Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship (HESE) Specialization – Faculty of Engineering

Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship Specialization (HESE)

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, where students are required to complete core project- and design-based courses from the iBioMed program in addition to courses that integrate business and engineering.

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

Co-op

Specializing in Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship, HESE graduates are ready to interact with clinicians, researchers and patients.

HESE at a glance

HESE students bridge the gap between healthcare, engineering and business. They take project-based courses and learn in state-of-the-art labs, taking courses in anatomy, design, entrepreneurship and more. Learn more in our handy summary.

Business and engineering education

Upper level integrate business and engineering concepts including:

  • Organizational behaviour
  • Leadership
  • Finance and marketing
  • Discovery
  • Validation
  • Design thinking

Health innovation

Students work in groups to create value from problems in the health and engineering disciplines, and take their ideas to market.

Are you a current iBioMed with an idea? Read our Roadmap to Innovation to help you go from bench to market.

HESE graduates

HESE students graduate ready to tackle today’s healthcare challenges.

Our students have gone on to medical school, graduate school and have joined the workforce as product managers, consulting analysts and have even founded their own companies. Learn more about where HESE students go.

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 to the iBioMed program.

How to Apply HESE degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

After completing the common first year of iBioMed I, students may opt for the Health, Engineering Science, and Entrepreneurship (HESE) program that blends engineering, health sciences, and business, culminating in a BHSc.

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.

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.

With the optional Engineering Co-op Program, HESE students can work in real, paid opportunities before they graduate. The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) administers the program.

iBioMed students have fulfilled co-op placements in healthcare, education, finance, government, tech and other industries.

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences have 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.

  • iBioMed Society
  • Bioengineering at McMaster Society
  • Women in Science & Engineering
  • Engineers without Borders

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

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

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

How to apply

Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

Transforming healthcare challenges into new learning experiences through hands-on, entrepreneurial projects focused on solving real-world problems.

Learn more
Infographic on the HESE program. For more information, please visit the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences page.

Related Degree Options