Biomedical Engineering

Two graduate students analyze magnetic resonance images of white matter brain wiring tracts.
Two graduate students analyze magnetic resonance images of white matter brain wiring tracts.

Tackling medicine's toughest problems with innovative engineering

Biomedical Engineering offers students interdisciplinary research opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities to take their ideas from imagination to application. Working with medical professionals, our world-class researchers design systems, software and devices that save lives today and improve the healthcare landscape of tomorrow.

Interested in Research?

Start by researching professors with whom you might be interested in working:

Find Professor

Then consult the professor’s respective department(s) for more information about application procedures.

DEC 6, 2024

Biomedical Engineering Distinguished Speaker Series - Dr. Elena Di Martino

Academic faculty from the University of Alberta and beyond will present their biomedical engineering research. Our third speaker for this term is Dr. Elena di Martino, with a talk titled “Towards better assessment tools for aortic aneurysms”. View details and register at the event page »

Research

A medical practitioner holds a stethoscope depicting patient care advancement.

Precision Health Design

Advancing individual patient care through computational bioengineering, biomaterials design, and regenerative medicine.

A graduate student demonstrates novel bionic hand control with stacking cups.

Bionics

Developing devices that interface with the human body, including exoskeletons, artificial limbs and neural prostheses.

A graduate student prepares to acquire magnetic resonance images of sodium in calf skin and muscle.

Biomedical Imaging

Engineering novel approaches to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and optical imaging.

A robotic exoskeleton assists a graduate student walking on a treadmill.

Biomechanics

Enhancing quality of life through the investigation of human mechanical systems.

Programs + Education

Undergraduate Programming

We offer exciting electives for students in all engineering departments.

Master of Science (MSc) course-based

Build strong foundational knowledge in biomedical engineering by combining coursework, a capstone project and professional development opportunities.

Master of Science (MSc) thesis-based

Apply yourself to research and work with some of the leading biomedical engineering professors.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Explore biomedical engineering problems in depth and find new solutions. Become an expert in your field.

Joint MD-PhD program

Prepare for a career in biomedical engineering research as a medical doctor.

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Biomedical Engineering, a joint department between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Our multidisciplinary research combines computational and experimental expertise in advanced imaging, bionics and biomechanics, nanomedicine and bioengineering, and precision health design. The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers graduate programs, and undergraduate students pursuing a degree in engineering can choose the biomedical engineering option to complement their studies. Together, we apply principles of engineering to the development of cutting-edge treatments and technologies that transform the landscape of modern healthcare.

Svetlana Komarova
Professor and Chair

Svetlana Komarova, Professor and Chair

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