Why choose SBME?
Biomedical Engineers work at the cutting edge of technology and biological science
to transform healthcare for all. SBME is a blueprint for the future of medicine,
and we are training the leaders who will build that future.
BME at a glance
- Learn what it means to view the body as an engineered system
- Work directly with the organizations, hospital partners, entrepreneurs, world-class researchers and faculty, extraordinary students and leaders that make up the SBME community
- Get hands-on experience through design work in top-tier laboratories
- Be part of the most diverse engineering discipline at UBC
Undergraduate Program
As a Biomedical Engineering student, you’ll take a series of core courses aimed at building a strong foundation in engineering, biology, math, chemistry, and design. In your third year of study, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your degree to your interests by specializing in one of four streams:
Biomechanics and biomaterials
Cellular and molecular bioengineering
Biomedical systems and signals
Biomedical informatics
Graduate Programs
In addition to this, SBME offers three graduate programs:
Master of Applied Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Engineering
A unique curriculum
At the heart of this interdisciplinary program is a unique blend of life sciences, engineering techniques and cutting-edge technologies that students apply to the current challenges of health and healthcare.
The curriculum includes traditional, online, and mixed-instruction courses, plus hands-on laboratory and design work with SBME partners across academia, industry and hospitals. Through these experiences, you’ll gain a strong understanding of biology, human anatomy, and physiology, and develop the skills to identify engineering problems and build solutions across medicine.
Read about how we’ve adapted to virtual learning here:
Learning beyond the lecture hall
SBME combines the best of lecture hall, laboratory and experiential learning. We are always improving and innovating the way we teach, deploying the best and latest in proven pedagogy across our programming. This creates an innovative learning experience for our students; one that is devoid of academic or technological boundary.
But the real strength of our program is that it offers students unparalleled access to experts in the fields of chemical and biological, electrical and computer, materials and mechanical engineering. This, coupled with our research facilities and partnerships across hospitals, industry and academia, provides SBME students with real-world learning that extends well beyond the walls of the classroom.
Learn more about our partnerships here:
Your future
Become a leader
SBME is proud to produce graduates who go on to become industry, academic and research leaders both locally and abroad.
Our students leave prepared to identify, create and step into opportunities across a wide range of fields. Our degrees are internationally recognized, giving you unfettered mobility and the chance to make an impact on the world stage.
SBME students engineer solutions to the most pressing challenges in healthcare from devices to regenerative and preventative medicine. And these skills are in demand across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, government, non-profits, consulting, finance and academic organizations everywhere.
The program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies or professional degrees in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, law, or business. Your future begins here.
Access for Everyone
Funding opportunities
We believe in making learning and research accessible to all.
UBC offers a number of scholarships and external award top-ups for aspiring students. SBME is committed to providing funding to every accepted M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. student in the form of Research Assistantships or Top-Ups. Teaching Assistantships are also available.
An Inclusive Community
UBC is a global community. One that is constantly working to improve so that all people are respected, celebrated, included and supported in all areas of academic, work and campus life.
SBME’s Respect Equity Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Committee works alongside, and in support of, UBC, and the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine to create a better environment for every member of our global community; and to properly represent all who would call the SBME home.
Beautiful British Columbia
UBC Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver, BC, Canada’s third largest metropolitan area. With stunning vistas of mountains and ocean, and its myriad of recreational opportunities, Vancouver is consistently rated as one of the top 10 livable cities in the world.
UBC is one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious public research and teaching institutions. It is home to over 45,000 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate students from Canada and all over the world. It is ranked among the world’s 50 best universities making a global impact (one of only two Canadian universities in this category) and is top 10 in North America.