Biomedical Systems Engineering

Q: What do you call an organic compound with an attitude?
A: A-mean-o acid.


Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

What is Biomedical Systems Engineering?

Biomedical Systems Engineering combines life sciences with engineering and physical sciences to solve fundamental biological questions and challenging healthcare problems. The major includes four focus areas: regenerative medicine and biomaterials; systems and synthetic biology; neuro sensory and rehab engineering; and sensors, nano/microsystems and instrumentation.

EngSci’s Biomedical Systems Engineering major is offered in collaboration with U of T’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). The BME is a multidisciplinary research community focused on developing innovative solutions for challenges in human health. Through the partnership with the BME, the EngSci Biomed major lets you learn from and work with professors, researchers, and graduate students in cutting edge areas. The BME also works closely with many major hospitals and other U of T departments, which provide incredible opportunities for experience in the field.

Why Choose Biomedical Systems Engineering (aka Biomed)?

  • You’re interested in any areas of biotech, like systems and synthetic biology.

  • You’re interested in fields related to medicine and rehabilitation.

  • You are inspired by the idea of developing life-saving artificial organs that can reduce dependency on limited donors (like 3D printing artificial hearts!)


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  • You’re interested in micro and nano technologies.

  • You get to learn from the director of BME, Professor Warren Chan, who is also the Canada Research Chair in Nanobioengineering. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed research articles, given over 190 invited presentations and holds 15 patents and provisional patents! In the past, he has taught the molecules portion of Molecules and Materials (MSE160). He is an amazing professor to talk to and loves to educate students about the Biomedical Engineering field.

Courses in Years 1 & 2 Related to Biomed:

Year 1 

Praxis 1 and Praxis 2

Design projects are a huge part of the Biomed major. Biomedical design projects often arise in Praxis, and this is a great way to practice your skills in the design process. In 2018, one Praxis II project involved redesigning the naloxone kits used to treat overdoses while another aimed to improve hospital waiting rooms. Through interacting with communities, you will get exposure to consulting with healthcare professionals and patients. These are only some examples of the biomedical design projects that have been developed in Praxis I and Praxis II. 

Molecules and Materials (MSE160)

The first half of this course is a review of key chemistry subjects. The course teaches you about connections to current applications in biological and chemical engineering. You will be able to apply these principles to engineering design in Biomedical Engineering.

Year 2 

This course is a review and extension of high school biology. While reviewing things like cell biology and anatomical systems, you’ll also be exposed to various fields in biomedical engineering, like medical devices. The biology labs that are part of this course will give you experience for future practicals in the Biomedical Systems Engineering major.

Interesting Courses in This Major

This course serves as an introduction to human physiology and anatomy, covering the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and renal systems. The course will compare how these systems function in both healthy and diseased bodies. One thing that makes this course interesting is that it also discusses the application of biomedical engineering technologies in maintaining homeostasis.

This course highlights the generation, transmission and significance of bioelectricity in neural networks of the brain. The course also has laboratory components that cover topics such as biological measurements of body surface potentials, experiments on computer models of generation and propagation of neuronal electrical activities and investigation of learning in artificial neural networks.

Where to Get Some Experience Before Deciding? 

Club for Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering (CUBE)

CUBE offers events like the Biomedical Engineering Competition (BMEC), where participants work together in teams to come up with solutions to solve health problems. These solutions are judged by people from industry and research fields.

They also host a lab skills workshop series, where students can develop key lab skills such as pipetting, microscopy, and general lab safety. You also have the chance to go on field trips to see a biomedical laboratory where real researchers and scientists work.

CUBE also hosts many seminars, including the summer research seminar (for networking with Masters and PhD students in BME). You can also attend the Professor Mixer with professors from BME, or the Industry Mixer with industry professionals from biomedical companies.

BioEngineering Student Association (BESt)

Similar to CUBE, BESt aims to educate students about bio-engineering in general as well as about job opportunities and advancements in the field.
For more direct experience, you can join their mentorship program. It pairs you with a graduate student from BME who can answer your questions on research and career development. They host seminars where professors and industry professionals share their work and experiences. They also have their very own bio-engineering competition where participants solve real-life problems using engineering design to win prizes.

iGem

iGem is a student association that will help you learn more about synthetic biology. Every year the team designs a synthetic biology research project and competes with other schools at the annual iGem Grand Jamboree.

iGem also hosts seminars and discussions throughout the year, as a space for students interested in synthetic biology to gather and learn more about biomedical engineering design. These seminars also offer a way for you to interact with industry professionals and U of T Engineering alumni.


Visit the Skule Clubs and Design Teams pages to find more extracurriculars. 

Check out the EngSci majors website here for more info: