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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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.
Introducing the 2023 Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference Chairs: Zi Xuan Zhang and Eileen Zhong
As ToBE embarks on its latest chapter in 2023, we are proud to introduce the leadership duo at the helm of this year’s event: Zi Xuan Zhang and Eileen Zhong.
Two years apart: out of the pandemic and onto greener pastures
Back in 2021, one year into the lockdown, we sat down with 6 MASc and PhD students from BME, exploring their visions for a world changed in two years’ time. Recently, we had the opportunity to reconnect with these extraordinary individuals and witness the profound evolution of their perspectives.
IBET Momentum Fellow Chantel Briana Campbell fabricates multilayered biomaterials that can help repair damaged hearts, eyes and muscles
Campbell is one of three 2023 recipients of the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) Momentum Fellowships, along with fellow graduate students Raylene Mitchell (MIE) and LaShawn Murray (MIE). Fellowship recipients receive financial support, mentorship, training and networking opportunities to reduce the systemic barriers for their entry into academia.
Meet five U of T Engineering graduate students awarded 2023 Vanier Scholarships
Stefan Mladjenovic (BME), a 2023 Vanier Scholar, was inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer to research nanomedicine for his PhD. He is one of the five U of T engineering students awarded 2023 Vanier Scholarship.
KITE trainee named UHN stem pathways volunteer of the month
Kaylie Lau has been involved in youth outreach for many years, so when the opportunity arose to become involved with the UHN STEM Pathways program she jumped at the chance.
Advancing Drug Discovery Through Cutting-Edge Microscopy: An Alumni Q&A with Amine Driouchi
Amine Driouchi (BME2019) embarked on his science journey at King’s College London in biochemistry, and this eventually led to his PhD work in Dr. Chris Yip’s lab at the University of Toronto. Now he is working as a senior scientist for Eikon Therapeutics, a California-based biotechnology company that develops drug discovery technologies using super-resolution microscopy. Here, Amine shares his academic journey and what he is doing now at Eikon.