Biomedical Engineering

Why study Biomedical Engineering at Western?

Biomedical Engineering is a growing field. Biomedical Engineering (BME) graduate students have access to outstanding research experiences and facilities across campus, including Western Engineering, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, and the teaching hospitals at Western University.

Biomedical Engineering research at Western University promotes collaborative, multi-disciplinary research, focusing on biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging and robotics.

Western provides a unique experience for interactions with our medical faculty. Many students work in a clinical environment and hence conduct research that has the potential for significant impact on patient care.

Degree Options

Learn more about the degree options available to you.

Master of Engineering Science (MESc)

Admission average: Minimum 78%
Funded program (supervisor required)
Four graduate courses and a thesis
Time to complete: Two years (six terms)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission average: Minimum 78%
Funded program (supervisor required)
Eight graduate courses and a thesis
Time to complete: Four years (12 terms)

Areas of Specialization

The School of Biomedical Engineering has the following areas of research and graduate education.

Biomaterials

Research focus areas include:

Tissue scaffolds to support growth, differentiation, and regeneration of cells and tissues
Injectable hydrogels, nanoparticles and microparticles for localized delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents
Nanoparticles for use in biosensors
Nanoparticle contrast media for magnetic resonance and optical imaging
Smart materials for biosensors
Bioactive glasses and composites for use in dental implants

Faculty members specializing in Biomaterials:

L. Briens, E. Chen, L. Flynn, E. Gillies, D. Hamilton, K. Hill, Y. Hosein, K. Mequanint, A. Paul, A. Price, A. Rizkalla, W. Siqueira, W. Wan, J. Zhang

Biomechanics

Research focus areas include:

Shoulder, elbow & hip implants design with greater durability & biomechanical performance
Development of assistive technologies to support patients during rehabilitation from stroke, musculoskeletal diseases, and sports injuries
Investigation of the biomechanics of impact and trauma
Image-based computational modeling of soft & hard tissues mechanical properties
Investigation of the fluid mechanics of blood flow & ventilation to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases

Faculty members specializing in Biomechanics:

J. Dickey, L. Ferreira, J.M. Floryan, D. Goldman, D. Holdsworth, Y. Hosein, T. Jenkyn, J. Johnson, H. Ladak, E. Lalone, H. Mao, G. Parraga, A. Price, R. Tutunea-Fatan, R. Willing

Imaging

Research focus areas include:

Development of imag eprocessing algorithms and software with an emerging emphasis on applications of machine learning to medical image analysis.
Hardware, software, & virtual reality displays development fo rimage-guided interventions
Design of MRI pulse sequences and radio-frequency coils for applications such as neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, cancer imaging, and respiratory imaging.
Development of methods and systems for quantitative perfusion imaging for applications such as cancer imaging, musculoskeletal disease, heart failure, etc.

Faculty members specializing in Imaging:

C. Baron, J. Carson, E. Chen, S. de Ribaupierre, M. Diop, M. Dragnova, E. Duerden, R. Eagleson, A. Fenster, K. Hill, D. Holdsworth, A. Khan, J. Lacefield, H. Ladak, S. Li, S. Mattonen, C. McKenzie, R. Menon, G. Parraga, T. Peters, T. Poepping, A. Samani, J. Samarabandu, A. So, M. Teeter, A. Ward

Mechatronics

Research focus areas include:

Development of control methods and haptic feedback to the clinician for surgical robotic systems.
Design o factuators & wearable devices for rehabilitation & tremor suppression.
Development of signal processing and machine learning methods to use EEG and EMG feedback for control of assistive devices.
Development of systems combining virtual or augmented reality and haptic feedback to train clinicians in surgical procedures such as minimally invasive cardiac valve repair, placement of cochlear or joint implants, and neurological ablation.

Faculty members specializing in Mechatronics:

M. Naish, R. Patel, A. L. Trejos

Research Facilities

As a School encompassing four faculties, BME promotes collaborative, multi-disciplinary research. BME thrives on the driven students and faculty at various research facilities in London.

Labs

Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR)
Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping (CFMM)
Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC)
Wolf Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory (WOBL)

Institutes and Centres

To learn more about the key research areas in Western Engineering, visit Western Engineering's Research webpage.

Next steps...

Have questions? To learn more about the research and degree specializations offered in the School of Biomedical Engineering, visit the department's website, or contact the department’s Graduate Office at bmeoffice@uwo.ca for more information and application deadlines.