Master of Science (MSc) thesis-based
Harness interdisciplinary, hands-on teaching and research to create real-world impact.
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About The Program
What is the MSc Program?
The thesis-based MSc in biomedical engineering is a research-focused program with three graduate courses and a defended thesis. Completion takes two to three years. Students must have an academic supervisor and funding. Applicants should contact potential supervisors before applying.
Why Choose This Program?
This program is a great choice if you are looking for interdisciplinary learning and cross-faculty mentorship. You’ll conduct hands-on research using specialized tools and spaces, applying engineering methods to clinical and biological problems. This prepares you for further academic study or roles in health-care technology development, supported by faculty engaged in externally funded research.
Program Information
Degree
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Concentrations
- Bionics and Biorobotics
- Biomedical Imaging
- Biomechanics
- Precision Health Design
2-3
years
Typical full-time program duration.$25,000
min. annual funding
For full-time students35+
research labs
Access state-of-the-art research environments.>80%
publication rate
Majority of students present or publish their thesis work.Program Objectives
- Gain advanced, applied knowledge: Build deep expertise in biomedical engineering through hands-on, interdisciplinary coursework combined with original research projects.
- Strengthen technical and problem-solving skills: Develop the ability to design, implement and evaluate practical solutions to complex medical and health care challenges.
- Innovate through application: Apply creative thinking to design new technologies, tools or methods that can be translated into real-world biomedical solutions.
- Master research methods and practice: Engage in substantial, faculty-supervised research that integrates theory with experimentation, preparing graduates for doctoral studies or research-driven careers.
- Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with professionals in engineering, clinical practice and life sciences to deliver impactful, real-world outcomes through joint projects.
- Embed ethics in practice. Learn to integrate ethical principles into research and innovation, with a clear understanding of the societal and clinical impacts of biomedical advancements.
- Understand research and societal ethics: Encourage ethical research practices and a strong understanding of the societal impacts of biomedical innovation.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply advanced engineering expertise: use in-depth biomedical engineering theories, methods and tools to address real-world medical and healthcare challenges.
- Design and execute impactful research: plan, conduct and evaluate original research projects that provide practical, innovative solutions to pressing problems in the field.
- Integrate evidence into practice: critically review and synthesize scientific literature to guide research design and support evidence-based engineering innovations.
- Communicate with diverse audiences: present complex concepts clearly through publications, professional presentations and teaching to tailor messages for academic, clinical and industry stakeholders.
- Embed ethics and compliance: apply ethical standards, regulatory guidelines and responsible practices in all stages of research and application.
- Work across disciplines: Ccollaborate with experts in engineering, medicine and life sciences to develop integrated solutions for complex health challenges.
- Translate discoveries into impact: convert research findings into tangible technologies, devices or methods that improve patient care, public health or clinical outcomes.
- Collaborate across fields: Collaborate across disciplines to address complex challenges in health and medicine using engineering solutions.
- Translate research findings: Translate research findings into practical solutions with real-world health impact.
Careers
Thesis-based MSc graduates are well-positioned for research-intensive roles in industry, health-care institutions, or government. Many also continue on to PhD programs or pursue roles in product development, research and development, or academic labs.
- Biomedical research scientist
- Clinical trials researcher
- Biomechanics specialist
- Medical imaging analyst
- Health informatics analyst
- Laboratory manager (research and development)
- Rehabilitation technology specialist
- Biotech product development associate
- 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ assistant in academia or industry
- Data analyst in biomedical applications
Course Highlights
Series of seminars exposing graduate students to the various areas of research and providing a forum for progress reports in individual areas. Seminars by research workers from inside and outside the University are included. Seminars are informal with ample opportunity for discussion.
Program Faculty
Vida Dehghan,
Student
“The thesis-based program was challenging and rewarding, and allowed me to apply what I learned from my chemical engineering undergraduate education on kidney-related problems. My research led to publishing six articles, presenting at international conferences and receiving scholarships and awards. After graduation, the strong biomedical engineering community at the U of A led me to work in kidney health.”
