Biomedical engineering uses electrical engineering and scientific principles such as electromagnetic waves, electronics, engineering materials, signal processing, computing and display devices, quantitative analysis, communication systems and image analysis to solve problems in biotechnology and medicine. The possibilities are almost endless in this fast-growing field in which technology is used to design and build new components and systems for biomedical applications.
Biological signals, such as those from the heart and brain, are routinely used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Computer tools are used to collect and analyze data, such as gene sequence databases, that contain millions of entries. Mechanical elements, sensors, actuators and electronics make medical devices work and could even be used to deliver drugs inside the human body. Advances in medical imaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans lead to the early diagnosis of disease and increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention. Medical informatics, telemedicine and electronic health records help improve the delivery of health care.
The Carleton Advantage
Carleton University’s Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree program in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering offers:
- a progressive co-operative education option;
- strong emphasis on biomedical informatics, biosignal processing, IT in biomedicine, medical instrumentation and assistive devices, and microtechnology for sensors and MEMS; and
- excellent scholarships for high-standing students.
Our Laboratory and Research Facilities
At Carleton, you will benefit from:
- modern, well-equipped laboratories (including a Biomedical Signals and Sensor Laboratory) and computer facilities on campus;
- proximity to, and collaboration with, outstanding hospitals in the Ottawa area; and
- a superb undergraduate computing network, including portable biological signal acquisition equipment,prototyping workstations, and a campus-wide wireless network.
Your Co-op Opportunities
As a student in the Biomedical and Electrical Engineering program you will have the opportunity to apply to the Co-operative Education Program. Co-op integrates degree-related, paid work terms into your degree program. A minimum of four work terms are required to obtain the Co-op designation on your degree.
Our program is closely associated with the biotechnology and high technology industry in Ottawa and other regions, giving students valuable work experience and contacts that will benefit them in the future.
The pattern of work and study terms for the co-op option is shown in the following table.
| Calendar Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
| 1 | study term 1 | study term 2 | |
| 2 | study term 3 | study term 4 | work term |
| 3 | study term 5 | work term | work term |
| 4 | work term | study term 6 | work term |
| 5 | study term 7 | study term 8 |
Choosing the Right Program
The BEng program in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. The program is also designed to meet the prerequisite courses required by many medical schools in North America.
First year begins with a common core of fundamentals in engineering, mathematics and science. Second year offers introductory courses in electronic circuit design, numerical analysis and programming. Third-year courses provide specialization in digital and analog circuit design, semiconductor device physics, electromagnetics and bioelectrical and biomedical systems. Senior fourth-year courses allow for advanced study in biomedical engineering—including signal processing and medical instrumentation—as well as opportunities to apply your knowledge to the medical and health-care fields.
Course Structure
The courses of a typical Biomedical and Electrical program are shown below.
Note: As study terms and courses offered may vary, please refer to the Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar for specific program requirements.
Your Future Opportunities
As a graduate of this program, you could find employment in health-care establishments and medical facilities, working with computers, medical equipment or medical devices. You could enjoy rewarding work in developing health care technologies such as electronic implants, safer medical instrumentation and devices, or superior data management and diagnostic systems. You will also be well prepared for continued studies at the graduate level or in medicine.
Alumni Feature
“I realized I had the adaptation skills thanks to my time at Carleton.”
– Daphne Ong (BEng/12, MASc/15), Quality Specialist at Lightspeed Commerce, breaking ground for women in STEM
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Biomedical and Electrical Engineering program, you must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a minimum of six 4U/M courses.
Your six courses must include four prerequisite courses:
- Advanced Functions
- Chemistry
- Physics
- One of the following:
- Calculus and Vectors (strongly recommended for applicants to all engineering programs)
- Biology
- Earth and Space Science
Although it is not an admission requirement, at least one 4U course in either English or French is recommended. Equivalent courses may be substituted at the appropriate 4U level.
Since the number of qualified applicants may be greater than the number of available spaces, cut-off averages and required marks may vary.
If you are from outside Ontario, or outside Canada, please visit Carleton’s Undergraduate Admissions website for details on your specific program’s requirements.