Biological Engineering
Program Overview
Biological Engineers combine their knowledge of life sciences with engineering principles to design and control biological processes and systems with the aim of enhancing human, animal and plant life.
Biological Engineers work with the most complex machines in the world - living organisms. Guelph's cutting-edge Biological Engineering program focuses on fundamentals in bio-materials science, bio-systems analysis, bio-mechanics, instrumentation and digital control. You can tailor your program to explore interests in the production of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel or sustainable bioplastics made from plant materials, the extraction and stabilization of nutraceuticals to provide health benefits or the manufacturing of safe food products.
What Students are saying about Biological Engineering
I went into biological at Guelph because it is a unique program, established at the school since the very beginning – I wanted something different than chemical engineering.
I went to Guelph because I love food and we are rated #1 in Maclean’s and partly because I am a horse girl... I chose engineering because in high school, I was good at math, but wasn’t passionate about that on its own, and I loved science, biology in particular.
I went into biological at Guelph because it is a unique program, established at the school since the very beginning – I wanted something different than chemical engineering.
Program Information
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DEGREE: |
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| Bachelor of Engineering* *Available in regular or co-operative education |
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PURSUE INTERESTS IN: |
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CAREERS: |
| As a Biological Engineer, you can work in a wide variety of fields including design ergonomics, pharmaceutical production, food production, biomaterials and conversions, medical equipment design, or in research. Our graduates also pursue further education in food engineering, biomedical engineering, or in professional programs such as medicine or dentistry. | |
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ADMISSIONS |
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ACCREDITATION PROCESS |
First Year
Your first year courses in Biological Engineering are chosen to introduce you to engineering design and to build the foundation of fundamental science and math skills needed in all fields of engineering. These foundational courses are essential to your education as an engineer.
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Fall Semsester |
Winter Semester |
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General Chemistry I |
General Chemistry II |
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Calculus I |
Calculus II |
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Introduction to Programming |
Engineering Analysis |
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Engineering and Design I |
Physics with Applications |
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Engineering Mechanics I |
Science & Society since 1500 |
Beyond First Year
In addition to the interdisciplinary courses, below are a few courses specific to Biological Engineering. For descriptions of these courses, please consult the current Undergraduate Calendar.
- Electrical devices
- Heat and mass transfer
- Bio-instrumentation design
- Digital process control design
- Bio-materials
Areas of Interest
- Bio-processing: The design and development of equipment and processes for the manufacturing of products such as food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, chemicals, and polymers and paper from biological materials (e.g. bio reactor design, industrial microbiology, biopharmaceuticals).
- Food Engineering: The engineering aspects of food production and processing. Food engineering includes, but is not limited to, the application of agricultural engineering and chemical engineering principles to food materials (e.g. process design/improvement/modification, automation, plant design, food safety and quality, food packaging).
- Biomedical Applications: Refers to biological signal and image processing, clinical bio-mechanics, occupational bio-mechanics & ergonomics, human physiology or technologies applicable to biomedical and bio-process applications such as microcomputer interfacing and digital control.
Design. Create. Solve.
Guelph Engineering students experience Engineering Design from the moment they walk in the door. At Guelph, you will take part in our integrated approach to engineering design starting immediately in your first semester. Your design experience continues to build in each year of your program and many 3rd and 4th year courses have a large design component built directly into the curriculum.
Capstone Design Project
In your final year, you will work with students from multiple engineering disciplines to complete a final design project that focuses on your area of interest. This capstone course allows students to complete a project from beginning to end, in their chosen field and under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The comprehensive design course prepares our students to envision and develop new and effective solutions to issues in our world.
Examples of Biological Engineering capstone design projects:
- Single-handed braking lever for disabled cyclists (1st place in the 2007 Canadian competition and 2nd place in the 2008 International competition sponsored by James Dyson Foundation)
- An integrated control and monitoring system for wind machines used for frost and deep freeze protection in Niagara vineyards
- Non-invasive device to measure equine pulse wave velocity
- Moisture detection in pharmaceutical granulations
- Assistive device for transferring a child from wheelchair to automobile restraint
- Steam treatment for food waste
- Gerry Chair – Adult rehabilitation walker
- Portable system for gait analysis