Applications
Curriculum
- Biomedical Curriculum vs General Program
- Mechanical Biomedical Option vs Electrical Biomedical Option
- How long will it take me?
- Can I do the Biomedical Option in less time?
- How do I drop a specific course from my STT?
Opportunities
- Am I restricted to Biomedical jobs?
- What can I do with a specialization in Biomedical?
- Can I take the Biomedical Option to get into Medical School?
Q: When is the application due?
Applications must be submitted to the Undergraduate Affairs office by March 31st at 4:00pm. Please see Applications and Admissions for more information.
Q: What do I need to include in my application?
You must include an application form, cover letter, resume and unofficial copy of your transcript in your Biomedical Option application. You may also include supplemental material in your application as well. Please see Applications and Admissions for more information and for a copy of the application form.
Q: To whom should the application cover letter be addressed?
Letters should be addressed to the Coordinator of the Option. Packages should be e-mailed, mailed, or dropped off, to the attention of the Undergraduate Program Assistant.
Option Admissions
Department of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Affairs
1214 – 6250 Applied Science Lane (CEME Building)
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
undergrad(at)mech(dot)ubc(dot)ca
Q: What courses are different between the Biomedical Option and the general program?
Biomedical students still take most of the core courses that the general program students take, however the design courses will have a Biomedical focus. For a more detailed comparison between the General Program and the Biomedical Option, please take a look at the biomedical option curriculum page.
Please note that Biomedical Students are encouraged to apply to the Engineering Co-op Program and are required to take the Co-op schedule, regardless of whether they are in Co-op or not. It will take all Biomedical students a minimum of an additional three years after Mech 2.
Q: What’s the difference between the Biomedical Option in the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Biomedical Option in Electrical Engineering?
The most notable difference between the Mechanical Engineering Biomedical Option and the Electrical Engineering Biomedical Option is the inherent difference between the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering fields. A comprehensive comparison between the programs can be found here.
Q: How long will the Biomedical Option take me?
The Biomedical Option takes a minimum of three years after Mech 2. This is a total of five years including First Year Engineering and Mech 2. Biomedical students must abide by the Biomedical schedule, whether they are enrolled in the Co-op program or not.
Q: Can I do the Biomedical Option in a total of four years instead of five?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the limited class size of the Biomedical Option, we can only offer some courses for the Biomedical Option once per year. Students must abide by the regular Co-op schedule in the Biomedical Option in order to meet all prerequisites and complete the program. We strongly encourage students to apply for the Co-op program and take advantage of this schedule.
Q: How do I drop a specific course from my STT?
You must first be registered in the STT: you cannot be in a waitlist for this to work. Once you’ve been successfully registered in your STT, visit the UBC SSC and click on “Registration”. Click on “Add/ Drop Courses” and then select each course that you’d like to drop. Once you’ve made your selection, click “drop course”.
Q: Will I be restricted to only Biomedical jobs when I graduate?
Once you’ve completed your degree, your job opportunities will still be broad. While specializing in Biomedical will give you background in Biomedical and may help you get a job related to your interests, it does not restrict you from getting many other non-biomedical related jobs. Many mechanical engineers pursue jobs that are unrelated to their specialization; the Mechanical Engineering field is highly adaptive.
Q: What about in Co-op?
All mechanical engineering students in the Co-op Program have the opportunity to apply for the same jobs, although students apply for jobs they have sufficient background to perform – whether it’s a background in technical, academic or soft skills. Co-op is an opportunity to see what you are interested in; it’s there to open doors, not close them.
Q: What can I do with a specialization in Biomedical?
The Biomedical Option provides students with an interest in Biomedical a background in Biomedical Engineering related academics, projects and labs. Students who specialize in Biomedical can move towards graduate studies or working in industry. Most students move onto graduate studies before continuing into industry. There are a variety of opportunities out there. Search them out and pick one!
Q: Can I take the Biomedical Option to get into Medical School?
It should be noted that the Biomedical Engineering Option in Mechanical Engineering does not fulfill all the academic requirements needed for admission to most medical schools. Students who are interested in applying to medical schools with a background in engineering should look into the Pre-Med Alternative Path . Note that the Pre-Med Alternative Path may be combined with the Mechanical Engineering Biomedical Option if you desire.
