Master of Engineering - Biomedical Systems

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Systems

Notice of program update:

The BISY program has been updated to incorporate specialized streams, additional professional development courses and strengthened industry alignment. These enhancements expand opportunities for focused study while maintaining the program’s established breadth and 12‑month structure.

Students enrolled in the original BISY program will be able to complete the original curriculum without changes. New students will enroll in the updated version of the program. Students in the original program who choose to transition to the updated program may be required to pay re‑registration fees for any study beyond the standard 12‑month duration, and must obtain approval from the program director.

The Master of Engineering in Biomedical Systems (BISY) is a 12-month professional graduate program that prepares engineers to design and develop biomedical devices, biomanufacturing processes, biosensors, and regenerative therapies. The program combines a strong compulsory core in medical device design, human physiology, imaging, and human factors with one of three industry-aligned specialization streams, and professional development training.

• Stream 1: Biomanufacturing and Translational Biotechnology (MENG-BISY-TECH)
• Stream 2: Biomechanics and Biosensing (MENG-BISY-MESE)
• Stream 3: Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine (MENG-BISY-BIOR)

Graduates leave BISY with technical depth in a focused area, demonstrable professional skills, and a capstone project completed in partnership with a faculty member or industry sponsor.

The acadmic component of the program is designed to be completed in 12 months.  Students who require additional time may extend their studies; in such cases, re-registration fees will apply for each additional term, up to the program's maximum completion limit.

Following completion of the academic requirements, BISY students may participate in up to three terms of co-op, subject to approval and availability.

Key learning outcomes

• Design and develop biomedical devices, biomanufacturing processes, biosensing platforms, and regenerative medicine technologies by integrating engineering principles and human physiology.

• Apply regulatory frameworks and quality systems to the development of biomedical products.

• Communicate technical results in interdisciplinary teams that include engineers, scientists, and clinical collaborators.

• Conduct an independent capstone project and present results to an examination committee.

Program details

The BISY program is offered over 12 months (3 academic terms of 4 months each). The program requires 18 course units, comprising of 12 compulsory units, 4.5 units in a selected stream, and 1.5 units of electives, as described below.

The program requires 18 course units to be completed, and consists of:

Compulsory Core Courses (12 units)

• BME500 - Medical Device and System Design for Clinical Engineers (1.5)
• BME503 - Imaging for Medical Device Design (1.5)
• BME505 - Human Physiology and Systems (1.5)
• BME520 - Human Factors and Usability Engineering for Medical Devices (1.5)
• BME596 - Capstone Project (3.0)
• ECS501 - Professional Practice and Careers (1.0)
• ECS502 - Professional Leadership and Community Engagement (1.0)
• ECS503 - Professional Design, Collaboration and Teamwork (1.0)

Streams (4.5 units; students choose one)

Each stream is comprised of three compulsory courses (1.5 units each). Admission to BISY does not confer automatic admission to a specific stream. Applications are reviewed to determine stream placement upon admission. Applicants indicate their top two preferences in the application.

Stream 1: Biomanufacturing and Translational Biotechnology (MENG-BISY-TECH)

• BME552 - Microfluidics for Biomedical and Energy Applications (1.5)
• BME560 - Biomanufacturing Processes and Regulatory Strategy (1.5)
• BME561 - Biomanufacturing Automation and Process Optimization (1.5)

Stream 2: Biomechanics and Biosensing (MENG-BISY-MESE)

• BME502 - Biosensors for Biomedical Applications (1.5)
• BME525 - Mechanics and Energy Conversion in Living Cells (1.5)
• BME548 - Introduction to Musculoskeletal Mechanics (1.5)

Stream 3: Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine (MENG-BISY-BIOR)

• BME510 - Bioprinting and 3D Printing Human Body Parts (1.5)
• BME515 - Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (1.5)
• BME562 - Stem Cells and Cellular Therapies (1.5)

Electives (1.5 units)

• ECE545 - Nanoelectronics (1.5)
• MECH576 - Introduction to Electron Microscopy (1.5)
• MECH580 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering (1.5):

• MECH 580-A02 - Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications (1.5)
• MECH 580-A03 - Instrumentation (1.5)
• MECH 580-A05 - Organ on a Chip (1.5)
• MECH 580-A07 - Nuclear Science, Materials and Technologies (1.5)

Full program information can be found in the graduate calendar.

Course offerings by term

Below shows which courses are scheduled in each academic term. Use it together with the per intake timetables in the next section.

*ECS501, ECS502 and ECS503 are each offered in two terms and may appear more than once in the schedule.  Students should select one term for each course.  The courses do not need to be taken in the same term. 

Course timetables by stream and intake

BISY admits students in September and January. Each stream follows the same compulsory core, with stream specific courses scheduled in the term where they are offered. The timetables below cover the September 2026 and January 2027 starting cohorts. Future cohorts follow the same term sequence.

*Timetables are subject to change based on faculty availability and enrolment.

Timetables for students starting September 2026

Timetables for students starting January 2027

Admissions information

Applicants must meet the minimum graduate school admission requirements set by the UVic Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the English Competency Requirement specified by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Even where the requirement is met, additional English language coursework may be required.

The admissions selection process is competitive. Not all students who meet the minimum requirements will be admitted.

Program specific requirements

• Your undergraduate degree should be in engineering or applied science or related field.
• Applicants with relevant industrial experience combined with other types of degrees, diplomas, or certifications may be considered if the minimum graduate school requirements are met.
• Applicants with non engineering backgrounds should demonstrate proficiency in mathematics, calculus, and statistics.

Application materials

• Two assessment reports from professional or academic contacts. Reference letters on official letterhead are recommended.
• Official transcripts and confirmation of degree.
• A one page letter of intent describing your career goals, strengths, and your top two stream preferences (Biomanufacturing and Translational Biotechnology, Biomechanics and Biosensing, or Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine).

Stream placement

Admission to the MEng in Biomedical Systems does not confer automatic admission to a specific stream. Applications are reviewed to determine stream upon admission.

Application deadlines

September program start:

• International students: apply by April 30
• Domestic students: apply by June 30th

January program start:

• International students: apply by August 31
• Domestic students: apply by October 31

Visa processing times for international students may vary, and it is important to apply as soon as you are able to ensure that you can receive a student visa in time to attend. Applications are processed on a rolling basis as they are received, so you do not have to wait until after the deadline for a response.

Tuition and fees

Program fees

BISY operates on a non-standard tuition schedule.

Full tuition installment, per term:

• Domestic students: $5,888.42 
• International students: $11,482.44

Application fee

A non refundable application fee applies at submission. The application will not be processed until the fee has been received.

Acceptance deposit

Upon receiving an offer of admission, a CAD $2,000 acceptance deposit is required to secure your seat. The deposit is applied to your first term tuition. For international students whose study permit is denied, deferral or refund is considered on a case by case basis.

 Additional cost details are available in the UVic Academic Calendar, under 'Fees, policies and regulations' section.

Co-op

Students in BISY may apply for up to three terms of co-op after the completion of the academic program (up to 12 months total). The addition of ECS 501 to the core curriculum provides a streamlined pathway into co-op, since ECS 501 serves as an Industry Preparation Program (IPP) course.

Please see the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op site for further details.

How to apply

You can apply through the graduation admissions application portal.

Please note that you do not need to identify a supervisor to apply for the Master of Engineering, Biomedical Systems program.

FAQs

Contact us

 For questions about this program, please contact the graduate secretary at bisy_meng@uvic.ca.

Program Director: Dr. Karolina Papera Valente, BISY Program Director, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.