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Biomedical Engineering

Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Program Website: ee.ryerson.ca/undergraduate/bme.html (opens in new window) 
Administered by: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Program Format: Full-time, four-year program.

The Biomedical Engineering BEng degree program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.

Ryerson's Biomedical Engineering program is one of the first standalone undergraduate Biomedical Engineering programs in Canada. Biomedical engineering is an innovative field that integrates physical, chemical, mathematical and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behaviour, and health.

O.S.S.D. with six Grade 12 U/M courses including Grade 12 U courses in: English, Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Physics (SPH4U) and Chemistry (SCH4U).

Notes:

  1. ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
  2. The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 70 percent range) will be determined subject to competition.
  3. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.

The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the BEng in Biomedical Engineering four-year degree program. The Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (external link, opens in new window)  (CEAB). Our Biomedical Engineering program aims to take advantage of the strategic location of Ryerson University in proximity to Toronto's Discovery District and seven world-class hospitals.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in collaboration with the Departments of Aerospace Engineering, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics at Ryerson University will deliver the curriculum.

According to the working definition of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), biomedical engineering integrates physical, chemical, mathematical and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behaviour, and health. It advances fundamental concepts, creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ system levels, and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease; for patient rehabilitation; and for improving health.

The Biomedical Engineering program has been developed to benefit from, enhance and expand the multidisciplinary collaboration among the various engineering and science programs at Ryerson; to attract more students of higher quality to the university and retain them, as well as enhance the reputation of engineering education at Ryerson. It will offer students excellent opportunities to build strong backgrounds in biomedical engineering and benefit from the collaborative interdisciplinary relationships between engineering and life sciences, being key strategic areas of strength at FEAS, Ryerson. The Faculty has expertise in almost all of the areas of biomedical engineering. At this point the expertise is primarily devoted to the research activities of the faculty members.

This program is run within the framework of engineering programs at Ryerson. As with all degree programs associated with engineering, students are initially admitted into the common first year for engineering. During the second year students will study fundamental courses in electronic circuits, biomaterials, cell biology, physiology, engineering algorithms, digital systems, statics and mechanics of materials. In third year the students will focus in microprocessor systems, fluid mechanics, biomedical transducers, bioinformatics, biomechanics, biostatistics, signals and systems, control systems, and biomedical instrumentation. In the fourth year, the students will study a range of state-of-the-art topics in biomedical engineering, and will also be involved in a capstone design project.

Careers in Biomedical Engineering

There is a growing need for engineers trained in the biomedical sciences. Biomedical engineers are employed in industry, in hospitals, in research facilities of educational and medical institutions, in teaching, and in government regulatory agencies. They often serve a coordinating or interfacing function, using their background in both the engineering and medical fields. In industry, they may create designs where an in-depth understanding of living systems and of technology is essential. They may be involved in performance testing of new or proposed products. Government positions often involve product testing and safety, as well as establishing safety standards for devices. In the hospital, the biomedical engineer may provide advice on the selection and use of medical equipment, as well as supervising its performance testing and maintenance. They may also build customized devices for special health care or research needs. In research institutions, biomedical engineers supervise laboratories and equipment, and participate in or direct research activities in collaboration with other researchers with such backgrounds as medicine, physiology, and nursing.

Transition Program

First Year Transition Program: The objective of the first year transition program (opens in new window)  is to provide students, who may need more time to adapt to the demanding university curriculum, with an immediate opportunity to upgrade their Academic Standing. In the second semester, Phase I of the transition program offers all first semester core courses: CHY 102, MTH 140, MTH 141, and PCS 211 in parallel with the second semester regular program courses. Students who have failed and/or are missing any one of these courses at the end of the first semester are required to upgrade their Academic Standing through enrolling in the transition program. During the condensed Spring semester (May-July) Phase II of the transition program offers all second semester core courses: AER 222, BME 100, CHE 200, CHY 211, CPS 125, CVL 207, ELE 202, MEC 222, MTH 240, MTL 200, and PCS 125. These courses represent a repeat of the second semester regular program courses that were not taken by students enrolled in Phase I of the transition program. These courses will be offered subject to adequate enrolment.

At the completion of the transition program, successful transition program students will be promoted to the second year of the Biomedical Engineering program, without losing an academic year.

Early Intervention Program

Highly innovative and proactive retention strategies play an important role in helping students build the skills for success in a demanding engineering curriculum. Through the First-Year Engineering Office (opens in new window) , the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science has incorporated the Early Intervention Program into the first-year engineering experience. At the semester's mid-point, students who are failing courses in their core curriculum are identified and encouraged to attend an interview with a member of our academic support team (Program Director/Academic Advisor and/or the Student Counsellor). Together, they discuss options to help reduce the chances of academic failure.

Writing Skills Resource Path

All new engineering students are automatically enrolled in CEN 199: Writing Skills.

CEN 199 is graded on a Pass/Fail basis, and is used to track the results of the Writing Skills Test (WST).

All students admitted into engineering are required to write the mandatory Writing Skills Test (WST) during Orientation Week. Students who pass the WST (by achieving a grade of ‘B' or higher) will receive a PASS in CEN 199 and therefore may enrol in the lower level liberal studies course of their choice (subject to availability).

Students who do not pass the WST will receive an INP (In Progress Grade) in CEN 199 and will be required to enrol in one of LNG 111, LNG 112, LNG 113, or LNG 121 as their first-year lower level liberal studies course. These courses, which count toward lower level liberal studies requirements, are writing-intensive humanities and social science courses designed to give students the opportunity to strengthen their foundations in communication. These students will then have three additional opportunities to write and pass the WST:

  • In May, following 2nd Semester.
  • During Orientation Week before 3rd Semester.
  • In May, following 4th Semester.

A PASS in CEN 199: Writing Skills is required to enrol in all third-year engineering courses. Students with a grade of INP in CEN 199 will not be allowed to enrol in any third-year engineering course.

Detailed information is available from the First-Year Engineering Office (opens in new window) . Room ENG 377 Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 4261.

Optional Co-operative Internship Program

In order to submit an application to participate in the Co-operative Internship Program, a student must:

  • Be a 3rd year full-time undergraduate student enrolled in Electrical, Computer or Biomedical Engineering
  • Have a CLEAR academic standing with a CGPA of 2.67 (B-) or higher after completing all 1st and 2nd year courses

Students must complete all required 3rd year courses in order to participate and secure an internship position. Students who are in 4th Year (who have completed the 3rd year of the program) are not eligible to submit an application and participate in the Co-operative Internship.

If hired by one of the corporations who intend to provide such internship placements, Co-operative Internship students will spend a period of 8 to 16 consecutive months, from May to September of the following year, as engineering interns at the corresponding corporations. After completing the Co-operative Internship, students return to Ryerson and complete their 4th year of study. Enrolment in the Co-operative Internship extends the program length from four to five years.

After securing an internship position the Co-operative Internship students will be enrolled in the course WKT 99A/B Co-operative Internship Program during the academic year in which they work as interns. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. Completion of the Co-operative Internship Program will be identified on the student's transcript as WKT 99A/B: Co-operative Internship Program.

Optional Specialization in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OS EIE)

This option provides students with a solid foundation in innovation and entrepreneurship theory as well as the immersive experience of advancing and shaping an idea into a business. The lecture courses cover principles of engineering economics, entrepreneurship and innovation management, and technology based new venture creation. The practicum will guide students through the process of identifying a new business concept, developing their technology, and preparing their business for market readiness. For eligibility, registration and course information see Optional Specialization in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OS EIE).

Optional Specialization in Management Sciences (OS MS)

Students can enrich their studies and hone their management skills with the Optional Specialization in Management Sciences. Courses within the optional specialization cover four major areas in management sciences: Strategic Engineering Management, Operations Management/Operations Research, Finance, and Organizational Behaviour. For eligibility, registration, and course information see Optional Specialization in Management Sciences (OS MS).

Engineering Transfer Credits

Applicants approved into an Engineering program cannot expect to receive any transfer credits in Engineering discipline or Engineering related discipline courses if their applicable post-secondary education was not completed at a program accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (external link, opens in new window)  (CEAB).

Core and professional engineering course transfer credits will ONLY be granted at the time of admission. An Offer of Admission will notify the applicant of transfer credit decision(s) subject to acceptance of their Offer.

Liberal studies discipline courses taken at CEAB accredited or non-accredited schools will be considered for either lower- or upper-level liberal studies transfer credit. College courses, in general, are not eligible for transfer credit except in the case of lower-level liberal studies courses.

Liberal Studies

Students must take two lower level liberal studies courses and two upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.

Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .

Table A - Lower Level Restrictions

Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Undeclared Engineering

ARB, CHN, FRE, GRK, SPN and WLG courses are not available for credit.

BLG 181, BMS 150, CHY 182, CHY 183, ITM 277, MEC 110, PCS 111, PCS 181, PCS 182 and SCI courses are not available for credit.

Table B - Upper Level Restrictions

Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering

BLG 599, BLG 699, CHY 583, CHY 599, CPS 650, MTH 511, MTH 599 and PCS 581 are not available for credit.

ARB 301, ARB 401, CHN 301, CHN 401. FRE 301, FRE 401, SPN 301, SPN 401, SPN 510 and SPN 610 are not available for credit.

Minors

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window)  for complete details.

1st & 2nd Semester

Common to Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering Programs.

1st Semester

REQUIRED:

CEN 100 Introduction to Engineering
CEN 199* Writing Skills
CHY 102 General Chemistry
MTH 140 Calculus I
MTH 141 Linear Algebra
PCS 211 Physics: Mechanics

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

2nd Semester

REQUIRED:

BME 100* Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
CPS 125 Digital Computation and Programming
ECN 801 Principles of Engineering Economics
ELE 202 Electric Circuit Analysis
MTH 240 Calculus II
PCS 125 Physics: Waves and Fields

* BME 100 and CEN 199 are graded on a pass/fail basis.

  

3rd & 4th Semester

3rd Semester

REQUIRED:

BLG 143 Biology I
BME 229 Biomedical Physics
BME 323 Statics and Mechanics of Materials
BME 328 Digital Systems
MTH 312 Differential Equations and Vector Calculus

4th Semester

REQUIRED:

BLG 601 Physiology
BME 406 Biomechanics
BME 423 Biomaterials
CMN 432 Communication in the Engineering Professions
EES 604 Electronics and Sensors

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

NOTE: All required courses in 1st and 2nd semester are requisites to all required courses in 3rd semester.

  

5th & 6th Semester

5th Semester

REQUIRED:

BLG 701 Anatomy
BME 501 Bioinformatics
BME 506 Introduction to Software
BME 516 Fluid Mechanics
BME 532 Signals and Systems I
BME 538 Microprocessor Systems

6th Semester

REQUIRED:

BME 632 Signals and Systems II
BME 639 Control Systems and Bio-Robotics
BME 674 Biomedical Instrumentation
EES 612 Electric Machines and Actuators
MTH 410 Statistics

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

NOTE: Students who have a CLEAR Academic Standing may opt to enrol in the Co-operative Internship Program (IIP). Eligible students should select WKT 99A/B on the course intention form.

  

7th & 8th Semester

7th Semester

REQUIRED:

BME 700* Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design

LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from the following:

ENG 503 Science Fiction
GEO 702 Technology and the Contemporary Environment
HST 701 Scientific Technology and Modern Society
PHL 709 Religion, Science and Philosophy
POL 507 Power, Change and Technology

PROFESSIONAL: Four courses from the following:

BME 703 Tissue Engineering
BME 704 Radiation Therapy Devices
BME 705 Rehabilitation Engineering
BME 772 Biomedical Signal Analysis
BME 777 Emerging Topics in Biomedical Engineering

8th Semester

REQUIRED:

BME 800* Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design
CEN 800 Law and Ethics in Engineering Practice

PROFESSIONAL: Three courses from the following:

BME 802 Human-Computer Interaction
BME 804 Design of Bio-MEMS
BME 808 Computations in Genetic Engineering
BME 809 Biomedical Systems Modelling
BME 872 Biomedical Image Analysis

* BME 700 has a GPA weight of 0.50. BME 800 has a GPA Weight of 1.50.
NOTE: BME 700 and BME 800 must be taken within the same academic year.

A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see  (PDF file) Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).

Shahrzad Esmaili, MEng, MASc
Patent Agent
Smart & Biggar/Fetherstonhaugh

Tarek Khan, MASc
Product Development Engineer
AMD

Hassan Kojori, PhD, PEng, FIEEE
Senior Principal Engineer
Honeywell

Tom Murad, PhD, PEng, FEC, SMIEEE
Head, Engineering & Technology Academy
Siemens Canada

Mario Ramirez, MASc, PEng, CCE
Director, Medical Engineering
Sick Kids Hospital

Adel Sedra, PhD, PEng, FCAE, FRSC, FIEEE
Distinguished Professor Emeritus
University of Waterloo

Please see the department website (opens in new window)  for updates to the Advisory Council.