Two engineering departments within the Faculty of Applied Science at UBC are offering biomedical engineering options in their bachelor’s program.
Because the biomedical industry has strongly expressed that a firm foundation in engineering is one of the key components to becoming a biomedical engineer, the Faculty of Applied Science developed the biomedical engineering option in its undergraduate degree program so that engineering students could receive early exposure to biomedical engineering training. Students are encouraged to then pursue graduate-level training in biomedical engineering.
For information on the School of Biomedical Engineering's undergraduate program, refer to Biomedical Engineering.
Electrical Engineering
The UBC Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) began offering a biomedical engineering option in its undergraduate degree program in September 2006, with students entering the option in their second year of electrical engineering. This is a three-year option that provides a solid foundation in electrical engineering and additional training in the following:
- anatomy and physiology
- biomedical instrumentation
- micro/nano system design and analysis
- biosignals and systems
- medical imaging
- regulatory standards and design processes
- plus additional technical electives of your choice
No previous training or courses in biology or medicine are required.
The goal of the option is to give students the skills and practical experience to work in the diverse areas of biomedical engineering. Both traditional and project-integrated-program streams are available in second year, as well as cooperative education.
There is a growing demand for engineers with biomedical training. Demand comes from industry, such as medical devices and biotechnology, as well as academic research through advanced degrees. The driving forces behind this growth include an aging population, advances in biomedical technology and increased complexity of medical care. For more detailed information about the nature of biomedical engineering, growth trends and areas of specialization, consult the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society or the Biomedical Engineering Society. .
The biomedical option is offered by ECE and Mechanical Engineering (Mech). View the comparison at Biomedical Engineering in Mech vs ECE.
For further information on the Biomedical Engineering undergrad option in ECE contact:
Student Services
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
The University of British Columbia
2332 Main Mall, Room 2010
Vancouver, BC, Canada. V6T 1Z4
Phone: 604.822.2872
E-mail: help@ece.ubc.ca
See the Electrical Engineering Department Web site for more information about the Electrical Engineering Biomedical Option.
Mechanical Engineering
UBC’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (MECH) followed suit and offers the Biomechanics & Medical Devices Option for students entering their second year of mechanical engineering. This option replaces three courses from the general third and fourth year curricula with four courses that have a biomedical engineering focus. The Biomechanics & Medical Devices Option provides a solid foundation in mechanical engineering and additional training in the following:
- anatomy and physiology
- biomedical equipment
- biomaterials
- biomedical design
- current biomedical research
- regulatory standards and design processes
- plus additional technical electives of your choice.
No previous training or courses in biology or medicine are required.
The goal of the option is to give students the skills and practical experience to work in the diverse areas of biomedical engineering. All biomedical option students will take part in the innovative Mech 2 integrated program, which combines practicums, design projects and traditional coursework into a unified learning experience. Biomedical option students may also choose to enrol in the Co-op program, allowing them to intersperse work experience terms with their studies.
There is a growing demand for engineers with biomedical training. Demand comes from industry, such as medical devices and biotechnology, as well as academic research through advanced degrees. The driving forces behind this growth include an aging population, advances in biomedical technology and increased complexity of medical care. For more detailed information about the nature of biomedical engineering, growth trends and areas of specialization, consult the Biomedical Engineering Society.
The biomedical option is offered by Mech and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
For further information on the Biomechanics & Medical Devices option in Mechanical Engineering contact:
MECH Undergraduate Affairs
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of British Columbia
1214 – 6250 Applied Science Lane
Vancouver, BC, Canada. V6T 1Z4
Phone: 604.822.6584
E-mail: students@mech.ubc.ca
See the Mechanical Engineering Department Web site for more information about the Mechanical Engineering Biomechanics & Medical Devices.