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University of Alberta

Biomedical Engineering

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About Biomedical Engineering, PhD - at University of Alberta

Award: Doctor of Philosophy

Research facilities and lecture courses for graduate programs are offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering, as well as the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy with a specialization in Biomedical Sciences. The degrees differ according to the undergraduate preparation of the student, the former for students with a background in engineering or academically similar areas, and the latter in biological sciences. Under the Individual Interdisciplinary Studies program (see Conduct of Examinations) students may study and carry out their research in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and another department in the University. The Department of Biomedical Engineering is part of both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

The research activities of members of the Department are directed at aspects of biomedical engineering, including but not limited to digital image processing, nano structured biomaterials, in-vivo nuclear magnetic resonance, including vascular imaging, stroke, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as non-invasive biochemical analysis through spectroscopic methods, MRI of cerebral vascular disease, and restoration of function following spinal cord injury. In addition, research is performed by members of other departments who collaborate with those of the Department in areas that include adaptive controllers in medicine, aerosol inhalation and delivery, assistive technologies, biofilms, biomaterials and drug delivery, biomechanics of bone, biomechanics of walking, biomedical modeling, biophotonic and ultrasonic imaging, bracing and wheelchairs, cardiovascular biomaterials, cell and tissue cryobiology, computational neuroscience, control and restoration of motor movement, functional electrical stimulation, lab-on-a-chip, laser applications in medicine, mathematical modeling of drug delivery, mathematical modeling of the immune system, medical image processing, micro-computed tomography, modeling of biomedical processes, nano-bio-mechanical systems, nanotechnology and drug delivery, nanotechnology in medicine, oral/facial prosthetic reconstruction, orthodontic retraction appliances, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation robotics, resorbable implants, scoliosis and spinal column correction, spinal disorder assessment and treatment, therapeutic ultrasound and biomechanics in dentistry, tissue engineering, and ultrasound applications in medicine.

Entrance Requirements

The Department's minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with a grade point average of at least 3.3 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from another institution, and a TOEFL score of 95 or equivalent on the internet-based test where applicable (refer to English Language Requirement).


Entry requirements

Contact University of Alberta to find course entry requirements.


Why study at University of Alberta

  • Ranked among the top 4 universities in Canada and top 100 in the world
  • Guaranteed Tuition model, meaning your tuition does not increase during your program
  • Each year, 25 students are awarded the President’s International Distinction Scholarship, worth up to CAN $120,000
  • Co-op and paid work experience opportunities in many programs
  • Guaranteed place in residence for first year students who apply by 30 April
  • Graduates can apply for the three year Post-Graduation work permit, which allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years
  • Top 100 in the world for Graduate Employment outcomes