Engineering in Medicine

Modern advances in engineering science and technology have enabled the rapid development of miniaturized medical devices, customized implants, sophisticated diagnostic instrumentation, precision surgical robotics, and information technology for e-Health. The healthcare industry has become one of the world’s biggest industrial sectors providing a wide range of job opportunities in research, product development and patient care.

Engineering in Medicine is an interdisciplinary, non-thesis Master of Engineering (MEng) specialization offered at the Faculty of Engineering at Western University.

Combining expertise from our departments of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (CBE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME), the Engineering in Medicine MEng specialization offers qualified engineering graduates (or equivalent) the opportunity to better understand the role of engineers in modern medicine. Students will explore innovative technologies that impact medical advancements and recognize opportunities for product development and commercialization. Learn more about specific courses.

Graduates from the Engineering in Medicine MEng specialization may choose to seek employment in the emerging medical devices industry in Canada, clinics and hospitals, public sector organizations, NGOs, sales and marketing, or enhance their opportunity for further advanced training in the field of biomedical engineering.

Academic and progression requirements for the Engineering in Medicine program will be the same for applicants who wish to enroll through any of the course-based MEng programs currently offered by the participating Departments. This program is structured to assist qualified graduate engineers to advance their professional careers by broadening their knowledge of technology in medicine and how to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the development of medical and assistive devices. If enrolled full-time, a student can complete the degree in one year. Part-time students will need additional time to fulfill the program requirements.

The program curriculum is comprised of the following:

Program Requirements

A - One core half-course in Specialization:

  • MME 9640/BIOMED 9645 - Medical Device Design

B - One half-course in basic Engineering Science:

  • CBE 9170 - Mathematical Methods in Engineering
  • CBE 9112 - Design & Analysis Principles
  • CBE 9461 - Advanced Process Control
  • ECE 9014 - Data Management & Applications
  • ECE 9056 - Linear Systems and Modern Control Theory
  • ECE 9023 - Random Signals, Adaptive and Kalman Filtering
  • MME 9601 - Design and Manufacturing
  • MME 9602 - Engineering Materials
  • MME 9603 - Solid Mechanics

C - Four half-courses in Engineering in Medicine

Students who satisfy the course prerequisites and obtain permission from both the instructor and the Associate Chair (Graduate), may substitute up to 2 courses in category C with advanced graduate-level courses offered through the Biomedical Engineering (BME) program or the home Department.

  • CBE 9250 – Advanced Biomaterials Engineering
  • CBE 9241 – Nano-biotechnology
  • BME 9502 – Biomedical Systems Analysis
  • ECE 9021 – Introduction to Digital Image Processing
  • ECE 9039 – Machine Learning
  • ECE 9047- Sensor Networks & Embedded Systems
  • BME 9529 - Human & Animal Biomechanics
  • MME 9655/BME 9655 -Impact Biomechanics
  • MME 9657 - Advanced Kinematics for Biomechanics
  • MME 9511/BME 9505 - Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System

D - Two half-courses in Professional Engineering (offered in Summer term)

  • ELI 9100 - Intellectual Property for Engineers
  • ELI 9110 - Risk Assessment and Management in Engineering Systems
  • ELI 9001 - Engineering Business
  • ELI 9200 - Engineering Planning and Project Management
  • ELI 9600 - Engineering Communications
  • ELI 9105 - Commercializing Technology/Innovation
  • ELI 9310 - New Venture Creation

E - M.Eng. Project in a related area (equivalent to 2 course credits)

    • ECE 9000 - MEng Project in Electical and Computer Engineering
    • CBE 9882 - MEng Project in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
    OR
    • MME 9600 - MEng Project in Mechanical and Materials Engineering

    In consultation with the Associate Chair (Graduate), a student may be permitted to substitute 2 advanced graduate courses in place of the MEng project.

  • Note: Students must receive approval from the instructor prior to enrolling in any courses outside their home Department, including all BME courses.