Career Compass: Biosystems Engineering

Biosystems engineering emphasizes the application of engineering principles to biologically-centered systems. Biosystems engineers help to create new and innovative technologies for the well-being of humans and animals, and the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment. You will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas:

1. Biomedical: Provides engineers with knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to enhance the understanding of the role played by engineers in specific areas within biomedical engineering.
2. Bioresource: Enable engineers to devise strategies and technologies for producing food, fibre, bio-based products, and renewable energy efficiently and sustainably.
3. Environmental: Provides engineers with the knowledge to predict environmental impacts due to human developments and to solve problems associated with the environment (soil contamination, pollution of rivers and lakes, air pollution, wastewater treatment).

All B.Sc. programs in the Price Faculty of Engineering are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). B.Sc. Engineering graduates meet all educational requirements for registration as Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) in all Canadian jurisdictions.

Skills you will gain by studying BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

• A demonstrated understanding of both scientific and engineering methods and the ability to use these methods to analyze complex problems involving biological systems.
• Ability to generate conceptual and detailed designs for complex engineering problems, demonstrating the proper use of equipment and instrumentation in the solution.
• To communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, clients, and the general population.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Course requirements:
CHEM 1100, CHEM 1122, COMP 1012, ENG 1430, ENG 1440, ENG 1450, ENG 1460, MATH 1210, MATH 1510, MATH 1710, PHIL 1290*, PHYS 1050, plus written English requirement. 

*Recommended Complementary Studies elective

Students need 8 of the 13 (excluding CHEM 1122) courses to apply to engineering departments.

To do this year:

1. Consider meeting with an academic advisor in the Price Faculty of Engineering to help you plan your program. 
2. Apply online for entry into the Biosystems Engineering degree program by March 1st.
3. For academic support, visit the Math Help Centre or contact the Academic Learning Centre to register for a supplemental instruction session.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Course requirements:

BIOE 2480, BIOE 2590, BIOE 2790, BIOE 2800, BIOE 2900, CHEM 1110, CHEM 1126, MATH 2130, MATH 2132, MECH 2150, ENG 2022, STAT 2220 plus one Indigenous Knowledge course*.

*Students are required to take at least one of the courses from the list of Indigenous Knowledge courses.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements of your department, review program models. Credit hours will vary depending on course selection. Some courses may not be offered every year, talk with an advisor for more information.
2. Consider applying to the faculty’s Co-op/IIP program.
3. Consider specializing your education in Biomedical, Bioresources or Environmental engineering.
4. Consider an approved minor to add to your studies.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Course requirements:
BIOE 3110, BIOE 3270, BIOE 3320, BIOE 3400, BIOE 3590, BIOE 3900, MBIO 1220, MECH 3482, one technical elective, plus two Science electives.

To do this year:

1. Credit hours will vary depending on course selection. Consider meeting with a department advisor to review your program.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
3. Discuss your program with your professors and industry professionals for advice regarding the best choice of electives for your needs.

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Course requirements:
BIOE 4240, BIOE 4900, BIOE 4950, ENG 3000, one course in Technology and Society (ENG 3020 or ANTH 2430), two technical electives, two free electives, plus one complementary elective.

To do this year:

1. Meet with your co-op advisor, if applicable.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with your academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research careers matching your skills and interests, attend events in the faculty to learn about engineering programs and career choices.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs, such as ASE, to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with and consider volunteering with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
4. Develop professional connections by attending networking events offered by the Faculty or UMES.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Investigate your career options:

1. Identify gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships.
2. Reflect on your classroom learning and identify skills that can be transferred to the workplace.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and contact biosystems engineering professors recruiting graduate students. Use the graduate awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including University of Manitoba Engineering Society (UMES) and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Gain relevant experience: Consider applying to the Co-op/IIP Program.

Gain practical experience by volunteering:  Represent the faculty as a Student Ambassador or check out Let’s Talk Science or Science Rendezvous.

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Consider joining technical societies and competition teams: Visit the Price Faculty of Engineering for team listings.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Eco Canada, Science.ca, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Ensure you have references in place: Ask three work-related references who are willing to expect calls from potential employers. If applying to graduate studies ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation.

Assess your resumé: Update your resumé for each job application. Focus on the knowledge, skills and attributes that are of interest to the employer.

Year 1 - 37.5 credit hours

Considering international opportunities?
Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit ENGAP, Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 77.5 credit hours

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange through the International Engineering Programs Office, Co-op/IIP students can also take advantage of the Canada-Japan program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Check out Engineers without Borders or one of the local service-learning programs. Consider learning a new language and about a new culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 117.5 credit hours

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article or speak about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Join the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 150-153 credit hours

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Air Pollution Specialist
• Agricultural Engineer
• Biomedical Engineer
• Bioprocessing Engineer
• Bioresources Engineer
• Consulting Engineer
• Environmental Engineer 
• Environmental Impact Analyst
• Environmental Officer
• Food Processing Engineer
• Government Engineer
• Medical Device Engineer
• Patent Licensing Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Project Manager
• Rehabilitation Engineer
• Technical Sales Specialist 

Options requiring other education

• Architect
• City Planner
• Clinical Engineer
• Engineering Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Ocularist
• Orthotist
• Physician
• Physiotherapist
• Prosthetist
• Researcher
• University Professor
• Urban / Regional Planner

Industries such as agriculture, environment, government, oil and gas, research and design, and pharmaceutical development would value a biosystems engineering degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Industry specific knowledge
• Problem solving
• Analytical skills
• Team work
• Oral and written communication
• Personal management
• Project management
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.