Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Materials and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, where students gain fundamental knowledge in material structures, properties, and processing to meet clinical challenges in biomaterials.

This program is in partnership with the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Length
5 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering & Biomedical Engineering (Co-op Available)
Program
Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed)
Options

Co-op

Program highlights

The Materials and Biomedical Engineering program is at the intersection of biomedical and biomaterials engineering. Students are required to complete core Materials courses in addition to project- and design-based courses from the iBioMed program.

Unique courses

Students will focus on courses in biomaterials development and tissue engineering, materials-tissue interactions, and learn techniques for biomaterials testing and characterization. 

The curriculum

Students will gain the fundamental knowledge in materials structure, properties and processing to address current clinical challenges in biomaterials across a breadth of biomedical fields.

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

This is an above level 1 specialization that requires successful completion of the iBioMed 1 (IBEHS1) general first year.

Use the Future Students admissions tool for entry requirements.

How to Apply Materials and Biomedical Engineering degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences program share a common first-year, iBioMed 1.

iBioMed 1 provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of engineering and biomedical disciplines. Students take real problems in society and learn the technical and teamwork skills to solve them.

After the initial year, students may opt for a biomedical-focussed Engineering discipline, leading to a BEngBME with choices in chemical, civil, electrical, engineering physics, materials, mechanical, mechatronics, and software engineering, or the Health, Engineering Science, and Entrepreneurship (HESE) program which blends engineering, health sciences, and business, culminating in a BHSc.

Explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline for second year and beyond.
Explore iBioMed 1
Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Co-op and experiential learning

Experiential learning provides students with hands-on opportunities beyond the traditional lecture-style format to gain valuable experience.

The Engineering Co-op Program is an optional program which provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate. The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) administers the undergraduate co-op program.

Example employers:

  • Acuren
  • TransCanada
  • GE
  • Xerox
  • Boeing
  • Bombardier
  • Magna
  • Huskey Energy
  • UTC Aerospace Systems

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering has many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.

  • Materials Science and Engineering Club
  • Baja Racing
  • Engineers without Borders
  • Women in Engineering Society

Browse opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

The iBioMed program at McMaster provides hands-on learning from the start, with students tackling real-world projects, pitching ideas, and building prototypes. They progress through project-based courses, culminating in a comprehensive Capstone Design Project, and showcase their work in iBioMed Showcases. This practical experience, captured in personalized portfolios, equips them with leadership skills and a problem-solving mindset, making them excellent candidates for co-op positions and future leadership roles.

Find out more

Explore the experiences catalogue

Careersand research

Example career opportunities:

  • Design Engineer
  • Quality Control Engineer
  • Process Control Engineer
  • Failure Analyst
  • Research Engineer

Research areas:

  • Organic/polymer electronics
  • Polymer fuel cells and systems
  • Lightweight automotive materials
  • Development of sustainable steelmaking processes and products
  • Nano-engineering and thin-films

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

Understand every step, from applying, to accepting your offer and joining us on campus!

How to apply

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

We use innovation, design and problem solving to develop novel materials, characterizing the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of materials to create reliable, sustainable and efficient alternatives.

Learn more
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