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!
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?
Co-op only
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.
Build your skills from day one. You'll take a hands-on design course in almost every term of study, giving you constant opportunities to solve real-world problems and bring innovative health technologies to life.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll 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 | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be at the end of first year (May to August 2027).
Revolutionizing health care with AI: Find out how Waterloo Biomedical Engineering student Jarett used artificial intelligence to make health diagnosis easier and more affordable during his co-op at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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
There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application. An online video interview is required for Faculty of Engineering scholarships and is strongly recommended for admission.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Learn more
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact the Faculty of Engineering which can answer any questions you have.
You can also visit our Biomedical Engineering program website.