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Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences 2026

Overview

A blend of Engineering and Health Sciences 

We’ve fused the best of our top-ranked health sciences and engineering programs to deliver a unique project-based learning experience that is second to none. In the iBioMed program, you’ll be working on real-world projects from day one. In dedicated design studios, you’ll learn to work in teams to define problems, pitch ideas, build prototypes and test products with real clients.  

Key features:  

  • The only program in Canada that specializes in health, engineering science and entrepreneurship  
  • Flexible, optional co-op program  
  • Cross-disciplinary collaborations among classmates  
  • Anatomy labs where Level II students learn anatomical concepts from  
  • Limited enrolment of 155 students per year 

Your track, your way  

You can shape an academic journey that works for you. Choose the path that best fits your goals: apply directly to the iBioMed program you want to pursue, or apply to the Discovery Track and explore your options in your first year before selecting your program. 

Apply to the Discovery Track
Explore your options in your first year before choosing your iBioMed program.  

  • Rank the Discovery Track as your preferred program and one alternate iBioMed program in your OUAC application 
  • You’ll be considered for admission in the order you rank your choices  
  • If you receive an offer to the Discovery Track, you’ll start your first year with the flexibility to explore all iBioMed program options  
  • Rank your preferred programs at the end of your first year  
  • Program placement is competitive and based on your Level 1 GPA and available seats 

Apply directly to an iBioMed program
Secure a clear path toward your preferred iBioMed program from the start  

  • Apply to your preferred iBioMed program and rank one alternate option, including the Discovery Track 
  • If you don’t receive an offer to your preferred program, you’ll be considered for your alternate choice 

Your first year of iBioMed: A shared experience 

Regardless of whether you start in the Discovery Track or in a specific iBioMed program, all students will begin in Level 1 iBioMed, where you’ll dive into hands-on, collaborative and project-based learning. Tackle real-world problems while mastering the technical and teamwork skills needed to solve them. 

Note: Students are encouraged to apply to the program that best aligns with their interests. Students who are unsure about which program they wish to pursue are encouraged to apply to the Discovery Track. 

Explore our Programs  

Health, Engineering Science & Entrepreneurship (HESE) – Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
In HESE, you will complete a four-year degree learning about health, disease and how the body works. You will work with clinicians in hospital settings exploring healthcare challenges and design solutions though prototyping with the goal of bringing a product to market. Learn more here.  

Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed) – Bachelor of Engineering & Biomedical Engineering
In Biomedical Engineering (BME), you will complete a five-year degree combining a core engineering program with biomedical engineering. You will study with a shared cohort, take interdisciplinary electives, and complete a capstone design project in your final year. McMaster Engineering offers eight BME Programs: 

Design projects and showcases 

iBioMed students take various project and design courses throughout their degree. Projects evolve from year to year, culminating in the iBioMed Showcases at the end of each term. Past projects include:  

  • Designing a longer-lasting hip replacement  
  • Constructing a more affordable MRI machine  
  • Creating a more durable prosthetic arm 

Graduates can go on to: 

  • Pursue careers in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, health and biomedical science  
  • Start their own companies or innovate within existing organizations 
  • Explore further studies in graduate research, professional health science careers or medicine 

iBioMed your way 

No two paths in iBioMed look the same.  

Experience McMaster Engineering to the fullest by pursuing extracurricular, co-curricular, co-op, research and volunteer opportunities that will enrich your academics and support your development as a well-rounded, career-bound graduate. 

Expandable List

The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) provides comprehensive support, offering the knowledge and opportunities needed to build career confidence. It will be your go-to place for total career empowerment. 

The Centre has a suite of offerings, including co-op programs across all engineering disciplines, dynamic student engagement initiatives and support for experiential learning opportunities like clubs and teams. 

The Centre’s approach is rooted in career development theory and practice, ensuring personalized paths to success through immersive industry experiences and skill-building opportunities.

How co-op works  

Your professional career starts right from your first year with an engaging introductory career planning and employment course. Throughout the year, our dedicated team at the Centre connects with more than 1,300 employers, bringing them directly to you through 250+ virtual and in-person workshops and events. We’re here to support you every step of the way — from career exploration and job search to applications, interviews and offers. 

Co-op Fast Facts

$50k average annual Salary / $25/hr average hourly rate

93% of undergrads are enrolled in co-op

10,000+ positions are posted each year by more then 1,300 employers

4,800+ co-op work terms completed by nearly 3,000 students in 2024/25 academic year

Expandable List

Skill-building experiences  

Whether you’re interested in a technical challenge, competing on a design team, or finding community through a club or student group, these experiences help you build essential skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. With 70+ clubs and teams in the Faculty of Engineering alone, there are countless ways to get involved, develop your skills and connect with your community.    

The Hatch Centre   

Feel the energy in the Gerald Hatch Centre for Engineering Experiential Learning. This 28,000-sq ft space is home to the McMaster Engineering Society and many of our affiliated clubs and teams. Brainstorm, collaborate and bring ideas to life in student-run rooms, lounges and garages 

Global impact  

Our international student community represents more than 100 countries, and we’ve established research partnerships with universities worldwide. We support student clubs and teams that compete internationally, facilitate global exchanges
and co-op opportunities, and graduate students who go on to work across the world.  

Groundbreaking research  

McMaster Engineering is one of Canada’s most research-intensive Faculties. Our people are leading advancements in nuclear energy, antibiotic alternatives, cultured meat, hydrogen energy, electric vehicles, recyclable materials and more. We’re home to one of the largest-in-Canada undergraduate research program, which allows students to:. 

  • Participate in research as early as first year 
  • Access more than 50 Research Experience Awards issued with major entrance scholarships 
  • Be one of more than 250 undergraduate researchers each year working on teams making cutting-edge discoveries   

Fostering entrepreneurship 

On-campus incubators like The Forge@Mac and The Clinic are dedicated to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs every step of the way. The majority of budding businesses connected to The Forge are affiliated with McMaster Engineering.

The Faculty of Engineering offers $2.5M+ in entrance scholarships and research awards to students entering a Level 1 Faculty of Engineering program. Only one application is required to be considered for all eligible awards!  

Scholarships available include Dean’s Excellence Awards, as well as scholarships for participation in organizations like SHAD, FIRST Robotics, and DECA. Open to both domestic and international students. See full details here. 

Your Classes

What You’ll Take: 

  • Health Solutions Design Projects I: Introduction to Engineering Fundamentals and Design (IBEHS 1P10 A/B) 
  • General Chemistry for Engineering I (CHEM 1E03) 
  • Entrepreneurship in Biomedical Innovation: From Bench to Market (IBEHS 1EP6 A/B) 
  • Engineering Mathematics I (MATH 1ZA3) 
  • Engineering Mathematics II-A (MATH 1ZB3) 
  • Engineering Mathematics II-B (MATH 1ZC3) 
  • Introductory Mechanics (PHYSICS 1D03) 
  • Waves, Electricity and Magnetic Fields (PHYSICS 1E03) 
  • Biosafety Training (BIOSAFE 1BS0) 
  • Introduction to Health and Safety (WHMIS 1A00) 
  • Introduction to Career Planning & Employment (IBEHS 1EE0) 
  • 3 units of complementary electives 

Students admitted directly to an iBioMed program will proceed into their selected program in Level 2.  

Students admitted to the Discovery Track will rank their preferred iBioMed programs (including HESE) at the end of Level 1. Placement into a program will be competitive and based on Level 1 GPA and the number of seats available in each program.  

Free Choice: A select number of top performing students who choose the Discovery Track as their preferred program may be offered Free Choice, which provides guaranteed placement in their iBioMed program (including HESE) of choice.    

For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar. 

Admissions