity
  • Laser applications, ultrafast laser fabrication, advanced displays, optical design and instrumentation, biophotonics, advanced microscopy
  • Nuclear reactor engineering and safety, thermalhydraulics, nuclear waste management

How to apply

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

Department of Engineering Physics

We’re creating advanced materials, devices and systems that push the envelope of new technologies and solve grand challenges facing our world.