Biomedical Engineering (BEng major)
Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary program offered by the University of Victoria's departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Learn how to design technologies to enhance health care and medicine. Expand your knowledge of engineering and human biology. Gain a better understanding of medicine and clinical practice. Analyze and solve problems in medicine and biology.
Admissions
As a first-year engineering student at UVic, you'll take a variety of general engineering courses. You’ll declare a program specialization before entering your second year.
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic student, from choosing a program and reviewing admission requirements to submitting your application and reporting your grades.
If you have questions, talk to our student recruiter or attend one of our events.
Courses
Your courses will give you a solid engineering background. In your third year, you’ll choose either the electrical or mechanical stream to study what you’re passionate about.
Some examples:
- Molecular and Cellular Physiology for Engineers
- Quantitative Human Physiology
- Engineering Materials with BME applications
- Biosensors and Instrumentation
- Biomedical Engineering Design
- Bioprinting: 3D Printing Body Parts
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Funding
UVic offers scholarships, bursaries, awards and other funding opportunities to help you further your education and succeed in your studies. Explore funding options at UVic.
Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some require a separate application form.
Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA)
The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) supports students who complete a research project under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor.
Full-time third- and fourth-year students with a GPA of 7.0 or above are eligible to apply. Each successful student receives a $1,500 credit in their UVic account.
Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)
Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA) give first- and second-year students the opportunity to gain research experience with a faculty member. Paid research internships are full-time for 12 weeks (between May 1 and August 31).
Student life & community
Choose from over 25 engineering and computer science clubs. Popular options include Concrete Canoe, the UVic Seismic Design Team and Women in Engineering and Computer Science.
Planning to live on campus? You could live in the Engineering Living and Learning Community, a themed residence where you live with classmates who share your courses and interests, making university life more fun and social.
Join the Biomedical Design Team, a student team that designs, builds and tests medical devices and assistive technologies.
Hands-on learning
Your program involves much more than classroom learning.
- participate in design projects starting in first year
- learn in labs using biomedical sensors, materials and imaging tools
- take part in student design teams and research lab opportunities
Co-op
Our integrated, mandatory co-operative education (co-op) program gives you hands-on paid work experience related to what you're studying. It's the perfect way to develop your skills and find a career you love. You’ll do 4 work terms and get a head start on your career.
Learn more about what co-op is, how it works with your degree and what to expect as a co-op student.
Biomedical engineering students have had co-op placements like:
- microfluidics engineering at Cytiva
- biomedical technician at Island Health
- biomedical systems work at Victoria Hand Project
- research and development at VoxCell BioInnovation Inc.
- software developer at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Sidney Centre for Plant Health
Career options
UVic biomedical engineering grads are valued for their versatile skills. Common career possibilities include:
- medical imaging engineer
- product development engineer
- rehabilitation engineer
- tissue engineer
- biomechanics engineer