205
Graduate Programs
205.8
Biomedical Engineering
205.8 Biomedical Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering
1098 Research Transition Facility
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2V2
E-mail: bmegrad@ualberta.ca
205.8.1 General Information
Research facilities and lecture courses for graduate programs are offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering, as well as the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy with a specialization in Biomedical Sciences. The degrees differ according to the undergraduate preparation of the student, the former for students with a background in engineering or academically similar areas, and the latter in biological sciences. Under the Individual Interdisciplinary Studies program (see §204.3) students may study and carry out their research in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and another department in the University. The Department of Biomedical Engineering is part of both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
The research activities of members of the Department are directed at aspects of biomedical engineering, including but not limited to digital image processing, nano structured biomaterials, in-vivo nuclear magnetic resonance, including vascular imaging, stroke, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as non-invasive biochemical analysis through spectroscopic methods, MRI of cerebral vascular disease, and restoration of function following spinal cord injury. In addition, research is performed by members of other departments who collaborate with those of the Department in areas that include adaptive controllers in medicine, aerosol inhalation and delivery, assistive technologies, biofilms, biomaterials and drug delivery, biomechanics of bone, biomechanics of walking, biomedical modeling, biophotonic and ultrasonic imaging, bracing and wheelchairs, cardiovascular biomaterials, cell and tissue cryobiology, computational neuroscience, control and restoration of motor movement, functional electrical stimulation, lab-on-a-chip, laser applications in medicine, mathematical modeling of drug delivery, mathematical modeling of the immune system, medical image processing, micro-computed tomography, modeling of biomedical processes, nano-bio-mechanical systems, nanotechnology and drug delivery, nanotechnology in medicine, oral/facial prosthetic reconstruction, orthodontic retraction appliances, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation robotics, resorbable implants, scoliosis and spinal column correction, spinal disorder assessment and treatment, therapeutic ultrasound and biomechanics in dentistry, tissue engineering, and ultrasound applications in medicine.
Professional Associations and Technical Societies
It should be clearly understood that an MSc or PhD awarded by the Department of Biomedical Engineering does not automatically qualify one for membership in the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA).
Entrance Requirements
The Department's minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with a grade point average of at least 3.3 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from another institution, and a TOEFL score of 600 or higher on the paper-based test or 95 on the internet-based test where applicable (refer to §203.2.4).
Financial Assistance
Students who receive scholarships from external agencies, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR), may hold these awards in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be nominated by the Department for a master's thesis-based Scholarship, a PhD Scholarship, or an FS Chia PhD Scholarship. Information concerning these scholarships is available at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca.
205.8.2 The Degree of MSc
Program Requirements
The requirements for this degree consist of coursework and a thesis. Required courses depend on the undergraduate background of the student; however, normally a minimum of 
9 in graduate courses must be completed. Of the required courses, a minimum 6 must be obtained through credit in BME 513, 529, 530, 541, 553, 564, 575, 579, 583, 599, and 630, or EE BE 512, 540. The remaining courses are determined by the student's supervisory committee and are relevant to the chosen area of research. Undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit carry only half the course weight assigned to that course.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of research undertaken; however, a minimum of two years is normally required.
205.8.3 The Degree of PhD
Program Requirements
The PhD program normally consists of a minimum of 12 in graded graduate courses or approved equivalents (6 after a MSc degree), a candidacy examination normally taken within the first two years of the program, and the preparation and defence of a dissertation on an approved topic.
No language other than English is required for the degree.
The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
A minimum of three years is required to complete the PhD.
205.8.4 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the following subject headings:
Biomedical Engineering (BME)
Chemical Engineering (CH E)
Electrical and Computer Engineering/Biomedical Engineering (EE BE)
Mechanical Engineering (MEC E)
