Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, combining Mechanical Engineering with biomedical applications to design the systems of tomorrow.

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

Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering combines mechanical engineering with the study of human movement, health, and medical technology. Through hands-on labs, design projects, and research experiences, you’ll study biomechanics, medical devices, tissue engineering, and injury prevention while building a strong foundation in engineering design. Graduates are prepared for careers in healthcare technology, medical device development, rehabilitation, biomechanics, and biomedical research.

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. Apply engineering to improve lives. Design technologies that help prevent injuries, restore mobility, and improve patient care, from medical implants to assistive devices and rehabilitation technologies.
A person kneels to insert a mechanical component into a wheelchair.

What you'll learn

Study an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering principles with biomedical applications to design technologies that improve health, mobility, and quality of life. You’ll build a strong foundation in core areas such as mechanics, materials science, engineering design, and dynamics, while exploring biomedical applications including biomechanics, medical devices, tissue engineering, and rehabilitation 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

MECHENG 2P04 – Statics and Mechanics of Materials

Learn the fundamental engineering principles used to understand how forces affect structures and materials. Build the foundation needed to analyze biological systems, medical devices, implants, and other technologies designed for human use.

IBEHS 4B03 – Biomechanics

Explore how mechanical forces influence the human body, from movement and injury to the design of medical technologies. Use engineering principles to analyze biological systems and understand how biomechanics can improve health and performance.

IBEHS 4F04 – Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurement

Learn how engineers measure, monitor, and analyze biological systems using biomedical technologies. Gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques used in healthcare, research, and medical device development.

MECHBME 5P06 A/B – Integrated Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design Project

Work on a multidisciplinary design project that addresses real-world challenges in healthcare and biomedical engineering. Apply your engineering knowledge to develop innovative solutions while collaborating through the complete design process from concept to prototype.

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:

  • ArcelorMittal
  • Boston Scientific
  • Hatch Associated Ltd.
  • Honda Canada
  • Linamar Corporation
  • MDA Corporation
  • Ripple Therapeutics
  • Sanofi
  • Septodont
  • Toronto Hydro Corporation
  • University Health Network
Did you know: McMaster's Faculty of Engineering has the 3rd largest co-op program in Canada.
Learn more about co-op

Potential career paths

Graduates will be career-ready for high-demand areas such as mechanical design, product development, advanced manufacturing, biomechanics, medical device design, healthcare technology, and biomedical innovation.

  • Manufacturing Engineer  
  • Mechanical Design Engineer  
  • Mechanical Engineer  
  • Operations Engineer 
  • Process Engineering Specialist 
  • Product Developer  
  • Quality Engineer  
  • Research & Development Engineer

Explore Mechanical 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

  • 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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