Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering applies engineering and other quantitative sciences to solving medical and biological problems. For example, developing sophisticated X-ray imaging systems, artificial organs, image recognition systems and medical devices.

Overview

Work at the cutting edge of research and development in healthcare systems.

Biomedical Engineering falls within the School of Electrical and Information Engineering.

It provides a quantitative understanding of disease processes. 

The three-year Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering BEngSc (BME) undergraduate degree combines subjects in science, engineering, medicine and biology, as well as specific Biomedical Engineering courses. Because this is a pre-professional qualification, you will not be eligible for professional registration with this degree alone. After you graduate, there are various routes you can take to obtain a professional qualification, such as Medicine (MBBCh), BSc(Eng) in Electrical or Information Engineering.

You can apply for admission into the third year of BSc(Eng) in Electrical/Information Engineering. However, the entry requirements for MBBCh are competitive and may vary.

Career Opportunities

Physicist or Electrical Engineer or Medical Professional working in the development of:

  • Artificial organs
  • Information Technology for Healthcare
  • Medical Imaging System Design (e.g. ultrasound or CT scanning)
  • Modelling and simulation of physiological states and disease
  • Therapeutic Equipment Design

Curriculum

First-year
  • Introductory Physiology and Environmental Sciences I
  • Chemistry I
  • Engineering Mathematics IA AND IB
  • Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology I
  • Engineering Physics IA AND IB
  • Applied Physics I
Second-year
  • Electric and Magnetic Systems
  • Software Development I
  • Signals and Systems I
  • Microprocessors
  • Electronics I
  • Electric Circuits
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Mathematics II
  • Physics II (Electrical)
Third-year
  • Anatomy
  • Biomedical Transport Phenomena
  • Biomedical Measurement, Instrumentation and Imaging
  • Signals and Systems IIA
  • Biomedical Signals, Systems and Control
  • Physiology and Medical Biochemistry I

Entry Requirements

APS 42+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language
Level 5

Mathematics
Level 5

Physical Sciences
Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5 will be wait-listed, subject to place availability. Generally, applicants who achieve Level 6 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences stand a greater chance of being accepted.

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.