Programs 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.
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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: | Research | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Program: | PhD / MASc | MEng |
| 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-funded | Self-funded |
| Curricula: | • Coursework • Committee Meetings • Qualifying/Bypass Exam (for PhD) • Thesis • Defense • Final Oral Exam (for PhD) | • Coursework • Practical Experience |
Undergraduate programs and opportunities
| Year | Description | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering Science (EngSci) program students learn fundamentals of different science disciplines and begin team-based design training through praxis courses. | |
| 2 | EngSci students continue to receive foundational training through courses including BME205. Students select their major at the end of the second year. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 3 | Biomedical Engineering major program students deepen their knowledge through rigorous academic and experiential training. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 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 | Description | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering students establish knowledge in math and applied & basic sciences. | |
| 2 | Students expand knowledge and gain a greater depth of understanding through enhanced lab experiences and design opportunities. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 3 | Bioengineering minor students may elect to pursue specialization courses grouped into three themes: Molecular Engineering, Cell & Tissue Engineering, and Clinical Engineering. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 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 student news & stories
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3D-printed cleft palate simulator improves surgery training
PhD candidate Dale Podolsky’s start-up makes anatomically-accurate simulators for surgical training
Five U of T IBBME doctoral candidates receive Vanier Scholarships
U of T biomedical engineering PhD candidates awarded Canada’s top doctoral scholarship for excellence in academics, research impact and leadership
PhD candidate Jenna Usprech wins inaugural IBBME Teaching Assistant Award of Excellence
Biomechanics course TA recognized for her instructional effectiveness and dedication to the student experience
Understanding a key roadblock behind nanoparticle cancer drug delivery
IBBME alumna Kim Tsoi is a lead researcher on a four-year study that showed how the liver and spleen trapped cancer nanomedicine, preventing them from reaching their intended targets
Dawn Kilkenny receives national teaching award for excellence in undergraduate engineering education
IBBME professor recognized with The Wighton Fellowship for exemplary lab-based teaching at a Canadian engineering school
Two innovative biomedical devices from the Hammers & Nails Initiative
Devices created by students in undergraduate biomedical design courses could help ophthalmology students learn to diagnose eye disease and prevent falls among the elderly
Camila Londono receives 2016 U of T Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award
PhD candidate recognized for outstanding volunteer service to the University community
IBBME PhD candidate awarded for effective drug-delivering nanoparticles research
Wilson Poon among four doctoral researchers to receive the Inaugural Cecil Yip Doctoral Research Award
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