Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, fusing Mechatronics with biomedical engineering to create smart, integrated systems.

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

Overview

Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering combines mechanical, electrical, and software engineering with biomedical applications to design intelligent systems that improve health and quality of life. Through hands-on labs, design projects, and experiential learning, you’ll study robotics, control systems, embedded devices, and biomedical technologies such as medical imaging, implants, and assistive systems. 

Graduates are prepared for careers in robotics, healthcare technology, medical device design, and advanced intelligent systems across engineering and industry.  

Why study this program?

  1. Canada’s first program to integrate engineering, entrepreneurship and health sciences, preparing students to develop innovative solutions that improve health and technology
  2. Prepare for high-demand careers at the intersection of healthcare and advanced engineering, with opportunities to contribute to innovations in medical devices, robotics, and life-saving technologies that directly impact patient care and quality of life
A person stands by a laptop, which rests next to electronics on a desk.

What you'll learn

Study an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical, electrical, and software engineering with biomedical applications. You will build a strong foundation in core areas such as mechanics, electronics, programming, control systems, and embedded systems, while exploring biomedical applications including robotics, prosthetics, medical imaging, and assistive technologies.

All students in McMaster’s Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed) program participate in a common first year — IBEHS 1. Build a solid base in the fundamentals of engineering, health and entrepreneurship and get exposed to design work at the start of your degree.

Learn more about IBEHS 1

MECHTRON 2TA4 – Embedded Systems Design I

Learn how to design intelligent devices that connect hardware and software in real time. You’ll build and program embedded systems used in robotics, medical devices and smart technologies.

MECHENG 3K03 – Robotics

Explore how robots are designed, controlled, and applied in real-world settings such as healthcare and automation. Hands-on projects focus on motion, sensing and intelligent system behaviour.

MECHTRON 4AA4 – Real-Time Systems and Control Applications

Design and analyze systems that must respond instantly and reliably, such as autonomous machines and medical devices. You’ll apply control theory and real-time computing to real engineering problems.

IBEHS 4F04 – Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurement

Work with the tools and sensors used to measure and monitor the human body in medical settings. You’ll gain practical experience with biomedical devices used in diagnostics and healthcare technology development.

Get practical experience and grow your portfolio with interdisciplinary design courses. All students in Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences take six project-based design courses:

1. IBEHS 1P10 A/B – Health Solutions Design Projects I: Introduction to Engineering Fundamentals and Design 

2. IBEHS 2PA2 – Health Solutions Design Projects II-A: Lab Skills in Genetic Engineering

3. IBEHS 2PB2 – Health Solutions Design Projects II-B: Project in Genetic Engineering

3. IBEHS 3P04 – Health Solutions Design Projects III: Economic Analysis and Risk Management

4. IBEHS 4P03 – Health Solutions Design Projects IV: Decision Making and Project Management

5. Capstone project (year-long design project)

Co-op and experiential learning

Go beyond the lecture hall with experiential learning. Our engineering co-op program provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate.

Sample co-op employers:

  • Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
  • Boston Scientific
  • Geotab Inc.
  • Honda Canada
  • Husky Injection Molding
  • Linamar
  • MDA Corporation
  • Northern Digital Inc.
  • Ripple Therapeutics
  • Sanofi
  • Septodont
  • Synopsys
  • Trudell Medical Limited
  • University Health Network
Did you know: McMaster's Faculty of Engineering has the 3rd largest co-op program in Canada.
Learn more

Potential career paths

Graduates will be career-ready for high-demand areas such as robotics, medical device design, assistive technologies, biomedical instrumentation, intelligent systems, and control systems engineering across healthcare and advanced technology industries.

  • Automation Engineer 
  • Embedded Systems Developer 
  • Hardware Developer 
  • Manufacturing Engineer 
  • Process Engineer 
  • Product Developer 
  • Quality Engineer 
  • Research & Development Engineer  
  • Software Engineer 
  • Systems Developer 

Explore Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering in grad school

You’ll already be connected to world-renowned researchers leading innovation in your undergrad: continue pursuing research and innovation in a master’s program.

Biomedical Engineering programs
Mechanical Engineering programs
Electrical and Computer Engineering programs
Computing and Software programs

  • State-of-the-art labs

    The Faculty of Engineering houses innovative design studios, labs and spaces that allow students to develop hands-on learning from day one.

  • Clubs and teams

    McMaster has many clubs, teams and societies you can join to practice your engineering skills, get more hands-on experiences and explore new activities.

    Learn more about Mac Eng Experiences

Financial aid & awards

Over $2.5 million in funding awarded annually

The Faculty of Engineering offers substantial financial support to students, including one of the largest faculty-based entrance scholarship programs in the country, with over $2.5 million awarded annually.

Learn more

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