Program Requirements
The M.Eng. in Biological and Biomedical Engineering; Non-Thesis - Biomanufacturing focuses on the life sciences, the physical sciences, and engineering, industrial practices and processes, and data science for application in the filed of biomanufacturing. Hands-on experience available through projects carried out during internships in academic, industrial, and governmental laboratories.
Required Courses (21 credits)
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BBME 681 Internship 1 (9 credits) *
Overview
BBME : An internship/research project (minimum 360 hours) related to the practice of Biological and Biomedical Engineering supervised by a practitioner in the biological and biomedical engineering field within an industrial or institutional research centre environment.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kamen, Amine; Jardon, Mario; Hoesli, Corinne; Sudalaiyadum Perumal, Ayyappasamy; Ignea, Codruta; Chen, Guojun; Haldavnekar, Rupa (Fall)
Restriction: Only open to students registered in the M.Eng. in Biological and Biomedical Engineering; Non-Thesis program.
Students will be supervised by a BBME faculty member and co-supervised by a qualified supervisor from the host organization.
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BBME 682 Internship 2
(9 credits) *
Overview
BBME : An internship/research project (minimum 360 hours) related to the practice of Biological and Biomedical Engineering supervised by a practitioner in the biological and biomedical engineering field within an industrial or institutional research centre environment.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Hoesli, Corinne; Jardon, Mario; Sudalaiyadum Perumal, Ayyappasamy; Ignea, Codruta; Chen, Guojun (Fall)
Restrictions: Only open to students registered in the M.Eng. in Biological and Biomedical Engineering; Non-Thesis program.
This course may be completed in the same organization and under the same supervisor as BBME 681 to consolidate professional knowledge and experience, or in another institution to broaden professional experience and knowledge.
Students will be supervised by a BBME faculty member and co-supervised by a qualified supervisor from the host organization.
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BIEN 601 cGMP and Regulation in
Biomanufacturing (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction to pillars of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) in biologics, terminologies, and background; importance of cGMP for biologics manufacturing; principles of design and operation of cGMP facilities; knowledge gap between industrial processes and lab practices on GMP.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Jardon, Mario (Fall)
Prerequisites: BIEN 590
1. Lectures from experts in the biologics manufacturing industry and translational research units in and around Canada.
* must take place in the Biomanufacturing sector
Complementary Courses (24 credits)
Minimum of 18 credits from the following three lists of core courses. At least 12 credits must be chosen from biomanufacturing core courses. At least 12 credits must be chosen from BBME core courses, of which at least 6 credits must be chosen from quantitative courses.
Biomanufacturing Core:
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BIEN 580 Synthetic Biology (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Engineering principles in biology, BioBricks and standardization of biological components, parts registries, advanced molecular biology tools for DNA assembly, genome editing, high-throughput genetic manipulation methods, construction of biological pathways, strategies for transcriptional control, examples of engineered systems.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ignea, Codruta (Winter)
Restriction: Permission of instructor
1. (3-2-4)
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BIEN 585 Metabolic Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Metabolic engineering role in transition from fossil resources to a bio-based society. Design-build-test-learn cycle of metabolic engineering. Design, genetic engineering and optimization of microbial biocatalysts. Metabolic network analysis, constraint-based modelling of metabolism, microbial production of valuable chemicals. General biochemical engineering practices. Recombinant DNA technology, enzyme function, kinetics and regulation. Cell chemistry, structure and function. Growth models, fermentation, strain development. Case studies.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ignea, Codruta (Fall)
3-2-4
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
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BIEN 590 Cell Culture Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Basic principles of cell culture engineering, cell line development and cell culture products; genomics, proteomics and post-translational modifications; elements of cell physiology for medium design and bioprocessing; bioreactor design, scale-up for animal cell culture and single use equipment; challenges in downstream processing of cell-culture derived products; process intensification: fed-batch, feeding strategies and continuous manufacturing; scale-down and process modeling; Process Analytical technologies and Quality by Design (QbD) concept.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Jardon, Mario (Fall) Jardon, Mario; Kamen, Amine (Winter)
(3-0-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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BIEN 602 Biomanufacturing for RNA Biologics
(3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Fundamental and quantitative overview of RNA biologics. Introduction to RNA biologics associated biomanufacturing unit operations in upstream (design tools and large-scale production systems of DNA templates for in vitro RNA transcription; small-scale and large-scale RNA bioprocessing systems), and downstream approaches for RNA purification (like Tangential flow filtration and RNA-specific chromatography systems) for emerging mRNA therapeutics. Introduction to established and emerging applications of RNA biologics for gene and cell therapy.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Sudalaiyadum Perumal, Ayyappasamy (Winter)
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BIEN 670 Downstream Processing
(3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction to downstream processing (DSP) – principles, characteristics, purpose. Bioprocesses, biomolecules, drug substances, drug products, monoclonal antibodies and Fc fusion proteins, viral vectors, and vaccines. Unit operations - standard practices. Steps and techniques in downstream processing. Harvest and Filtration, Primary capture, Buffer exchange and up-concentration, Purification, Bioconjugation, Formulation. Optimization of downstream processing. Process Analytical Technology (PAT) to support Quality by Design (QbD) in DSP. Regulatory guidelines. Innovative Techniques for Downstream Bioprocessing.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sudalaiyadum Perumal, Ayyappasamy (Fall)
Prerequisites: BIEN 590 or permission of the instructor
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BIEN 675 Process Analytical Technologies and Data Sciences
(3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction to Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD) in the area of manufacturing biologics. Critical Process Parameters (CPP) and Design Space. Analytical Technologies for Biologics and Biologic Medicines and determination of Critical Quality Attributes of products. Case studies. At-line, On-line and Off-line monitoring tools, data acquisition and advanced process control strategies as applied to current industrial biomanufacturing. PAT data processing and modeling to design advanced biomanufacturing processes.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Haldavnekar, Rupa; Kamen, Amine (Fall)
Prerequisites: BIEN 590 or permission of the instructor.
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BIEN 680 Bioprocessing of Vaccines (4 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Building on recent developments and expansion in the mammalian cell culture for production of complex biologics such as viral vaccines and viral vectors, the following topics will be covered: Principles of immunology and industrial virology; Cell physiology for vaccine production; Cell lines for vaccine production; Upstream process development and process intensification strategies; Purification and downstream processing of viral vaccines; Analytical and potency assays; Formulations and delivery of vaccines; Basics of clinical trials and regulatory principles; Immunization policies. Case studies on bioprocessing/manufacturing licensed vaccines.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Jardon, Mario (Winter)
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
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BIEN 685 Gene and Cell Therapy Viral Vectors Biomanufacturing (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Basic knowledge in the design and biomanufacturing of viral vectors for gene and cell therapy interventions. Practical examples and case studies highlighting challenges and solutions associated with use of viral vectors such as Adeno-Associated Vectors (AAV), lentivirus vectors and Adenovirus vectors for gene delivery. Fundamental principles of gene and cell therapies through in-vivo and ex-vivo interventions. Design of AAV, Lentivirus and Adenovirus vectors: example of targeted diseases, including CAR-T cell therapy. Technologies and modes of vector manufacturing for clinical use.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Kamen, Amine (Winter)
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BMDE 505 Cell and Tissue Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Application of the principles of engineering, physical, and biological sciences to modify and create cells and tissues for therapeutic applications will be discussed, as well as the industrial perspective and related ethical issues.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Prakash, Satya (Winter)
(3-0-6)
1.5 hours lecture/1.5 hours seminar per week
Restriction: graduate and final year undergraduate students from physical, biological, and medical science, and engineering.
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BMDE 507 Formulation and Delivery of Biotherapeutics (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Introduction to technologies for formulation and delivery of biotherapeutics. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles of formulation, delivery systems, manufacturing, analytical techniques, and biomedical applications. Translational aspects are considered for formulated biotherapeutic products.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Chen, Guojun (Fall)
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CHEE 512 Stem Cell Bioprocess Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Chemical Engineering : Introduction to stem cell biology. Cell growth models applicable to stem cells and their progeny. Upstream processing (cell culture systems, bioreactors), downstream processing (cell separation, purification) and quality management (current good manufacturing practice, regulations) applied to therapeutic cells.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
(3-0-6)
Prerequisite(s): MATH 262 and CHEE 370 or BIOL 200, or Permission of Instructor.
Restriction: Open to undergraduate and graduate students registered in Chemical Engineering, as well as graduate students registered in the McGill Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Medicine program or in the M.Eng. in Biological and Biomedical Engineering program.
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CHEE 651 Advanced Biochemical Engineering (4 credits)
Overview
Chemical Engineering : The use of chemical engineering and biological principles in the study, design, use and creation of biologically-based processes and products. Topics: biochemical thermodynamics, protein engineering, manipulation of gene expression, transport phenomena and bioreactor design.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hoesli, Corinne (Fall)
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students
BBME Courses (Quantitative):
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BIEN 510 Engineered Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of biomedical uses of nanotechnology. Emphasis on emerging nanotechnologies and biomedical applications including nanomaterials, nanoengineering, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, nano-based imaging and diagnostic systems, nanotoxicology and immunology, and translating nanomedicine into clinical investigation.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kinsella, Matt; Sudalaiyadum Perumal, Ayyappasamy (Fall)
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BIEN 530 Imaging and Bioanalytical Instrumentation (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Microscopy techniques with application to biology and medicine. Practical introduction to optics and microscopy from the standpoint of biomedical research. Discussion of recent literature; hands-on experience. Topics include: optics, contrast techniques, advanced microscopy, and image analysis.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hendricks, Adam (Winter)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
(3-1-5)
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BIEN 550 Biomolecular Devices (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Fundamentals of motor proteins in neuronal transport, force generation e.g. in muscles, cell motility and division. A survey of recent advances in using motor proteins to power nano fabricated devices. Principles of design and operation; hands-on-experience in building a simple device.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hendricks, Adam (Fall)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
(3-1-5)
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BIEN 560 Design of Biosensors (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction into the motivation of analytical biosensors as well as its fundamental physicochemical challenges. Techniques used to design, fabricate and operate biosensors. Specific applications.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Wachsmann Hogiu, Sebastian (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
1. (3-2-4)
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BIEN 570 Active Mechanics in Biology (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction to the role of active forces, e.g. cell and tissue contraction, in the mechanics of biological systems. Review of passive and actively driven viscoelastic systems and momentum transport underlying the material properties of biology. The course involves a literature survey and a team project application.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ehrlicher, Allen (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
1. (3-2-4)
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BIEN 590 Cell Culture Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Basic principles of cell culture engineering, cell line development and cell culture products; genomics, proteomics and post-translational modifications; elements of cell physiology for medium design and bioprocessing; bioreactor design, scale-up for animal cell culture and single use equipment; challenges in downstream processing of cell-culture derived products; process intensification: fed-batch, feeding strategies and continuous manufacturing; scale-down and process modeling; Process Analytical technologies and Quality by Design (QbD) concept.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Jardon, Mario (Fall) Jardon, Mario; Kamen, Amine (Winter)
(3-0-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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BMDE 502 BME Modelling and Identification (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Methodologies in systems or distributed multidimensional processes. System themes include parametric vs. non-parametric system representations; linear/non-linear; noise, transients and time variation; mapping from continuous to discrete models; and relevant identification approaches in continuous and discrete time formulations.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BMDE 503 Biomedical Instrumentation (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : The principles and practice of making biological measurements in the laboratory, including theory of linear systems, data sampling, computer interfaces and electronic circuit design.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Wagner, Ross (Fall)
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BMDE 512 Finite-Element Modelling in Biomedical Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : General principles of quantitative modelling; types of models; principles of the finite-element method, primarily as applied to mechanical systems; introduction to the use of finite-element software; model generation from imaging data; modelling various material types, mainly biological; model validation.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Funnell, Robert (Fall)
(3-0-6)
Prerequisite: Differential equations (MATH 271 or equivalent) or permission of instructor
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BMDE 519 Biomedical Signals and Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : An introduction to the theoretical framework, experimental techniques and analysis procedures available for the quantitative analysis of physiological systems and signals. Lectures plus laboratory work using the Biomedical Engineering computer system. Topics include: amplitude and frequency structure of signals, filtering, sampling, correlation functions, time and frequency-domain descriptions of systems.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kearney, Robert E (Fall)
(3-0-6)
Prerequisites: Satisfactory standing in U3 Honours Physiology; or U3 Major in Physics-Physiology; or U3 Major Physiology-Mathematics; or permission of instructor
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BMDE 520 Machine Learning for Biomedical Data (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Theoretical and practical course in machine learning applied to the expanding richness of biomedical data, including multidimensional biomedical measurements centring on high-resolution body imaging and whole-genome common variant genetics.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bzdok, Danilo (Fall)
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BMDE 610 Functional Neuroimaging Fusion (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Biomedical engineering: Multimodal data fusion of electrophysiology and functional neuroimaging data, including: detailed description of source localization methods for Electro- and MagnetoEncephaloGraphy data, analysis of brain hemodynamic activity through simultaneous recordings with electrophysiology, analysis and reconstruction of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy data, modeling of the neurovascular coupling,validation methodology.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Grova, Christophe (Winter)
BBME Core (Non-Quantitative):
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BIEN 500 Special Topics in Bioengineering 1 (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Selected special topics in bioengineering, given by current and visiting staff.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Kozlick, Stuart (Winter)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Restriction: Open to U4 or higher students.
(3-0-6)
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BIEN 535 Electron Microscopy and 3D Imaging for Biological Materials (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Introduction to electron microscopy and 3D imaging. Dual-beam microscopy (FIB-SEM, or focused ion beam – scanning electron microscope); conventional and cryogenic preparation methods for biological materials. Complementary methods such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray tomography, atom probe tomography. 3D image processing and analysis, and the fundamentals of deep learning in imaging.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Reznikov, Natalie (Winter)
3-3-3
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: Open to undergraduate (U3 or higher) and graduate students. Priority is given to bioengineering U3 undergraduate students.
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BIEN 540 Information Storage and Processing in Biological Systems (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Storage and processing of information in biological systems, both natural and artificially-created, ranging from biomolecules, cells, and populations of cells. Information storage in DNA and DNA computation; molecular surfaces of proteins; computation with motile biological agents in networks; and biological and biologically-inspired algorithms.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Coulombe-Huntington, Jasmin (Winter)
(3-2-4)
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BIEN 580 Synthetic Biology (3 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Engineering principles in biology, BioBricks and standardization of biological components, parts registries, advanced molecular biology tools for DNA assembly, genome editing, high-throughput genetic manipulation methods, construction of biological pathways, strategies for transcriptional control, examples of engineered systems.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ignea, Codruta (Winter)
Restriction: Permission of instructor
1. (3-2-4)
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BIEN 680 Bioprocessing of Vaccines (4 credits)
Overview
BIEN : Building on recent developments and expansion in the mammalian cell culture for production of complex biologics such as viral vaccines and viral vectors, the following topics will be covered: Principles of immunology and industrial virology; Cell physiology for vaccine production; Cell lines for vaccine production; Upstream process development and process intensification strategies; Purification and downstream processing of viral vaccines; Analytical and potency assays; Formulations and delivery of vaccines; Basics of clinical trials and regulatory principles; Immunization policies. Case studies on bioprocessing/manufacturing licensed vaccines.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Jardon, Mario (Winter)
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
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BMDE 501 Selected Topics in Biomedical Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : An overview of how techniques from engineering and the physical sciences are applied to the study of selected physiological systems and biological signals. Using specific biological examples, systems will be studied using: signal or finite-element analysis, system and identification, modelling and simulation, computer control of experiments and data acquisition.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bzdok, Danilo (Fall)
(3-0-6)
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BMDE 504 Biomaterials and Bioperformance (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Biological and synthetic biomaterials, medical devices, and the issues related to their bioperformance. The physicochemical characteristics of biomaterials in relation to their biocompatibility and sterilization.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Tabrizian, Maryam (Winter)
(3-0-6)
Restriction: Graduate and final-year undergraduate students from physical, biological and medical science, and engineering
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BMDE 505 Cell and Tissue Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Application of the principles of engineering, physical, and biological sciences to modify and create cells and tissues for therapeutic applications will be discussed, as well as the industrial perspective and related ethical issues.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Prakash, Satya (Winter)
(3-0-6)
1.5 hours lecture/1.5 hours seminar per week
Restriction: graduate and final year undergraduate students from physical, biological, and medical science, and engineering.
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BMDE 508 Introduction to Micro and Nano-Bioengineering (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : The micro and nanotechnologies that drive and support the miniaturization and parallelization of techniques for life sciences research, including different inventions, designs and engineering approaches that lead to new tools and methods for the life sciences - while transforming them - and help advance our knowledge of life.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Juncker, David (Fall)
(3-0-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students having a biological/medical background or an engineering, physical sciences background. Engineering students enrolled in the Minor in Biomedical Engineering, or Honours in Electrical Engineering and Honours in Mechanical Engineering, should be particularly interested.
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BMDE 525D1 Design of Assistive Technologies: Principles and Praxis (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : This is an interdisciplinary, project-based course, centred around a design project in which small teams of students work closely with a person with a disability in the Montreal area to design a device, piece of equipment, app, or other solution that reduces their experience of disability.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students must also register for BMDE 525D2
No credit will be given for this course unless both BMDE 525D1 and BMDE 525D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken BMDE 625D1/D2. Not open to students in Physical and Occupational Therapy.
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BMDE 525D2 Design of Assistive Technologies: Principles and Praxis (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : See BMDE 525D1 for description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: BMDE 525D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both BMDE 525D1 and BMDE 525D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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BMDE 650 Advanced Medical Imaging (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Review of advanced techniques in medical imaging including: fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, MR angiography and quantitative flow measurement, spiral and dynamic x-ray computed tomography, 2D/3D positron emission tomography (PET), basic PET physiology, tracer kinetics, surgical planning and guidance, functional and anatomical brain mapping, 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, and medical image processing.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Collins, Louis (Winter)
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BMDE 654 Biomedical Regulatory Affairs - Medical Devices (3 credits)
Overview
Biomedical Engineering : Regulatory strategies and quality management systems are critical for medical device development. This course provides an overview of regulatory requirements, and familiarize students with the important ISO and IEC standards pertaining to medical device development. This course will provide biomedical engineers with an understanding of the regulatory and quality requirements to translate a medical device idea into a commercial product, and will draw upon the expertise of invited speakers currently working in the medical devices industry.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kroo, Danny (Fall)
Remaining complementary course credits must come from core or non-core complementary courses chosen from BBME courses or from other courses, at the 500 level or higher. The selection of courses must have the prior written approval of the Graduate Program Director.
