Software and Biomedical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Software and Biomedical Engineering

A unique integrated program delivered jointly by the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences, interlinking Software engineering with biomedical projects to advance digital control systems.

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

Software engineers are ultimately responsible for the usability, safety, and reliability of their products, which is particularly relevant for medical devices. Computing is used to solve problems, manage information, create smart technologies, explore the world, and connect to other people.

Software engineers specialize in designing, building, testing, and maintaining the software in computer systems. These systems control electrical and mechanical devices, computerized communication systems, information systems, medical devices and health care infrastructure.

Fundamental design principles

The Software and Biomedical Engineering program prepares students for a career in a rapidly changing field by emphasizing fundamental design principles, material that will still be useful and valid three decades from today. 

Software testing and simulation

Students learn to apply basic mathematics and science (including relevant Computer Science and Medical Science), as well as undertake disciplined testing and simulation to ensure that any system they design will perform its tasks adequately when delivered to a customer for use.

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 Software 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
Students working on machine

What makes this program unique?

Our students are trained as engineers with a core specialization in the development of software.

McMaster’s Software and Biomedical Engineering program is unique in that it provides students with a solid grounding in software development for supporting engineering applications and for controlling physical devices.

Software Engineers are ultimately responsible for the usability, safety, and reliability of their products. For example, the SE must make sure that the system and its documentation are consistent, that the hardware configuration is appropriate to the task, that programs will behave as required, and that the system will meet all real-time deadlines and other performance requirements. Because they must understand what is going on outside the computer, not just the software, the McMaster program includes much more than software design.

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:

  • Bell Canada
  • IBM Canada
  • RBC Royal Bank
  • CIBC Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada
  • Thales Canada
  • Intelex
  • Ericsson
  • Evertz Microsystems
  • NCR Corporation
  • Sun Life Financial

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.

  • Software Engineering Club
  • PhaseOne (formerly HackItMAC)
  • McMaster SumoBot Club
  • MacACM
  • McMaster Solar Car Project

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.

Explore iBioMed courses

Explore the experiences catalogue

Careersand research

Career paths

Most graduates start out being developers, but a wide variety of software-intensive industries, from large companies to start-ups. McMaster, through The Forge, provides a lot of help to entrepreneurial students with bright new ideas.

  • Biomedical field
  • Computer system development
  • Power, chemical, or automotive industry

Research areas

McMaster Engineering has a world renowned research group in software engineering pursuing research in a wide range of areas including:

  • Software certification
  • Wireless systems
  • Optimization
  • Software development
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Power systems

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

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

How to apply

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