Programs Overview

Overview

Are you a prospective student? Here at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME), we connect researchers across the University of Toronto and its partner hospitals to develop innovative solutions to improve human health.

At the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME), we have 3 graduate programs and 2 undergraduate programs.

Graduate programs

Doctor of Philosophy

Research degree that exposes candidates to cutting-edge research in a laboratory

Master of Applied Science

Research degree that exposes candidates to cutting-edge research in a laboratory

Master of Engineering

Professional degree that exposes candidates to biomedical device design to commercialization

Graduate programs comparison

Stream:ResearchProfessional
Program:PhD / MAScMEng
Focus:Research intensive training in a laboratory or clinical setting.Training in biomedical device design, implementation, and commercialization.
Career Interests:Individuals pursuing careers in academia, healthcare, government, or industry, who have a passion for research and development.

• Motivated to conduct cutting-edge research

• Passionate about academic collaboration and science communication

• Keen on becoming key opinion leaders with distinct research specialization
Individuals interested in medical device production from design to implementation in human patients.

• Seeking product design knowledge

• Interested in learning entrepreneurship fundamentals

• Eagar to gain real-world experience in the healthcare sector
Degree(s) Required:Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Applied Science (for PhD only), or Master of Engineering (PhD only).Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science.
Outcome:Program graduates excel as leaders in academia, industry, and government agencies across the globe.Through work-integrated learning, graduates emerge as company founders, technology leaders, and start-up creators in the healthcare sector.
Program Length:approx. 2 years (for MASc) or
approx. 4 years (for PhD)
1 year
Funding:Unit-fundedSelf-funded
Curricula:• Coursework
Committee Meetings
• Qualifying/Bypass Exam (for PhD)
Thesis
• Defense
Final Oral Exam (for PhD)
• Coursework
• Practical Experience

Apply to graduate studies at BME

Undergraduate programs and opportunities

  • Year 1

    Engineering Science (EngSci) program students learn fundamentals of different science disciplines and begin team-based design training through praxis courses.

    Opportunities:
  • Year 2

    EngSci students continue to receive foundational training through courses including BME205. Students select their major at the end of the second year.

    Opportunities:
  • Year 3

    Biomedical Engineering major program students deepen their knowledge through rigorous academic and experiential training.

    Opportunities:
  • Year 4

    Major students may focus on skill advancement and further knowledge and competencies through the completion of specialization courses, thesis, and design/capstone projects.

  • Year 1

    Engineering students establish knowledge in math and applied & basic sciences.

     

     

  • Year 2

    Students expand knowledge and gain a greater depth of understanding through enhanced lab experiences and design opportunities.

    Opportunities:

     

     

  • Year 3

    Bioengineering minor students may elect to pursue specialization courses grouped into three themes: Molecular Engineering, Cell & Tissue Engineering, and Clinical Engineering.

    Opportunities:
  • Year 4

    Minor students may focus on skill advancement in one of the three themes (mentioned above) toward becoming a specialist in their respective field.

Read more graduate student news & stories

Faces of BME – Ferdinand (Reke) Avikpe

Ferdinand (Reke) Avikpe, originally from Warri, Nigeria, came to Canada at 15 to pursue undergraduate degrees at the University of Winnipeg. Now he is pursuing AI research, focusing on computational models of stem cell differentiation under Dr. Cristina Amon at the University of Toronto.

Faces of BME – Isdora Msigwa

Meet Isdora Msigwa, a Mastercard Foundation scholar hailing from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, currently pursuing her MEng degree at the University of Toronto. Upon completing her studies, Isdora envisions herself thriving in the dynamic field of healthcare consulting, leveraging her expertise as both an R&D engineer and a Business Development Specialist within pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

Faces of BME – Jemila Abdulai

Meet Jemila Abdulai, a vibrant member of the biomedical engineering community at the University of Toronto. Her aspirations upon graduating from the MEng program include venturing into the medical device industry, where she aims to apply her skills and knowledge for meaningful contributions.

Faces of BME – Cecil Chikezie

Meet Cecil Chikezie, a dedicated PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, driven by a passion for improving healthcare outcomes globally.

BME student awarded the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award 

Joseph Sebastian, a BME PhD student at Professor Craig Simmons’ lab, has recently been awarded the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award (UTSLA). Recipients of the UTSLA join the esteemed community of past Cressy Award recipients in being recognized for their impactful leadership and volunteerism at the University of Toronto.

Faces of BME – Danielle Serra & Janice Pang

Meet Danielle Serra and Janice Pang, two exceptional individuals seamlessly balancing the demands of academia and their passion for curling. In this profile Q&A, the duo shares their unique journeys into the world of curling, from a chance encounter at a university event to becoming members of the University Varsity Curling team.

Faces of BME – Ana-Maria Oproescu

Meet Ana-Maria, a PhD student in Dr. Omar Khan’s lab. Ana-Maria’s journey seamlessly weaves together her love for art, her dedication to advancing scientific frontiers, and her commitment to breaking barriers in the medical field.

Meet the 2023 Leadership of Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association

Introducing the Movers and Shakers of the Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association (BESA)! Meet the visionary leaders steering the Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association towards a brighter, healthier future in 2023.

Meet the incoming class of 2023

In September, BME welcomed 100+ students into our graduate programs. We asked some of these students why they chose our programs, and what they are looking forward to in this unusual year. Here’s what they have to say.