Program & Degree Requirements
As a graduate student in biomedical engineering, you can choose from the master of applied science (MASc, full time only), master of engineering (MEng, full time or part time) and doctoral (PhD, full time only) programs. Each degree has individual requirements for graduation.
The master of applied science (MASc) is a full-time program requiring the successful completion of five one-term course credits and a research thesis. No undergraduate credits may be taken toward the degree. You may take up to two of the required five courses outside of the program. Course selections are normally confirmed through a Program of Study agreement between supervisor and student, with the approval of the program director. One of the five courses may be a directed studies course (BE8003), normally conducted by the supervisor.
The supervisor must also approve the proposed thesis plan, which will be presented in writing by the student. An oral presentation of the research thesis, and results, will be arranged in seminar format. The examination committee will assess the candidate’s research thesis.
The master of engineering (MEng) program is available in part-time or full-time study and requires the successful completion of ten single-term courses. You may choose to substitute two course credits with a major research project (MRP) or biomedical engineering internship. No undergraduate credits may be taken toward the degree. You may take up to five of the required ten courses (or four of the required eight courses, if you choose the MPR or internship path) outside of the program. One of the ten (or eight) courses may be a directed studies course (BE8003), normally conducted by the faculty supervisor. The program director must approve the graduate course selection. Course selections are normally confirmed through a Program of Study agreement, with the approval of the program director.
Major Research Project
Major research projects are completed under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. Your supervisor must approve your proposed project plan, which you must present in writing. The results of the project are to be submitted in the form of a report, which will be assessed by the supervisor and examination committee. An oral examination of the project report, and results, will be arranged. The examination committee will assess your project report.
BME Internship
Students have the option to participate in an internship project that is relevant to the student’s research interests and aligns with the goals of the program. Internships are a minimum of 150 hours, typically spanning eight to 10 consecutive weeks during a single semester. You are responsible for identifying and securing your placement and preparing an internship plan.
Internship plans should be prepared in consultation with the host company or institution and will briefly describe the purpose, objectives, activities and relevance of the placement project. Plans should not exceed three pages.
On completion of the internship, students are required to: obtain a signed letter from the host company acknowledging the successful completion of the internship; submit a report (no more than 30 pages) to the program director outlining the activities and deliverables of the internship; and present the outcomes of the internship in the seminar course (BE8002).
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) program requires the successful completion of four single-term graduate courses, a written and oral candidacy examination within 16 months from initial registration, and a research dissertation based on original research. You may take up to two of the required four courses outside of the program. Course selections are normally confirmed through a Program of Study agreement between supervisor and student, with the approval of the program director. If approved by the supervisor, one of the four courses may be a directed studies course (BE8003), normally conducted by the supervisor.
The supervisor must also approve the dissertation research proposal, which must be submitted in writing. After consultation with the student, the supervisor will recommend to the program director the appointment of a supervisory committee. The core aspect of the program is the successful defence of the doctoral dissertation containing original contributions to knowledge at an oral examination.
| MASc | MEng | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Five course credits1 (credits may include: one directed studies course; two from a related program area at Toronto Metropolitan University2) | Ten course credits1 3 (credits may include: one directed studies course; five from a related program area at Toronto Metropolitan University2) | Four course credits1 (credits may include: one directed studies course; two from a related program area at Toronto Metropolitan University2) |
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| Thesis | Project or internship3 | Dissertation |
1 All courses are one semester and equal to one course credit. 2 Approval of courses from a related program at Toronto Metropolitan University are subject to approval by the student’s supervisor and the associate chair, as well as the host department. 3 MEng students may apply to substitute two courses with a MPR or an internship (the MRP path requires the MEng course option form (external link) ). Note: If you are enrolled in a part-time program, you may take a maximum of two courses per semester. It is strongly recommended that full-time students take a maximum of three courses per semester. |
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Degree Completion and Time Regulations
The minimum and maximum times allowed for coursework and research are indicated below. Transfer from full-time to part-time master’s status, and vice versa, requires approval, particularly when the maximum time span allowed for program completion could become an important factor for consideration.
| Length of Time to Complete Degree | MASc/MEng Full Time | MEng Part Time | PhD Full Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum length of time to complete degree | 12 months (three academic terms) | 24 months (six academic terms) | 24 months (six academic terms) |
| Maximum length of time to complete degree | Three calendar years | Five calendar years | Six calendar years |
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Yeates School of Graduate Studies requires continuous registration throughout the residency period in the program, either PhD or master’s (full time or part time), in which you are registered.
Grade Requirements
You must repeat a course, or substitute with an alternate course (in the case of an elective course), if a course mark is less than B- (2.67/4.33 or 70%) for both MASc and MEng, and less than B (3.00/4.33 or 73%) for PhD. Failure to maintain an acceptable academic standing could result in you being asked to withdraw from the program. Failure in more than one graduate course will be considered grounds for dismissal.