Biological Engineering
Why Study Biological Engineering at U of G?
As a student interested in problems requiring the application of knowledge from both the biological sciences and engineering, you will find the challenge you are seeking as a Biological Engineer. This field of engineering is the application of principles, methods and concepts of biology to systems and tools, ranging in scale from molecular to ecosystem level.
Make Your Degree Work for You
Explore your interests in areas like renewable fuels production or sustainable bioplastics made from plant materials, the extraction and stabilization of nutraceuticals or food and beverage manufacturing.
Focus on Biological Systems
Biological Engineers work with the most complex machines in the world-living organisms! You’ll combine engineering principles with life sciences to design creative solutions for biological systems, from humans to animals and plant life.
Build Your Engineering Career Foundation
Our Biological Engineering graduates pursue careers in food safety, bio-instrumentation, diagnostics and sensorics in bio-systems, biomechanics and ergonomics, and more.
To see all courses offered in the Biological Engineering program, visit our Academic Calendar.
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
Our Biological Engineering co-op is a five-year program, with five work terms, designed to facilitate the transition of students from academic studies to a professional career improving students’ job search skills, work performance and networking abilities, and boosting resume experience. Learn more about the Biological Engineering Co-op program.
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Careers in Biological Engineering
In this program, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience and develop skills in problem-solving, project management, leadership, and communication. You'll also work on interdisciplinary projects that emphasize collaboration, teamwork, and design. These abilities will prepare you for success in a variety of exciting fields, including:
- Government
- Environment
- Research and Development
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Energy
- Transportation
- Construction
- Product Development
- Communications
- Cybersecurity
- Entertainment
- Consulting
- Education and Research
Careers you can pursue with a B.Eng. degree in Biological Engineering:
- Biochemical Engineer
- Cell and Tissue Engineer
- Biomanufacturing and Bioprocess Specialist
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Production Engineer
- Pharmaceutical Engineer
Canada’s Most Coveted Scholarships
Apply now for the Schulich Leader Scholarships — Canada’s top STEM scholarship: get up to $120,000 over four years. Nomination deadline is January 28, 2026, so don’t wait — talk to your school rep today!
Co-op Stream
All Engineering majors at the University of Guelph are offered with co-op, allowing students to gain valuable paid work experience as part of their degree. Our program is direct entry, meaning you apply directly into your major of choice from the start.
Students are admitted directly to the co-op program. A regular stream is available, and students not interested in co-op may request a transfer once they begin their program.
Sequence A is followed by students in:
- Biological Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
Sequence B is followed by students in:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Engineering Systems & Computing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
| YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | YEAR 4 | YEAR 5 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester > | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | |
| Sequence A | A1 | A2 | Off | A3 | A4 | C1 | C2 | A5 | A6 | C3 | C4 | C5 | A7 | A8 | G | |
| Sequence B | A1 | A2 | Off | A3 | A4 | C1 | A5 | C2 | A6 | C3 | C4 | C5 | A7 | A8 | G | |
Legend:
A - Academic Term
C - Co-op Term
G - Graduation
Hear From A Biological Engineering Student
In high school, after visiting my top choice schools, it was Guelph that stood out as the ideal learning and living environment. With career aspirations ranging from doctor and architect, to medical illustrator, I needed a program that would challenge me, while giving me the freedom to seek out my passion. As a varsity athlete and avid traveller, I valued the flexibility of working in research for two to four months each summer. The flexibility of the biological engineering program allowed me to take specialized food science courses, and now every aspect of my job as Brewing Manager at a major international brewery draws on knowledge I learned during my undergrad!
Coming from Calgary, I looked at programs across the country, and the Biological Engineering Co-op program at the University of Guelph was truly unique. The program's integration of engineering principles and biological sciences perfectly aligns with my interest in advancing food and agricultural innovation. Guelph has a wonderful campus environment, and the consistent support from both faculty and the engineering community has truly elevated my academic journey, making it an exceptionally enriching experience.
Discover More Options
Students considering Biological Engineering may also be interested in Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
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Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
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