Business Informatics
http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/cas_businfo.php
Business Informatics - a program very popular in Europe since the early ‘90's is now offered at
McMaster University as the first University Science Degree in Business Informatics in Canada
Starting September 2007, the Faculty of Engineering is admitting students to Level 2 of the new
Business Informatics degree. The program is aimed at students with a broad range of interests and
skills who want to become IT professionals and put people at the centre of IT. By offering a Bachelor of
Applied Sciences in Business Informatics we further diversify the McMaster University's offerings
related to IT.
Business Informatics at McMaster University
Business Informatics is about designing information systems for maximum utility and value in an
organization. This involves looking at how people work and how organizations function, as well as the
design and implementation of IT systems that support their operation. The Bachelor of Applied Science
in Business Informatics meets a strong current need for IT professionals with skills in areas such as
business analysis. Combining the core courses of Computer Science and Business Degree programs,
students study the leading issues at the crossroads of Business and Information Technology. The focus
lies on the planning, development, implementation, operation, optimization, and economic use of
information and communication systems. Business Informatics specialists are often considered as the
interpreters - between IT and business administration staff who often live in completely different worlds
and talk at cross purposes. They need to have commercial and technical know-how for this and must
also be able to express themselves well and mediate people and situations.
Job Opportunities in Business Informatics
The employment opportunities for a student graduating with the Bachelor of Applied Sciences in
Business Informatics are manifold:
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Analysis, planning, design and use of in-house information systems,
Modeling and IT-supported optimization of business processes,
Management in an E-business company,
Design and setting up of database systems,
Employment in financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies,
Development of E-business applications such as web-based commerce applications.
Chemical Engineering
http://chemeng.mcmaster.ca/
Chemical Engineering at McMaster is committed to providing our students with a strong foundation in
the basic sciences, as well as exposure to modern technologies. Our goal is to prepare our students for
their career path in specific industrial sectors by exposing them to current theories and technology. To
achieve this goal, the department has identified a number of technical focus areas that link our teaching
and research expertise and in which we can provide to the students as a package of courses.
Chemical Engineering at McMaster University
The departmental focus areas allow students to specialize in one of two possible ‘streams’ which will be
denoted on their transcript upon completion of their degree. The streams available are: polymer
materials & manufacturing, and automation. The technical courses comprising each stream are taken
as electives in the student’s upper years. The technical electives recommended for students interested
in a career in the manufacturing industries, involving polymer materials and manufacturing, are selected
from Chemical, Mechanical, and Materials Engineering courses appropriate to the area. We have a
similar list of recommended electives for process control and automation. The upper year projects for
our students have a significant industrial component tailored to each of the three streams mentioned,
addressing the concerns of real industrial clients.
Job Opportunities in Chemical Engineering
Graduates from McMaster Chemical Engineering have gone on to work in a variety of companies
including: Nova Chemicals, Elsag Bailey, Zenon Environmental, Dow Chemical, Dofasco, Procter and
Gamble, 3M, Uniroyal, Xerox Canada, DuPont, HEMOSOL, Huntsman Corporation, AstraPharma, and
Petro Canada.
Chemical Engineering graduates can also be found pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, law,
business, and teaching.
Other students choose to go on and do advanced degrees including Master of Applied Science
(M.A.Sc.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering is an and unique 5-year program offered in the Department
of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Biosciences
degree. It combines the core Chemical Engineering undergraduate curriculum with courses from the
Biology Sciences as well as Chemical Engineering specific courses in areas related to Bioengineering.
Chemical Engineers use the basic principles of chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, and
economics combined with skills in computers to design, operate, and troubleshoot processes that are
used in the manufacture of materials that are the building blocks of almost everything around us.
Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering at McMaster University
Students in the regular Chemical Engineering program develop a strong foundation in basic Sciences
and have the opportunity to participate in courses aimed at developing problem solving, team, selfassessment, and lifelong learning skills. In addition to this, the Chemical Engineering and
Bioengineering program includes courses in biology, human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry of
macromolecules, cellular and molecular biology, and the application of biological processes to
Chemical Engineering through courses in bioseparations and bioreactors. The courses have been
integrated to allow the students to make links between their Chemical Engineering knowledge and its
application in the biotechnology industries. There is a significant laboratory component related to
biology and biochemistry that will give the students the skills to succeed in a biologically oriented
environment. Similar to the core Chemical Engineering program, the Chemical Engineering and
Bioengineering program allows the students to select from a variety of focused technical electives in
their fourth and fifth years of study, based on the research interests of the various faculty members
involved in the program, including courses in biomaterials and tissue engineering, biological wastewater
treatment, biological membrane separations, biosensors and biological pharmaceutical production. The
curriculum has been designed to cover a wide scope, allowing students to graduate with the degree
Bachelor of Engineering and Biosciences and giving them maximum flexibility to pursue their interests
in their careers.
Job Opportunities in Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering
The graduates from this new and unique program will be qualified to make significant contributions to
Canada’s expanding biotechnology industry. Canada currently has the second highest number of
biotechnology companies in the world, following the United States. This industry is mainly concentrated
in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia and is nowadays poised for significant expansion with our
aging population, need for better pharmaceutical products, our growing awareness of the importance of
the environment and our desire to minimize the impact of current processes on the environment.
Graduates from the program will participate in the development of better, more biocompatible
biomedical devices, more efficacious pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects, more efficient and
improved environmental processes and better methods for the production of food and beverages. Since
graduates from the program will also have all of the core courses in Chemical Engineering, they will
also be able to do traditional chemical engineering jobs in fields such as petrochemicals, polymers,
process control and pulp and paper.
Civil Engineering
http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/civil/
The McMaster Civil Engineering Undergraduate programs are designed to permit studies over a broad
base of fundamental topics, with the opportunity to specialize in specific disciplines in the upper years
of the program. We have two focus areas, or streams, for students to choose: “Water and
Environmental Engineering” or “Structural and Geotechnical Engineering”
The Civil Engineering program provides the training to make use of modern materials, computational
methods, and other scientific developments. That use must be balanced with understanding and
concern for the impact of current decisions on the quality of life for future generations. Senior students
have the option of either specializing in a particular area or maintaining a wide spectrum of courses.
The recognized high level of research activity of the faculty ensures that course work is at the forefront
of engineering, while close contact with industry helps introduce students to practical considerations.
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering at McMaster University
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering uses common materials such as steel, concrete, wood,
masonry and soil to design and construct buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, foundations, tanks, and
many other facilities. In the structural/geotechnical stream we integrate basic theory, practical
laboratory work, experience in both analysis and design, and real-life examples into a comprehensive
program that give the students the skills necessary to enter this exciting and challenging profession.
Some examples of what we do in the undergraduate program include:
 Analysis and design of low and high rise buildings and bridges,
 Computer analysis of structural and geotechnical systems,
 Laboratories in geomechanics and structural mechanics,
 Analysis and design in various materials including steel, concrete, masonry and wood,
 Foundation design.
Job Opportunities in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
McMaster graduates in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering continue to have a significant impact on
the practice and development of the profession. Some of our graduates work with consulting
companies, for private businesses, with all three levels of government, and in education.
Environmental Engineering at McMaster University
Environmental Engineering combines scientific principles, computer modeling, and aspects of public
policy to create practical solutions for improving the quality of our air, water, and soil. Environmental
Engineers work in a multi-disciplinary context to design systems which minimize the use of materials,
energy, and water and maximize the protection of our natural ecosystems and built communities. In
addition to obtaining the fundamental training to be a Civil Engineer, our environmental students receive
specialized training in environmental engineering in the following courses:
 Ecological and Geological Aspects of Civil Engineering,
 Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering,
 Fluid Mechanics, Municipal Engineering and Design of Water Resource Systems,
 Water Quality Engineering,
 Water and Wastewater Treatment,
 Environmental Impact and Sustainability.
Electrical & Computer Engineering
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McMaster University is a growing and
dynamic department offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. McMaster's Electrical and
Computer Engineering programs were ranked both nationally and internationally as one of the best
departments of their kind. The Department is also proud of the accomplishments of its members and
the awards and recognition they have received over the years. These include the prestigious Premier
Research Excellence Award (PREA), OCUFA teaching award, McMaster Students Union Teaching
Award, Booker Gold Medal, Signal Processing Society Education Award, and many others.
The department offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer
Engineering, Electrical Engineering, as well as Electrical and Biomedical Engineering.
What's special about Electrical Engineering at McMaster University
The department offers a personalized environment where students are able to meet one-on-one with
their professors, many of whom are world-renowned leaders in their field. McMaster’s special facilities
include the Electronics, Control and Computer Laboratory, the Communications Research
Laboratory, and the Power Research Laboratory. Members of the Electrical and Computer
Engineering department are engaged in leading-edge research in areas such as:
 Biomedical Engineering,
 CAD/Optimization/Simulation,
 Communications,
 Computer Engineering,
 Image Processing & Multimedia,
 Microelectronics,
 Microwaves,
 Networks,
 Photonics / Optoelectronics,
 Power Engineering,
 Signal Processing.
Job Opportunities in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering provides an extremely broad background which prepares students for a variety of
opportunities in the workplace. Potential fields include:
 Telecommunications design,
 Power Systems,
 Electronics,
 Internet,
 Satellite Communications,
 Marketing,
 Electronic Commerce in the banking industry,
 Software Systems.
Electrical & Biomedical Engineering
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/academic.htm
McMaster’s Electrical and Biomedical Engineering is a unique four-year undergraduate program that
combines a full Electrical Engineering degree with key courses in the Biological Sciences. By the end of
the third year, students in the program will have completed all of the pre-medicine courses required by
the MCAT and for entrance into Medicine at most Canadian and American medical schools. At the end
of the fourth year, students may opt to continue for a fifth year and receive a Master’s degree (this
option is still in the approval stages).
Electrical & Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University
The 20th century has witnessed the emergence of biology and medicine as disciplines of technological
innovations. Scientific and technological advances in bio-medicine as well as ongoing debates about
Canada’s national health care system have generated strong social and economical interests in
development and deployment of biomedical technologies. Biomedical Engineering is a fast-growing
field that involves the application of engineering science and technology to the solution of problems in
medicine and biology. Biomedical Engineering bridges the historical separation between the biological
and medical sciences and the engineering and physical sciences, thereby spanning interdisciplinary
boundaries. Areas of research within the department include: biomedical imaging and signal processing
techniques, analysis of cardio-respiratory control, implantable biological sensors, speech and hearing
engineering, computational, theoretical and experimental neuroscience in motor and sensory systems,
and computer-based systems and techniques for recording and analyzing physiological signals.
Job Opportunities in Electrical & Biomedical Engineering
Graduates from the program may choose to pursue careers as Electrical Engineers, or may choose to
enter the field of Biomedical Engineering and develop medical technology and systems for applications
such as bio-sensors, computer-assisted minimal access surgery, tele-robotic surgery (involving
surgeons and patients separated by hundreds of kilometers), as well as sophisticated imaging
techniques such as Computer Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Some graduates may
also choose to apply for entrance to medical schools.
Honours Computer Science
http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/0template1.php?907
The Computer Science program offers a unique combination of scientific and interdisciplinary study and
reflects the growth prospects of a multi-billion dollar industry and the ability for individuals to make a
difference. Most fields and professions rely on computers to assist in problem-solving and the efficient
processing of information. While computers themselves are now relatively inexpensive and the
hardware is mass-produced, it is the program, the instructions that control the computer that transforms
a piece of hardware into an indispensable tool. No other discipline has grown so fast in such a short
time, and none has better prospects for its graduates in a world that does not cease to find new uses
for information technology.
Honours Computer Science at McMaster University
In 2006, the Department of Computing and Software implemented the newly designed Computer
Science Undergraduate program. To meet the demands of employers, the curriculum has been
completely modernized and redesigned. The new program is built on three columns:
 Programming courses,
 Software Design courses,
 Systems oriented courses.
The following gives a short list of key topics/courses offered:
 Imperative Programming and Basic Data Structures,
 Object Oriented Programming,
 Digital Systems, Computer Architecture and Organization,
 Theory of Computation,
 Communication Skills,
 Software Design, Software Specification, Software Requirements,
 Information Security,
 Data Bases,
 Human Computer Interaction,
 Web Systems and Web Computing.
Job Opportunities in Honours Computer Science
Many of our graduates now work as Systems Analysts, Operations Managers, Database
Administrators, Systems Programmers, or Programmers in a wide range of companies and
organizations. Furthermore the breadth of the Computer Science programs provides a solid foundation
for students wishing to follow other career paths, be they employment or graduate study in other
technical or professional fields. The program’s design philosophy ensures that our students understand
the fundamentals and gives them the key advantage in today's job market.
Engineering Physics
http://engphys.mcmaster.ca/
A degree in Engineering Physics will prepare students for entry into some of today’s most exciting
technologies - areas such as lasers, fiber optic communications, microelectronics, information
technology, nuclear power, and nuclear instrumentation. The program provides a broad background in
basic science and engineering that is essential for the rapidly changing high technology environment
that Engineers face in the years ahead. An education in Engineering Physics provides the students with
a solid an understanding of how to apply basic science to the solution of engineering problems.
Engineering Physics at McMaster University
Engineering Physics is a link between basic science and the traditional branches of engineering.
Engineers often face challenges that require an understanding of many aspects of a technical problem.
To meet these challenges, Engineering Physics graduates rely on a solid background in physics,
chemistry, and mathematics, as well as experience in other engineering disciplines such as Materials,
Mechanical, Chemical, and Electrical Engineering. This integrated union of disciplines is required most
urgently in the development and emerging applications of high technology, and graduates of the
Engineering Physics program are frequently employed in these areas.
Career Opportunities for Engineering Physics Graduates
Engineering Physics graduates have many career options due to the flexibility developed through a
broad background in mathematics, physics, materials science, electronics, computer systems, and
optics. There are many different job titles that describe what graduates of the Engineering Physics
program are now doing. Telecommunications, laser applications, and nuclear engineering are just a few
of the career paths on which our graduates have followed. Many graduates choose to continue their
studies earning Masters or Ph.D. degrees. Some of the companies that have hired Engineering Physics
graduates from McMaster in recent years are:
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
Babcock and Wilcox Canada
Bell Canada
Bombardier Aerospace
Bruce Power Inc.
Canadian Nuclear Safety
Commission
Celestica
Chrysler Canada
Colt Engineering
COM DEV
CompuCARE Systems
CP Rail
Cutler-Hammer
De Havilland Inc.
DOFASCO
EDS
ELCAN Optical Technologies
Elsag Bailey (Canada) Inc.
Falter Engineering Gamma
Foundries Ltd.
GE Medical Systems
Genesis Microchip Inc.
Gennum Corp.
GSI Lumonics
Hamilton Health Sciences
Hatch Associates
Honeywell Ltd.
Hydro One
Hydro Quebec
IBM
Imaging Research Inc.
Intel
JDS Uniphase
L3 Communications -Wescam
Luxell Corp.
McMaster University
MD Robotics
MDS Sciex
Metrophotonics Inc.
Mytec Technologies
National Research Council of
Canada
NB Power
Newbridge Networks Corp.
Nortel Networks
North American Detectors
Nuclear Safety Solutions
Ontario Power Generation
Optikon Corp.
Oracle
Pembina Exploration Ltd.
Perkin Elmer
Picarro
Procter & Gamble
Research in Motion (RIM)
Sabeus Photonics
Semiconductor Insights
SiGe Microsystems
Spar Aerospace
Starwave Corp.
Texas Instruments
Thomson Engineering
University of Alberta
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
Visteon
Wardrop
Westaim Cor
Materials Science and Engineering
http://mse.mcmaster.ca/
The McMaster Materials Engineering programs are designed to permit studies over a broad base of
fundamental topics, with the opportunity to specialize in specific materials systems in the upper
years of the program. The materials engineering content of each of the programs is identical - in
each case there is a common core which emphasizes basic physical chemistry, thermodynamics
and kinetics, materials structure, and materials processing fundamentals. Major emphasis is placed
on the relationship of materials properties to processing and to their engineering function for proper
materials selection in engineering design. Students specialize by taking appropriate elective
courses permitting specialization in one or a combination of:
 Ceramics and Glasses,*
 Electronic Materials,
 Metals and Alloys,
 Polymers.
*Ceramic Engineering was the first such undergraduate program in a Canadian University.
This strong tradition may still be pursued by interested students within the Materials Engineering
program. Particular elective courses available to all students are also presented on Corrosion,
Composite Materials, Materials Processing (Joining and Mechanical Working). In every case such
courses are based on some aspect of the broad range of materials research in progress under the
direction of the faculty who teaches these courses.
Honours Materials Science (Specialist)
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering actually pre-dates the establishment of the
McMaster Faculty of Engineering. It was, and remains, a department within the Faculty of Science
as well as the faculty of Engineering. This permits students to follow a program of study in Materials
Science, leading to the Bachelor of Sciences degree.
The Materials Science program emphasizes basic chemistry, physics, and mathematics knowledge,
and also comprises many courses common to the Materials Engineering programs. However, there
are more opportunities for selecting open technical electives in the Materials Science program,
thereby permitting in-depth study in sub topics of particular interest. The science program permits a
stronger emphasis on electron properties and the study of relevant aspects of quantum mechanics
and advanced solid state physics.
Materials Science Minors in other Bachelor of Sciences Programs
A combination of Materials courses may also be taken to represent a Minor in other science
programs, such as Chemistry, Physics, and Geology. Packages of courses are defined in the
calendar to provide Minors both in Materials Properties and in Materials Processing.
Mechanical Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering
http://www.mech.mcmaster.ca/
Mechanical Engineering is one of the major divisions within the Engineering profession and its
principles are involved in the design, development, and construction of nearly all of the physical
devices and systems which technology has produced. Mechanical Engineers are also concerned
with the operations of all kinds of machinery, and the production of power. They must conceive
research, design, develop, test, manufacture, and sell equipment for these purposes.
Manufacturing Engineering is a complex discipline and requires a great deal of specialized
knowledge. Manufacturing Engineers are in demand with different kinds of companies which
manufacture a great variety of machines, robotics, and other equipment. The Manufacturing
Engineer may be responsible for the design, selection of materials, specifications and the
improvement of production processes and equipment. Responsibility for plant layout, production
management and control, as well as plant maintenance is also required of Manufacturing
Engineers. The Manufacturing Engineering Program at McMaster is unique in Canada.
Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University
Mechanical Engineers use the principles of physics and mathematics to design and manufacture
various types of mechanical systems such as cars, airplanes, automated systems, and power
plants. Mechanical Engineering is a very broad discipline, and our graduates perform a range of
functions that can be found in almost every industry in Canada. In fact, approximately 4 out of 10
engineers in Canada are Mechanical Engineers.
Mechanical Engineering is generally divided into three areas:
 Manufacturing & Materials:
- Designing and developing manufacturing processes,
- Studying properties of materials and developing new ones.
 Mechanics & Design:
- Designing mechanical systems including automobile and airplane components,
- Working with Manufacturing Engineers to develop robotic and automated manufacturing
systems.
 Thermal Fluid Sciences:
- Studying gas flow, heat transfer, thermodynamics and combustion,
- Designing for aerodynamics,
- Designing, building and maintaining power generation plants, air conditioning systems,
and systems to control air pollution.
Job Opportunities for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineering graduates can look for employment in almost every type of industry.
Traditional mechanical industries involve the design, development, and construction of
transportation, power plants, automotive, steel and metal production, farm implements, heavy
equipment, machine tools, turbines, robotics, etc... Mechanical Engineers also work in many
emerging areas, such as bio-mechanical engineering, nanotechnology, and mechatronics systems
and play an important role in developing renewable energy sources, developing “green”
technologies, and more energy efficient cars that will reduce society’s impact on the environment.
Mechatronics
http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/0template1.php?902
Mechatronics Engineering is a modern discipline that transcends the boundaries between
Embedded Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering. Mechatronics Engineering
is commonly defined as "The discipline that focuses on the design and control of electromechanical devices" or "the integration of electronics, control engineering, and mechanical
engineering." The Mechatronics Engineering Program is built on a collaboration of the Department
of Computing and Software, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Physics. This collaboration
allowed us to expose the students to a balance of all topics related to Mechatronics.
The Mechatronics Program at McMaster
At different Universities Mechatronics Engineering is offered with different flavours - Mechanical,
Electrical, or Embedded Systems. We, at McMaster University, have designed an innovative world
class Mechatronics program that offers a balance of Mechanical, Electrical and Software content
with a focus on Embedded Systems Design. Our Mechatronics program gives students a solid
foundation in Mechanical, Software and Electrical Engineering and then exposes students to a suite
of innovative Mechatronics specific lab-based courses for a hands-on experience that provides
significant advantages in today’s job market.
Job Opportunities for Mechatronics Engineers
Today's designers are faced with the task of combining elements of mechanics, electronics,
embedded systems, and digital signal processing, while coping with the miniaturization of
components and use of prefabricated parts. The synthesis of different technologies is already
included in modern precision engineering. Continuing developments in miniaturization and
fabrication will provide further challenges for Mechatronics Engineers.
The demands of current and future technologies require Engineers that have interdisciplinary skills.
The breadth of education required by Mechatronics Engineers will not only provide such skills in the
short term, but will enable them in the long term to effectively adapt to rapidly shifting technologies.
Mechatronics Engineers are employed in a large variety of industrial sectors: Manufacturing,
Automotive, Aeronautics, Power Generation and Distribution, Chemical, Telecommunications, and
Medical Industry.
Software Engineering
http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/0template1.php?903
Software Engineering is much more than programming. Software Engineers have mastered the
fundamentals of the profession but specialize in the design and development of computer systems
and software. The digital computer has changed the nature of our world, making software a key
technology, with most organizations, and an increasing number of people, no longer able to operate
effectively without a computer. While computers are now relatively inexpensive because the
hardware is mass produced, it is the program, the instructions that control the computer that turns a
general purpose piece of hardware into something that performs specific tasks. Today, a relatively
small number of people design computer hardware, but the demand for good software designers is
strong and growing rapidly. Since it is the software that turns the general purpose hardware into a
specific product, it is Software Engineers who bear the ultimate responsibility for the usability,
safety, and reliability of the final product. Because Software Engineers must understand what is
going on outside of the computer, not just the software, the McMaster program includes much more
than software design.
Software Engineering at McMaster University
At McMaster we have taken the position that Software Engineering is a branch of engineering and
have applied well-established principles of engineering education in this new specialty. In addition
to teaching software design, SE students learn a lot about other areas of engineering and are
prepared to work in many application areas. The program is accredited by the Canadian
Engineering Accreditation Board. The McMaster Software Engineering program stresses
fundamental concepts and principles of software design, principles that do not change, because
only those who learn the fundamentals will be prepared for a career that will last many decades.
A guiding principle of McMaster’s Software Engineering program is the integration of theory and
practice. Rather than have some courses identified as theoretical and others identified as practical,
our approach is to integrate theory and practice in every course. No theory should be taught without
showing the student how to use it. No practical problem solving technique should be taught unless
theory shows that it is sound. Students are given practical (computer) assignments that teach them
how theoretical concepts can be applied. McMaster’s research group in Software Engineering is
known throughout the world and has received a great deal of support from both government and
industry. Bell Canada and NSERC established an Industrial Research Chair in Software
Engineering at McMaster and Bell Canada subsequently provided support for McMaster's Software
Quality Research Laboratory (SQRL). Because of this strength, the McMaster Faculty of
Engineering was the first in Canada to develop a Software Engineering program that could be
accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.
Unique at McMaster: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AND GAME DESIGN (B.Eng):
http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/0template1.php?905
 This four-year program involves animation, real-time simulation, multimedia, and everything
to do with designing and implementing interactive games and data visualization.
NEW at McMaster: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS (B.Eng):
http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/cas/0template1.php?904
 This four-year program combines the core of Software Engineering with a sequence of
courses that focus on the development of Embedded Systems.
Job Opportunities in Software Engineering
With a B. Eng. in Software Engineering the students can choose careers in the computer industry,
communications, biomedical field, banking, power industry, chemical industry, automotive industry
and many more.
Bachelor of Technology Program
http://btech.mcmastermohawk.ca/
The McMaster University Faculty of Engineering and the Mohawk College School of Engineering
Technology are collaborating in the development of a unique concept for the shared delivery of
technological education in Ontario. The primary purpose of this endeavour is to offer a Bachelor of
Technology degree program with a variety of technical specializations. It builds on the very
successful Bachelor of Technology program which has been offered jointly by both institutions since
1997. This type of program is targeted to individuals whose technological interests are applicationsoriented.
The programs offered are:
 A four-year university degree with entry directly from high school leading to both a
Diploma in Technology from Mohawk College and a Bachelor of Technology degree from
McMaster University,
 A two-year university degree completion program for graduates of the Mohawk College
three-year Diploma in Technology or graduates of similar programs at other Colleges,
 A Technology Leadership Certificate/Diploma for technologists and internationally
credentialed professionals leading to either a certificate or diploma.
A major thrust of all of these programs is the inclusion of a significant component (7 one-term
courses) of management education in order to ensure that graduates are able to take on
supervisory and management responsibilities as they advance in their technical careers. At the
same time, these programs close the gap between management and technology to address
supervisory shortages in technology-intensive enterprises. The management component is
designed to form a cohesive segment which complements the technical program content.
Instruction in both the degree completion and four-year program is provided by McMaster and
Mohawk faculty members as well as by expert guest lecturers from industry. Information and
communications technology - e-learning - is used to supplement classroom learning (e.g. course
outline and lecture notes online, testing with results and feedback online, use of email, links to
external online resources). The program incorporates flexible delivery modes, e.g. e-learning and
evening and weekend classes in order to facilitate the participation of those who wish to pursue the
program while continuing to work in industry. Project work in a Co-op context provides graduates
with valuable applied work and research experience which will be beneficial in providing additional
employment opportunities.
A major goal of the Bachelor of Technology concept is to expand the opportunities for people to
obtain technological education leading to a degree. The learning, skills, and experiences gained by
the graduates of this program will be of significant benefit to employers in industry, business, and
government as well as to the personal and professional development of the individuals.
Engineering & Management
http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engandmgt/
The Engineering and Management program combines a regular four-year program in a specific
Engineering discipline with the core Business courses of a four-year business program to make a
five-year combined degree program. First accredited in 1975, this program is the only disciplinespecific, accredited, Undergraduate Engineering and Management program in Canada. At
this time there are over 1,300 Engineering and Management graduates.
Elements of the program include:
 Courses required by the Engineering Faculty: basic sciences, mathematics, engineering
sciences, engineering design, complementary studies
 Courses required by the Business Faculty: accounting, finance, human resources
management, labour relations, marketing, managerial decision theory, economics
 Courses required by the Engineering & Management Department: interpersonal skills,
engineering writing, presentation skills, report writing, project management, team building.
In the Engineering and Management degree, the management aspect is always combined with a
discipline-specific Engineering program, so the offerings are as follows:
 Chemical Engineering and Management,
 Civil Engineering and Management,
 Computer Engineering and Management,
 Electrical Engineering and Management,
 Engineering Physics and Management,
 Materials Engineering and Management,
 Mechanical Engineering and Management,
 Mechatronics Engineering and Management,
 Software Engineering and Management.
Students must take Economics in their first year. Students apply to enter the Management program
at the end of their first year when they make their discipline choices. A maximum of 136 students
are allowed to enter the Management program in Level 2.
Job Opportunities for Engineering & Management Graduates
In addition to a career as a Professional Engineer, a graduate of Engineering & Management can
become a(n):
 Engineering Project Manager,
 Engineering Financial Analyst,
 Accountant,
 Engineering Marketing Specialist,
 Production Manager,
 Industrial Relations Specialist.
A major advantage of the program is that it provides skills not available to graduates in any other
program in Canada. It not only gives graduates an extra competitive edge in getting a job, but also
a competitive edge in management as well, enabling them to fast-track their careers.
Engineering & Society
http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engandsoc/
The Engineering and Society program was created to provide students with a broader university
education and to give them greater insight into the way engineering works in society. Graduates of
this program learn about the complex issues of socially responsible engineering and can be
expected to make this a life-long commitment. The program is fashioned after the Engineering and
Management program in that it spreads out the Engineering curriculum over five years, allowing
room for another set of subjects. In the Engineering and Society program a set of focused electives
and a series of required core courses are taken in addition to the basic Engineering curriculum.
This allows Engineering students who have a strong interest in another subject (such as Music,
French, or History) to take classes in that subject as well.
Since students in the program come from every Engineering discipline and take many courses from
other faculties, they acquire an ability to interact effectively with others and to take a multidimensional approach to problem solving. Students develop their oral communication skills through
the many group discussions and presentations (both individual and group) required in the core
courses. Due to the nature of the material studied, written papers and assignments are common.
Students develop a significant proficiency in written communication. The inquiry courses and inquiry
approach in other core courses enable students to develop their research skills. This includes an
ability to formulate relevant questions and to critically define and assess problems.
By the time students are in their final year, they have learned what it takes to be a responsible
engineer and to appreciate the broad base of knowledge the core courses offer. The small size of
the program results in a sense of community and trust among colleagues.
Job Opportunities for Engineering & Society Graduates
Typical Industries:
 Environmental Consulting
 Public Industry Research
 Conservation Authorities
 Federal, Provincial & Municipal
Government
 Resource Industries
 Industrial Relations
 Schools & Universities
 Communications
 Any industry related to their
departmental specialization
Career Fields
 Civil Service
 Consulting
 Environmental Assessment
 Social-Technical Policy
 City Planning
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Systems Engineering
Education & Teaching
Research
International Development
Safety Engineering
Any career related to their
departmental specialization
New Challenges
 Designing for Recycling and Reuse
 Educating for Sustainability
 Developing Environmental Policy
 Renewable Energy
 Appropriate Technology
 Third World Development
 Professional & Community Relations
 Environmental Assessment
 Preventive Engineering
 Conservation
Engineering and International Studies
http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engandsoc/international.htm
No one can deny that the effects of globalization have been profound. This is particularly true in the
engineering profession, where both large and small companies routinely draw talent and resources
from the entire World, with little regard for national boundaries.
It is not unusual to find, for example, complex systems designed by dispersed North American or
European teams, manufactured in China, programmed using software developed in Russia, sold in
South America, with technical support from India. In such an environment, an engineer must be
able to function in a multitude of cultural settings and be able to coordinate widely dispersed and
heterogeneous teams. In an age of just-in-time manufacturing, the engineers must also be able to
schedule manufacturing processes in a manner that accounts for costs and delays in the delivery of
components.
The World is also facing environmental challenges that are intrinsically global. The control of
greenhouse gases and air pollution, the treatment of contaminated groundwater, the scarcity of
potable water, the infrastructure needed to withstand extreme weather due to climate change, the
development and containment of genetically modified foods, etc., are all engineering problems that
require international teamwork.
The purpose of the Engineering and International Studies programs is therefore to train future
engineers who are better able to understand the complexities associated with global project
management. Since the development of basic engineering skills is already present in our regular
four-year programs, the content of which must be retained, the new programs will only require
additional studies that focus on skills and knowledge that are not part of the regular curriculum.
These include both an understanding of, and a sensitivity to, the different cultural, political,
religious, and historical backgrounds of potential collaborators, as well as additional technical
training in areas that are particularly important in international settings, such as international project
management and supply chain management
Key features:
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5-year programs leading to a Bachelor of Engineering & Society degree
The only program of its kind in North America
Inquiry courses integrated into programs at all levels
Designed to meet all requirements of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board
(CEAB)
Administered as a “stream” within Engineering & Society
Opportunities for study abroad and/or international Co-op placements