Biomedical Engineering

Improve the health of others (without the hefty med school bill)

Design bionic limbs. Create laser-guided surgical devices. Develop wearable tech to help athletes perform better. In Biomedical Engineering, you’ll use engineering know-how to develop better ways to diagnose illnesses, treat health problems, and enhance health.

You’ll study biomechanics, physics, chemistry, and design. With that broad knowledge, you’ll be able to collaborate with all kinds of different experts: biologists, medical practitioners, policy makers, and engineers, to name a few. You’ll also learn to model and design complex biomedical systems—and you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience through two years of paid co-op work terms, plus a fourth-year design project.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to create tomorrow’s life-saving and life-enhancing innovations.

Be more than a number

Biomedical Engineering is one of Waterloo’s smaller engineering programs, so you'll quickly get to know your classmates and professors.

Gain a broad education

Learn from engineering professors who specialize in systems design, electrical and computer, chemical and mechanical and mechatronics.

Why Waterloo Engineering?

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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.

in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2019)

Gain two years of experience in the co-op program

Students earn $13,300 on average per co-op term

Biomedical Engineering 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 mid-90s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

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First-year courses

September to December

BME 101/BME 101L - Communications in Biomedical Engineering
BME 121 - Digital Computation
BME 161 - Introduction to Biomedical Design
BME 181 - Physics I - Statics
SYDE 111 - Fundamental Engineering Math 1
SYDE 113 - Matrices and Linear Systems

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 - Fundamental Engineering Math 2
SYDE 114 - Numerical and Applied Calculus
One Complementary Studies Elective

After first year

See the range of courses available in Biomedical Engineering.
View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

BME 261 – Prototype, Simulation and Design
BME 361 – Biomedical Engineering Design
BME 386 – Physics of Medical Imaging
BME 450 – Sports Engineering

Gears Offered by the Faculty of Engineering

click Apply directly to this program on your application

cap Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.