Biomedical Engineering Degree

A biomedical engineering student in a lab coat working diligently at a desk with a laptop in a lab classroom at the University of Waterloo.

From concept to human-centered solutions, biomedical engineers transform health through innovation

Combine your passions for engineering, health, and life science to create a healthier planet one cutting-edge medical device, system, or biomaterial at a time. Apply your scientific knowledge to developing medical technologies that doctors and patients depend on every day.

Today surgeons use laser-guided surgical devices and implant artificial organs while other specialists fit the latest smart prosthetics – developed by biomedical engineers.

At Waterloo, you'll learn to transform biomedical research using computer and information science, develop assistive devices to optimize recovery and prevent injuries, and enhance imaging technology to better diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

There are plenty of hands-on labs to give you experience modelling, prototyping, and testing biomedical systems. Then get even more practical experience through two years of paid co-op, plus a fourth-year capstone design project.

Become part of the new generation of this exciting, evolving field!

What courses will you take in Biomedical Engineering?

First-year courses

In your first year, you'll take foundational courses combining biology with applied sciences and engineering. You will begin to think about how to best approach solving health-related problems and gain the science and math skills to develop tools for medical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Utilizing engineering solutions, you will design innovative technologies – from new diabetic monitoring and cancer-imaging systems to the design of rehabilitation equipment.

September to December

January to April

  • BME 102 – Seminar
  • BME 122 – Data Structures and Algorithms
  • BME 162 – Human Factors in the Design of Biomedical and Health Systems
  • BME 186 – Chemistry Principles
  • SYDE 112 – Calculus 2
  • SYDE 114 – Matrices and Linear Systems
  • One approved elective course

This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change.

Sample upper-year courses

BME 285 – Engineering Biology
BME 355 – Physiological Systems Modelling
BME 381 – Biomedical Engineering Ethics
BME 386 – The Physics of Medical Imaging

Customize your degree

Specialize in upper years to focus your studies.

  • Biomaterials and tissues
  • Medical artificial intelligence
  • Medical devices
  • Neural engineering
  • Sports engineering

Or choose one of the options available to all engineering students.

Remote video URL

With its renowned co-op program and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Waterloo Engineering is one of the world’s top engineering schools. You'll have access to emerging technologies, innovative professors, and world-class facilities.

Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering

Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Make life easier. Create biomechanics and biomedical devices while relating them to biology and physiology, and focusing on human mobility and devices that make our lives easier.

Engineer innovative solutions for health. Participate in an emerging field, and create technology like pacemakers, athletic training gear, and medical equipment.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Junior biomedical engineer
  • Medical device software developer
  • Signal processing algorithm developer
  • Bioengineering research assistant
  • Medical device designer
  • Robotics and embedded sensor research assistant

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Co-op
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Co-op
Fifth Study Study -

Your first work term will be at the end of first year (May to August 2026).

Learn more about co-op →

What can I do with a Biomedical Engineering degree?

Graduates often pursue careers in health, design, robotics, and research. They usually work in industry, health care centres, research laboratories, and more.

Recent graduates

  • Clinical application analyst — St. Joseph's Healthcare
  • Systems integration engineer — SQI Diagnostics
  • Software engineer — HeartFlow Inc.
  • System designer — Zimmer Biomet
  • Apple Watch hardware engineer — Apple
  • Brain-computer interface designer — Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Product development specialist — Able Innovations Inc.

Possible professional designation

Learn about the future of careers in engineering.

Student life in Engineering

Student design teams

Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 35+ student-led design teams!

Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, small airplanes, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Engineers Without Borders, and more.

Engineering Society (EngSoc)

EngSoc is run by students and provides social and academic events and services to make your experience as a Waterloo Engineering student the best it can be.

Benefit from mentoring for first-year students or meet other students through an annual conference, semi-formal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!

Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering (WiE) supports women and non-binary engineering students and alumni, while encouraging the next generation to pursue a future career in engineering

Any student is also welcome to join Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), a student-run club that promotes equality in STEM through skills workshops, discussions, and guest speakers.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests.

Between our 200+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.

Tuition fees for Engineering programs

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $18,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $19,000
International (visa students) $73,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

What’s the difference between Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical Sciences is the study of life from a medical perspective. You’ll learn about the body, disease, healing processes, genetics, physiology – the knowledge of how the body works and responds to stimuli.

Biomedical Engineering is the application of that scientific knowledge to develop medical technology. For instance, a surgeon needs to understand biomedical science to operate on a patient – and might use laser-guided surgical devices, artificial internal organs, or replacements for body parts developed by a biomedical engineer.

The two work in tandem, but their approach is different. As a professional engineering degree, Biomedical Engineering has more mandatory courses than Biomedical Sciences.

Is Biomedical Engineering a path to become a doctor?

In theory, yes, although it’s not recommended because it can be difficult to take the courses required to apply to medical school. The decision is whether you want to be a doctor or an engineer. Biomedical Sciences is a good route to becoming a doctor or other health care professional. Biomedical Engineering leads to becoming an engineer, usually in the medical field and biotechnology field.

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)

Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application

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Headshot of Kelsey Richardson

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact Kelsey Richardson, our Faculty of Engineering recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.

You can also visit our Biomedical Engineering program website.