Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship (HESE) Specialization – Faculty of Engineering

Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship Specialization (HESE)

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, where students are required to complete core project- and design-based courses from the iBioMed program in addition to courses that integrate business and engineering.

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

Co-op

Specializing in Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship creates a hybrid graduate that interacts with clinicians, researchers and patients.

Business and engineering education

Courses in Level 2 to Level 4 integrate business and engineering concepts including:

  • Organizational behaviour
  • Leadership
  • Finance and marketing
  • Discovery
  • Validation
  • Design thinking

Health innovation

 Students will work in groups on the creation of value from problems in the health and engineering disciplines to learning how to develop a concept and market it.

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 HESE 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-focused 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).

iBioMed students have fulfilled co-op placements in healthcare, education, finance, government, tech and more industries.

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences have 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.

  • iBioMed Society
  • Bioengineering at McMaster Society
  • Women in Science & Engineering
  • 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

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

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

How to apply

Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

Transforming healthcare challenges into new learning experiences through hands-on, entrepreneurial projects focused on solving real-world problems.

Learn more
Infographic on the HESE program. For more information, please visit the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences page.
Infographic on the HESE program. For more information, please visit the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences page.
Infographic on the HESE program. For more information, please visit the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences page.

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