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Biomedical Engineering

University of Waterloo

Biomedical Engineering: blue ink subject illustration
Image source

AI-generated ink illustration

Conceptual study artwork, not a photograph of teaching facilities.

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Checked 2026-11-05

Symbolic subject artwork; no university facility depicted

Deadlines

November 2026

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Next deadline

  • OUAC. Ontario high schools report midterm/final 4U/M grades

    2027 entry

    School deadline, not a student task. Universities receive these grades by November 26. Verbatim: "Deadline for the OUAC to receive all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. Schools may report in-progress grades for full-year courses as soon as they are available." Universities receive these by the target date of November 26, 2026. This is a deadline on the high school, not on the student, but it governs which grades a university sees in the first round.

    Official deadline
Other deadline details
No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by programOUAC Undergraduate application, applicants who are not Ontario high school students (Group B)2026 entry
  • No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by program
  • No single OUAC deadline
  • University, program, transcript, portfolio, interview, and audition dates still apply
Full source wording

Verbatim: "There is no specific Undergraduate application deadline if you are a Group B applicant. Deadlines vary at each university and sometimes depend on the program. Visit the university websites or contact the universities directly for their deadlines. If you are interested in a program but the deadline has passed, you may contact the university's admission office for help. Be aware of university-specific deadlines for submitting transcripts and portfolios, if required, and for arranging interviews and auditions. You must ensure the OUAC has enough time to process your choices before the universities' program deadlines." OUAC defines Group B as anyone who does not meet the Group A criteria, e.g. not currently taking an Ontario high school course, a Canadian outside Ontario, an international applicant, a postsecondary transfer student, or a mature applicant.

SourceChecked

Requirements

Admission requirements

High-school prerequisites
  • MHF4UAdvanced Functions70% min.
  • MCV4UCalculus and Vectors70% min.
  • SCH4UChemistry70% min.
  • SPH4UPhysics70% min.
  • ENG4UEnglish70% min.
Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: Ontario admission requirements
Application steps

Entry terms · Fall (September)

September 2027 full-time first-year Engineering entry.

Waterloo September 2027 application and document deadlines
  1. Step 1Check the admission requirements
    • Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
    Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: Ontario admission requirementsWaterloo Biomedical Engineering: Ontario admission requirements
  2. Step 2Apply through OUAC
    • Create your application and select this program.
    OUACOUAC
  3. Step 3Declaration of Academic Experience (DAE)
    • Complete the DAE in the Waterloo applicant portal. It updates your checklist with any required documents.
    Waterloo required documentsWaterloo required documents
  4. Step 4Admission Information Form (AIF)
    • Required for Engineering and Faculty of Mathematics programs. Waterloo sends access through its applicant portal after you apply.
    Waterloo Admission Information Form and supplementary formsWaterloo Admission Information Form and supplementary forms
  5. Step 5Online video interview
    • Required for Engineering applicants, alongside the AIF. Waterloo lists February 1, 2027 as the Engineering document deadline.
    Waterloo application and document deadlinesWaterloo application and document deadlines
  6. Step 6Apply directly to this programme through the official application; submit the applicant portal documents required for your education route.
    • Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
    Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: Ontario admission requirementsWaterloo Biomedical Engineering: Ontario admission requirements
Applicant pathways
Ontario high-school entry

Ontario high-school applicants; average text uses the university's own published guideline

  • Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s
Waterloo current exact programme admission requirements
Engineering required interview and forms

All Engineering applicants except Architecture; this programme is included

  • Admission Information Form and any required supplementary information forms; online interview required for admission.
Waterloo published September2027 application and document deadlines
Current AIF contents

Applicants to this programme; September 2027 entry

  • Complete four short responses, up to 150 words each: interests, community involvement, an experience reflection and goals for Waterloo.
  • List extracurricular activities and hours from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Submit the shared AIF once through the applicant portal.
Waterloo current 2027 AIF and faculty-specific supplementary forms
Required Engineering interview

Applicants to this Engineering programme

  • Record one 90-second response about experiences motivating your choice of engineering programme through the portal’s Kira Talent link.
  • A separate non-graded yes/no question asks about FIRST Robotics for scholarship consideration.
Waterloo current required Engineering interview format
Optional Engineering alternate choice

Engineering applicants choosing an eligible alternate programme

  • The alternate-choice form is optional. Software Engineering and Biomedical Engineering cannot be requested as alternates.
Waterloo current 2027 AIF and faculty-specific supplementary forms
Ontario students taking IB

Ontario high-school students taking IB courses, including students completing an OSSD

  • Admission uses your school's converted Ontario Grade 12 U/M marks.
  • Meet the Ontario course prerequisites listed above.
Waterloo: Ontario students taking IB
British Columbia high-school entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • High-school diploma and six Grade 12 academic courses.
  • At least 70% in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus 12 or AP Calculus, Chemistry 12 and Physics 12.
  • Waterloo lists competitive grades in the high 80s to low 90s.
  • Economics 12 and Financial Accounting 12 are the only Applied Design, Skills and Technology courses that count toward the six.
  • Upload a transcript with second-semester midterm marks when available.
Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: British Columbia high-school entry
American curriculum entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • High-school diploma from a school with recognized American regional accreditation.
  • AP Calculus or equivalent, AP Physics or equivalent, Algebra or Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Grade 12 English and one other Grade 12 academic course.
  • At least 75% in each of the six courses and an 88% average across them.
  • SAT and ACT scores are optional. Waterloo encourages available AP scores.
Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: American curriculum entry
Indian curriculum entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • First or Second Division in the CBSE All India Senior School Certificate, CISCE Indian School Certificate, or another qualifying 12-year pre-university certificate.
  • Standard XII Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English and one additional Standard XII subject. Applied Mathematics does not satisfy the mathematics requirement.
  • At least 70% in each of the five courses and an 85% average across them.
  • Waterloo reviews Grade 10 board results, final Grade 11 marks and predicted Grade 12 board results.
Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: Indian curriculum entry
International Baccalaureate diploma entry

First-year high-school applicants to the named curriculum route

  • Full IB diploma with six courses, including at least three Higher Level courses.
  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Physics, Chemistry, English A and one other IB course, with at least 4 in each. HL is recommended for mathematics and physics. HL English B with at least 5 can satisfy English A.
  • 31 total points excluding diploma points. Waterloo recommends grades of 6 or 7 and uses individual selection.
Waterloo Biomedical Engineering: International Baccalaureate diploma entry

Degree requirements

Work and practical requirements
  • Complete 21.88 units, including required courses and nine approved electives. Co-op and Professional Development are separate.
  • Five credited co-op work terms are required. At least three must be standard work terms.
  • Complete PD 11, PD 19, PD 20 and one additional Professional Development course. PD 19 is taken in the first work term and PD 20 in the second.
  • Take Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering before the first work term.
  • Complete BME 461 and BME 462 for the final-year design project and BME 400 for the co-op presentation.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar
Credits and degree requirements
  • Minimum 60% cumulative overall average and 60% term average.
  • BME 101 and BME 101L satisfy the undergraduate communication requirement.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar
Course planning
  • Exceptions require approval from the Biomedical Engineering program director.
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar

Program facts

Entering average~High 80s to low 90s

Ontario high-school entry in 2027/28, exact listed route WBM. Later major/option selection and other applicant categories remain separate.

Waterloo university-supplied OUInfo: Biomedical Engineering (Co-op Only), Ontario entry 2027/28Waterloo university-supplied OUInfo: Biomedical Engineering (Co-op Only), Ontario entry 2027/28
Co-opCo-op details

Co-op only. Stream 8D schedules six four-month work terms, starting in first-year spring.

University work-study information
Co-op schedule
6 scheduled terms · 4 months each · 24 scheduled monthsWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examples
Stream 8D
Year 1 spring, Year 2 winter, Year 3 fall and spring, Year 4 fall and spring.Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsCheck work experience options

Majors & specializations

The six Biomedical Engineering specializations have separate course groups. Faculty-wide Engineering options have their own eligibility and overlap rules.

Artificial Intelligence Option

BASc

Study techniques for developing intelligent machine systems.

Published requirementsPublished courses

Courses

Waterloo’s 2026–27 calendar for students starting in Fall 2026. Includes all eight study terms, listed elective banks and program-specific graduation rules.

1A Term6 listed
  • BME 121Digital Computation0.5 credits

    Solve biomedical engineering problems through programming, algorithms and computational thinking.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 141Introduction to the Practice of Biomedical Engineering 10.25 credits

    Explore biomedical engineering fields and how research and industry develop health technologies.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 161Introduction to User-Centered Biomedical Design 10.5 credits

    Assess user needs and begin an iterative biomedical design project in a team.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 186Chemistry Principles0.5 credits

    Study chemical reactions, bonding and molecular structure, and how they relate to reactivity.

    Waterloo course description
  • MATH 115Linear Algebra for Engineering0.5 credits

    Solve linear systems and work with matrices, vector spaces and eigenvalues.

    Waterloo course description
  • MATH 117Calculus 1 for Engineering0.5 credits

    Analyse engineering functions with limits, continuity and differentiation.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
1B Term7 listed
  • BME 101Communications in Biomedical Engineering-Written and Oral0.25 credits

    Develop written and oral technical communication skills for biomedical engineering.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 101LCommunications in Biomedical Engineering-Visualization0.25 credits

    Practise visual communication methods used in engineering design and analysis.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 122Data Structures and Algorithms0.5 credits

    Organize data efficiently using abstract data structures, recursion and algorithms.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 123Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence0.25 credits

    Prepare data, compare introductory machine-learning models and validate their performance.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 162Introduction to User-Centered Biomedical Design 20.5 credits

    Prototype and test a biomedical design using engineering analysis and human factors.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 181Physics 1: Statics0.5 credits

    Analyse static systems, equilibrium, forces and the behaviour of structures.

    Waterloo course description
  • MATH 119Calculus 2 for Engineering0.5 credits

    Use approximations, series and integration techniques in engineering problems.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
2A Term7 listed
  • BME 142Introduction to the Practice of Biomedical Engineering 20.25 credits

    Build practical biomedical engineering skills and communicate technical work in writing.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 213Statistics and Experimental Design0.5 credits

    Use probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and regression to design experiments.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 281Mechanics of Deformable Solids0.5 credits

    Analyse deformation, stress and instability in engineering materials and structures.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 285Biology for Biomedical Engineers0.5 credits

    Study biomolecules, enzymes, cells and their functions.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 285LBiology for Biomedical Engineers Laboratory0.25 credits

    Carry out experiments that accompany the biomedical engineering biology course.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 288Physics 2: Dynamics0.5 credits

    Apply motion, force, momentum and energy principles to particles and rigid bodies.

    Waterloo course description
  • MATH 218Differential Equations for Engineers0.5 credits

    Solve engineering differential equations with series, Laplace transforms and systems methods.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
2B Term7 listed
  • BME 241Introduction to the Practice of Biomedical Engineering 30.25 credits

    Explore health care systems and practise communicating with biomedical engineering stakeholders.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 252Linear Systems and Signals0.5 credits

    Use linear systems to measure and process signals such as ECG, EEG and EMG.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 261Prototyping, Simulation and Design0.5 credits

    Design, simulate and prototype biomedical systems with mechanical, electrical and software components.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 284Physiological and Biological Systems0.5 credits

    Relate major body systems to the design of assistive, diagnostic and imaging devices.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 284LPhysiology and Anatomy Laboratory0.25 credits

    Carry out lab experiments alongside the course on physiological and biological systems.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 294Circuits, Instrumentation, and Measurements0.5 credits

    Build circuit-analysis and measurement skills for acquiring biological signals.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 294LCircuits, Instrumentation, and Measurements Laboratory0.25 credits

    Carry out experiments in circuits, instrumentation and biological measurement.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
3A Term7 listed

1 approved elective. BME 342 can be completed in 3A, 3B or 4A.

  • BME 341Health Care Operations and Practice - Health Systems0.25 credits

    Study Canadian health care organizations, procurement and electronic health records.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 342Health Care Operations and Practice - Observations0.25 credits

    Observe health care and rehabilitation work through site visits and shadowing.

    May be taken in 3A, 3B or 4A.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 356Control Systems0.5 credits

    Model control systems and analyse their stability, response and sensitivity.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 356LControl Systems Laboratory0.25 credits

    Carry out lab experiments that accompany the control systems course.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 361Biomedical Product Design and Regulation0.5 credits

    Explore medical-device design and the regulations that guide development.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 385Materials Science for Biomedical Engineers0.5 credits

    Compare materials and select them for biomedical device applications.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 385LMaterials Testing Laboratory0.25 credits

    Test and characterize materials used in biomedical applications.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
3B Term4 listed

1 approved elective.

  • BME 355Physiological Systems Modelling0.5 credits

    Model human physiological systems and examine their behaviour with simulations.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 362Biomedical Engineering Design Workshop 10.5 credits

    Assess needs and develop specifications in a team biomedical design project.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 381Biomedical Engineering Ethics0.5 credits

    Examine professional, medical and research ethics in biomedical engineering.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 384Biomedical Transport: Biofluids and Mass Transfer0.5 credits

    Analyse fluid flow and mass transfer in biomedical systems.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
4A Term3 listed

3 approved electives.

  • BME 364Engineering Biomedical Economics0.5 credits

    Study health care markets, insurance, delivery models and government policy.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 400Work-Term Presentation0.13 credits

    Present and reflect on engineering experience from co-op work terms.

    Waterloo course description
  • BME 461Biomedical Engineering Design Workshop 20.5 credits

    Develop a biomedical design prototype and interim report, with attention to safety and risk.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
4B Term1 listed

4 approved electives.

  • BME 462Biomedical Engineering Design Workshop 30.5 credits

    Complete the final stage of the biomedical engineering design workshop.

    Waterloo course description
Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
Approved elective lists

Approved elective lists

Technical electives, List 12 listed

Choose one as part of the seven approved technical electives.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
Technical electives, List 216 listed

Choose one as part of the seven approved technical electives.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
Technical electives, List 437 listed

Choose one as part of the seven approved technical electives.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendar
Complementary studies, List A36 listed

Individually listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Complementary studies, List C98 listed

List C accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit. Courses on List D or the exclusions list, and courses satisfying the major’s communication requirement, cannot count toward List C.

Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Complementary studies, List D155 listed

List D accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit.

Waterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streams
Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization

Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization

List 12 listed

Complete all 2 listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization
List 215 listed

Choose 2 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization
List 36 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization
List 48 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization
List 56 listed

The seventh course can come from List 3, 4 or 5.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization
Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization

Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization

List 12 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization
List 28 listed

Choose 3 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization
List 311 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization
List 45 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization
Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization

Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization

List 12 listed

Complete all 2 listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization
List 23 listed

Choose 2 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization
List 36 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization
List 47 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization
List 54 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization
Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization

Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization

Group 13 listed

Complete all 3 listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization
Group 25 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization
Group 32 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization
Group 45 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization
Medical Devices Specialization

Medical Devices Specialization

Group 12 listed

Complete all 2 listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices Specialization
Group 210 listed

Choose 2 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices Specialization
Group 36 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices Specialization
Group 410 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices Specialization
Neural Engineering Specialization

Neural Engineering Specialization

Group 12 listed

Complete all 2 listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering Specialization
Group 212 listed

Choose 1 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering Specialization
Group 36 listed

Choose 2 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering Specialization
Group 44 listed

Choose 2 of the listed courses.

Waterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering Specialization
Elective choices
Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization

Biomaterials and Tissues Specialization

  • Complete seven courses in the specialization’s prescribed groups.
  • Selected research or special topics require approval. Ask the program director before counting a second topic.
Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization

Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering Specialization

  • Complete seven courses in the specialization’s prescribed groups.
  • Selected research or special topics require approval. Ask the program director before counting a second topic.
  • Complete one additional course from Lists 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization

Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Specialization

  • Complete eight courses in the specialization’s prescribed groups.
  • Check with the program director before counting research or special topics.
  • Complete one additional course from Lists 2, 3, or 4.
Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization

Biomedical Imaging Technologies Specialization

  • Complete seven courses in the specialization’s prescribed groups.
  • Check with the program director before counting research or special topics.
  • Complete one BIOL or KIN course at the 200 level or above, worth at least 0.50 unit.
Medical Devices Specialization

Medical Devices Specialization

  • Complete seven courses in the specialization’s prescribed groups.
  • Check with the program director before counting research or special topics.
  • Complete one BIOL or KIN course at the 200 level or above, worth at least 0.50 unit.
Neural Engineering Specialization

Neural Engineering Specialization

  • Complete seven courses in the specialization’s prescribed groups.
  • Check with the program director before counting research or special topics.
Other requirements and route notes
  • Complete two complementary studies electives. Choose one from List C and one from Lists A, C or D.
  • Complete seven approved technical electives: one from List 1, one from List 2, at least 0.50 unit from List 3 and one from List 4. Complete three more from Lists 1–4, with no more than two of those additional courses from List 3.
  • Without a specialization, take both BME 386 and BME 393 and two courses from Technical Elective List 2.
  • List 3 accepts BIOL, CHEM, HLTH or KIN courses at the 200 level or above. HLTH courses appearing on a complementary studies list cannot count toward this requirement.
  • Elective slots in the course sequence are one in 3A, one in 3B, three in 4A and four in 4B.
  • List C accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit. Courses on List D or the exclusions list, and courses satisfying the major’s communication requirement, cannot count toward List C.
  • List D accepts eligible subjects or individually listed courses of at least 0.50 unit.
  • A course listed in more than one complementary studies list can count toward only one list, unless the program specifies an exception.
Study routes

The six Biomedical Engineering specializations have separate course groups. Faculty-wide Engineering options have their own eligibility and overlap rules.

  • Artificial Intelligence option
  • Biomechanics option
  • Computer Engineering option
  • Computing option
  • Entrepreneurship option
  • Environmental Engineering option
  • Life Sciences option
  • Management Sciences option
  • Physical Sciences option
  • Quantum Engineering option
  • Software Engineering option
  • Statistics option
  • Mechatronics option
Study locations
Published academic-unit location
The Faculty of Engineering lists its Dean’s Office in the Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building, room 7302. This is a faculty contact office; individual biomedical engineering course rooms are separate.Waterloo: named biomed academic-unit location
ReferencesWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Engineering calendarWaterloo 2026–27 BASc degree requirements and study/work streamsWaterloo Biomedical Engineering undergraduate degree and career examplesWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo Engineering options and eligibilityWaterloo 2026–27 Biomaterials and Tissues SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomechanical and Rehabilitation Engineering SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Biomedical Imaging Technologies SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Medical Devices SpecializationWaterloo 2026–27 Neural Engineering SpecializationWaterloo course descriptionWaterloo 2026–27 course calendar, CS 492Waterloo GEOG 368 academic calendarWaterloo course descriptionWaterloo PLAN 341 academic calendarWaterloo course descriptionWaterloo course descriptionWaterloo course descriptionWaterloo course descriptionWaterloo ENVS 195 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 201 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 100 academic calendarWaterloo PLAN 471 academic calendarWaterloo ENVS 131 academic calendar

Careers

  • Biomedical engineer
  • Medical device design engineer
  • Clinical engineer

Published employers

1
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tadesse Lab
Published employersWaterloo Biomedical Engineering undergraduate degree and career examplesWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo co-op profile: Jarett DewburyEngineers Canada: accredited programs at the University of WaterlooEngineers Canada: engineering licensing requirements
Scope and qualifications

Waterloo lists career and co-op role examples. Employers shown are from a published student co-op profile.

Professional recognition

CEAB accredited since 2019. The accredited degree meets the academic requirement for engineering licensure.

Scope and qualifications

Waterloo lists career and co-op role examples. Employers shown are from a published student co-op profile.

AccreditationWaterloo Biomedical Engineering undergraduate degree and career examplesWaterloo Engineering: Biomedical Engineering work-study sequence and co-op examplesWaterloo co-op profile: Jarett DewburyEngineers Canada: accredited programs at the University of WaterlooEngineers Canada: engineering licensing requirements

Costs

Program or faculty

First-year estimate

2026–27 · Two terms · CAD

Ontario example · Choose your fee category

Tuition and incidental fees$19,000
Books and supplies$1,500
Co-op fee

$836 × 2 study terms

$1,672
Residence
Residence
$8,254
Meal plan
Meal plan
$8,040
Estimated total$38,466
TuitionCo-op feeResidenceMeal plansSources and notes

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