BIOMEDICAL AND
ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING
Biomedical engineering uses electrical engineering and scientific principles such
as electromagnetic waves, electronics, engineering materials, signal processing,
computing and display devices, quantitative analysis, communication systems and
image analysis to solve problems in biotechnology and medicine. The possibilities are
almost endless in this fast-growing field in which technology is used to design and
build new components and systems for biomedical applications.
Biological signals, such as those from the heart and brain, are routinely used for both
diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Computer tools are used to collect and analyze
data, such as gene sequence databases, that contain millions of entries. Mechanical
elements, sensors, actuators and electronics make medical devices work and could
even be used to deliver drugs inside the human body. Advances in medical imaging
techniques such as MRI and PET scans lead to the early diagnosis of disease and
increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention. Medical informatics,
telemedicine and electronic health records help improve the delivery of health care.
The Carleton advantage
Carleton University’s Bachelor of Biomedical and Electrical
Engineering (BEng) offers:
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a progressive co-operative education option;
strong emphasis on biomedical informatics, biosignal
processing, IT in biomedicine, medical instrumentation
and assistive devices, and microtechnology for sensors
and MEMS; and
excellent scholarships for high-standing students.
Our laboratory and research facilities
At Carleton, you will benefit from:
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modern, well-equipped laboratories (including a
Biomedical Signals and Sensor Laboratory) and computer
facilities on campus;
proximity to, and collaboration with, outstanding hospitals
in the Ottawa area; and
a superb undergraduate computing network, including
portable biological signal acquisition equipment,
prototyping workstations, and a campus-wide wireless
network.
Your co-op opportunities
As a student in the Biomedical and Electrical Engineering
program you will have the opportunity to apply to the
Co-operative Education Program. Co-op integrates degree-
related, paid work terms into your degree program. A
minimum of four work terms are required to obtain the
Co-op designation on your degree. Our program is closely
associated with the biotechnology and high technology
industry in Ottawa and other regions, giving students
valuable work experience and contacts that will benefit them
in the future. The pattern of work and study terms for the
co-op option is shown in the following table.
Calendar Year
Fall
Winter
1
study term 1
study term 2
2
study term 3
study term 4
work term
3
study term 5
work term
work term
4
work term
study term 6
work term
5
study term 7
study term 8
Choosing the right program
Summer
This BEng program is fully accredited by the Canadian
Engineering Accreditation Board. When you graduate from
the program, you will meet the educational requirements for
registration as a professional engineer. The program is also
designed to meet the prerequisite courses required by many
medical schools in North America.
As a student in this program, you will spend your first
year learning the fundamentals of basic science and
mathematics, including biology, chemistry and physics.
Second year offers introductory courses in electronic circuit
design, numerical analysis and programming. Third-year
courses provide specialization in digital and analog circuit
design, semiconductor device physics, electromagnetics
and bioelectrical and biomedical systems. Senior fourthyear courses allow for advanced study in biomedical
engineering—including signal processing and medical
instrumentation—as well as opportunities to apply your
knowledge to the medical and health-care fields.
The courses of a typical biomedical and electrical program
are shown below.
Study Term 1
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Introduction to Engineering
Calculus for Engineering
or Physics
Linear Algebra for Engineering
or Science
Introductory Biology I
General Chemistry I
Study Term 2
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Mechanics I
Problem Solving and Computers
Differential Equations and Infinite
Series for Engineering or Physics
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Wave Motion
General Chemistry II
Study Term 3
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Multivariable Calculus for
Engineering or Physics
Circuits and Signals
Numerical Methods
Foundations of Imperative
Programming
Science elective (Biology,
Chemistry or Biochemistry)
Study Term 4
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Mathematical Methods I
Electronics I
Switching Circuits
Basic EM and Power Engineering
Communication Skills for
Engineering Students
Study Term 5
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Although it is not an admission requirement, at least one
4U course in either English or French is recommended.
Equivalent courses may be substituted at the appropriate 4U
level.
Probability and Statistics
Electromagnetic Waves
Digital Electronics
Communication Theory
Ethics, Research Methods and
Standards for BME
If you are from outside Ontario, or outside Canada, see
Carleton University’s website at admissions.carleton.ca/apply
for your specific program requirements.
Since the number of qualified applicants may be greater
than the number of available spaces, cut-off averages and
required marks may vary.
Microprocessor Systems
Bioinstrumentation and Signals
Digital Signal Processing
Complementary studies elective
Biomedical Engineering Project
Engineering Economics
For more information
Please visit sce.carleton.ca or consult the Carleton University
Undergraduate Calendar at calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad.
Biomedical Engineering Project
(continued)
Engineering elective
Two Biomedical Engineering
electives
Complementary studies elective
Professional practice
Note: As study terms and courses offered may vary, please refer to the
Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar at calendar.carleton.ca/
undergrad for specific program requirements.
15-122 10M 08
For admission to the Biomedical and Electrical Engineering
program, you must have an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a minimum of
six 4U/M courses. Your six courses must include four
prerequisite courses:
Advanced Functions
Chemistry
„„ Physics
„„ one of:
„„ Calculus and Vectors*
„„ Biology
„„ Earth and Space Science
* Strongly recommended for applicants to all engineering
programs.
Study Term 8
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Admission requirements
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Study Term 7
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As a graduate of this program, you could find employment
in health-care establishments and medical facilities, working
with computers, medical equipment or medical devices.
You could enjoy rewarding work in developing health care
technologies such as electronic implants, safer medical
instrumentation and devices, or superior data management
and diagnostic systems. You will also be well prepared for
continued studies at the graduate level or in medicine.
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Bioelectrical Systems
Physical Electronics
Computer Organization
Biomedical Systems, Modeling
and Control
Science elective (Biology,
Chemistry or Biochemistry)
Study Term 6
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Your future opportunities
Department of Systems and
Computer Engineering
Carleton University
4456 Mackenzie Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa ON K1S 5B6
Canada
Undergraduate
Recruitment Office
Carleton University
315 Robertson Hall
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa ON K1S 5B6
Canada
Tel: 613-520-5740
Fax: 613-520-5727
Website: sce.carleton.ca
Tel: 613-520-3663
Toll-free in Canada:
1-888-354-4414
Fax: 613-520-3847
Email: liaison@carleton.ca
Website: admissions.carleton.ca
carleton.ca/engineering-design