Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering) website to learn more about Biomedical Engineering.
View full program detailsProgram information
Learn how to apply engineering principles and design to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes in Biomedical Engineering. You’ll start by building a foundation in biomechanics and biomaterials, cellular and molecular bioengineering, biomedical systems and signals, or biomedical informatics before specializing in third year.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculties
- Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering)
- Faculty of Medicine
- Degree
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering)
What you'll learn
As a Biomedical Engineering student, you’ll take a series of core courses aimed at building a solid foundation in engineering, biology, math, chemistry, and design. In your third year of study, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your degree to your interests by specializing in one of four streams:
- Biomechanics and biomaterials
- Cellular and molecular bioengineering
- Biomedical systems and signals
- Biomedical informatics
The curriculum includes traditional, online, and mixed-instruction courses, plus hands-on studio, laboratory, and design work. Through these experiences, you’ll gain a strong understanding of biology, human anatomy, and physiology, and develop the skills required to apply this knowledge in engineering design contexts and solve engineering problems.
Program advantages
Learn the fundamentals of the emerging biomedical engineering field Get hands-on experience through studio, laboratory, and design work Be part of the most diverse engineering discipline at UBC
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Biomedical Engineering. Here are a few you might like.
Core principles of biomedical engineering from a clinical perspective. Sensors and instrumentation, bioelectric phenomenon, biosignals, physiological modelling, biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, the principles of and design for medical imaging equipment, clinical engineering, moral and ethical issues.
Engineering design process for medical technologies. Clinical practice, the healthcare system, medical approach to diagnosis, ethics and regulations for clinical trials, medical technology management, medical device development and standards, use of statistics for evaluating medical technologies.
Principles behind the methods of bioinformatics. The use of bioinformatics databases and tools for solving problems in genomics, proteomics, structural biology and evolutionary biology.
Canadian and USA engineering economics in BME and healthcare systems. Economic equivalence, cost estimation, risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, economic optimization, intangible factors, ethics, sustainability, financial tools, commercialization and regulator regimes.
Watch Biomedical Engineering at UBC Vancouver
Outcomes
As a Biomedical Engineering graduate, you can pursue a career in a wide range of fields, including:
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical contexts in government, non-profits, consulting, and finance.
The Biomedical Engineering program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies or professional degrees in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, law, or business.
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“In a general way, the best part of this program is the potential we all have to make a change in people’s lives. On a day-to-day basis, this program is great because of how close-knit everyone is. We’re all supportive of one another and have formed a community between the students, professors, and coordinators.”
Nadine Truter, BASc in Biomedical Engineering
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Applied Science (Engineering)
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL. (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable.)
- IB Chemistry
- IB Physics
- Academically strong candidates missing either IB Chemistry or IB Physics may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering) website to learn more about Biomedical Engineering.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering) website to learn more about Biomedical Engineering.
View full program details