About PBME Timetable
The Pre-Biomedical Engineering (PBME) Timetable is a unique first-year option within UBC’s Bachelor of Applied Science program that gives students an early start in the exciting world of biomedical engineering. This pathway is a slight modification of the standard first-year BASc curriculum, designed to provide structured access to essential prerequisite courses for the second-year Biomedical Engineering (BMEG) program while building a strong foundation in applying engineering principles to biological systems.
What makes PBME special?
- Early Exposure to Biomedical Engineering: Students take introductory biomedical engineering courses alongside core engineering subjects, gaining insight into how engineering and medicine intersect.
- Solid Academic Foundation: The curriculum emphasizes chemistry, physics, math, and specialized biomedical courses, preparing students for advanced topics like biomechanics, biomaterials, and bioinformatics in later years.
- Future Opportunities: Graduates of the BMEG program can pursue careers in cutting-edge fields such as regenerative medicine, medical imaging, wearable technology, surgical instrumentation, and AI-driven healthcare solutions.
- By choosing PBME, students position themselves at the forefront of innovation in health and technology. This pathway is ideal for those who want to make a real impact on human health through engineering solutions; from designing life-saving devices to developing advanced therapies.
Watch the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Program video
PBME Timetable Informational Session
SBME Advisors will hold monthly virtual info sessions for anyone who has questions about the PBME pathway and the BMEG program.
If you have questions about these sessions, please contact students@sbme.ubc.ca.
How to Apply for the PBME Timetable
PBME is a specialized first-year timetable, and the application process is therefore competitive. Applicants must first apply to the BASc and be offered a seat in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Vancouver campus) program. Interested PBME applicants must subsequently complete an online application form for consideration to be registered in the PBME Timetable.
As a competitive first-year program, entry into the PBME Timetable will be adjudicated using a holistic approach; applicants will be assessed based on academic standing, passion and demonstrated understanding of biomedical engineering (BME), and leadership or involvement in extra-curricular activities. The application form is an opportunity to share your passion for BME and to demonstrate an organized approach to problem-solving. In a field that involves solving complex challenges that intersect engineering and medicine, we are seeking future leaders who embrace challenges and are driven to make a difference in others’ lives, as demonstrated through their academics, work, hobbies, volunteering, and everyday life.
PBME Timetable Application Process
Students who have been admitted to the Faculty of Applied Science will be offered the opportunity to apply to PBME. The invitation and instructions will be sent via email, which includes submitting the online application form. This information will also be provided through newsletters distributed to students upon admission to the BASc program.
Application Process
Application Form
• The email received by the students will include a link to access the application form.
• Students need to complete the form and submit it via the online portal.
• If any student does not receive the link to the application form, they can reach out to admissions@sbme.ubc.ca for assistance.
• The application form consists of three parts, and should take no longer than half an hour to
complete:
• Part 1: Personal Information
• Students will provide their name, email address, UBC student number, and information about their academic history.
• Part 2: Questions
• There are two questions, each limited to 250 words.
• Students are asked to share personal insights on why they are interested in Pre-Biomedical Engineering and what makes them an exceptional candidate.
• Part 3: Résumé/CV Upload
• Students need to upload a recent copy of their résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Please note that the application form must be submitted before the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that late application submission may be possible, please email admissions@sbme.ubc.ca.
PBME Minimum Requirements
• Students must first have been admitted to the standard first year, Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) program for the upcoming academic term.
• Students must have completed both Chemistry 12 (or equivalent) and Physics 12 (or equivalent) by August 2026. (Outstanding candidates missing either Chemistry 12 and/or Physics 12 (or their equivalents) are encouraged to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
Please note that Biology 11, 12 or equivalent is strongly recommended and preferred, but is not required.
• Students must complete an application form describing their previous experiences and their interest in Biomedical Engineering.
PBME Timetable Courses
Students in the PBME timetable will have courses that vary slightly from the standard first-year timetable in the following way:
Standard Timetable | Pre-BME Timetable |
|---|---|
APSC 100, 101, 160 | APSC 100, 160, |
CHEM 154 | CHEM 121, 123 |
WRDS 150 (1) | WRDS 150 (1) |
MATH 100, 101, 152 | MATH 100, 101, 152 |
PHYS 157, 158, 159, 170 | PHYS 157, 158, 170 |
Humanities or Social Science elective | |
(1) Or another first-year English Course. |
Priority Placement into Second Year
Taking the PBME Timetable does not guarantee placement into the BMEG undergraduate program, but it does make students eligible for priority placement and gives them all the pre-requisites needed for second-year.
In order to qualify for priority placement, students who are in the PBME Timetable must meet the following conditions:
• Have a sessional average at the end of the Winter Session of 72% or higher
• Be eligible for year 2 standing as determined by Engineering Student Services
• Successful completion of CHEM 123* by May 15th
• Successful completion of BMEG 101 and 102 by May 15th
Submit a:
• program placement preference form
• and identify BME as your first choice. The form is released in March.
• Students who complete the PBME Timetable but do not meet one of more of these conditions will still be considered for placement in BME through the normal competitive placement process.
More Information
Please consult the FAQ page or contact us at admissions@sbme.ubc.ca if you have any questions.