BESc in Integrated Engineering

 

The Integrated Engineering Program at Western University

As a fully accredited* (2001-) Engineering program in Canada, the Integrated Engineering (IE) program at Western University is first a multidisciplinary Engineering program that forms the basis of enabling integrated systems-level analysis and design. Students practice modeling and designing integrated systems of multiple sub-system types, in the core design courses in Integrated Engineering. The IE program also includes interdisciplinary study of sociotechnical systems phenomena and impact, where engineering/technology interacts with its embedding environments of sociocultural, economic, and business aspects. Together, the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies work towards three main program outcomes, captured in the core pillars of the IE program:

  • Core Pillar I: Integrated Systems Design, Modelling, Simulation, and Analysis
  • Core Pillar II: Impact Management and Sustainability​
  • Core Pillar III: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Commercialization

 

As the fields of Engineering continue to expand and evolve, the kinds of possible disciplinary integration required also increase in number. Therefore, building on the disciplinary foundations in the core requirements of IE program, students take advantage of the 'technical track' options** and electives to tailor their study to particular fields of interest. 

As such, IE students have pursued Co-Op and Internship opportunities that align with their technical and sector interests, in a wide variety of fields when IE students are viewed together. You can check out some of the employers who have hired IE Co-Op/Interns, further below. 

 

*In general, graduation from an accredited Engineering program is required for pursuing a P.Eng. licence in Canada. 

**Technical tracks are completed with final year courses that develop an advanced level of skills in the Core Pillars I and II.  

 

Dual, Combined and Concurrent Degrees

Currently, Integrated Engineering offers the BESc/HBA (Honours Business Administration) and BESc/JD (Law) combined degree options. Concurrent degree options (e.g. with BESc in Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering or BESc in Biomedical Engineering) are also being developed to launch alongside the new modular curricula being launched across the Faculty of Engineering at a later date.

Integrated Engineering students have pursued dual degrees of their choice (e.g. BESc in Integrated Engineering and BSc in Physics; BESc in IE and BSc in Kinesiology). A number of Science courses can count towards BESc technical elective requirements (please contact the our office or UGSO for up-to-date information). 

The IE program can offer complementary advantages for those pursuing a BESc/HBA combined degree. However, the BESc in Integrated Engineering, on its own, can prepare Engineering students for the careers often sought by BESc/HBA holders (e.g. Consulting). 

 

Integrated Engineering Careers

Western graduates of the Integrated Engineering program work in Engineering, Consulting, Engineering Management/Project Management, and business leadership roles in a wide range of sectors including: Automotive, Energy, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Construction, Finance and more. 

The IE program has equipped its graduates with versatility in the workplace, that enabled role transitions across Engineering and Consulting, or that led to the expansion of role portfolios to incorporate both technical and management aspects of complex projects. Learn more about featured alumni and their career paths in our Speaker Series, and on our Featured Alumni page. 

Program overview, alumni speaker series, and sample IE career paths: files/Undergraduate/IE Slideshow Feb13 2025.pdf

 

Co-Op and Internship

Engineering Co-Op and Internship offer a great opportunity for students (to test one’s competencies, to contribute meaningfully to projects, to learn from the coaching and mentorship of professionals, to learn more about the industry and sector) and for employers (to develop and test candidates for future hires, to hire useful talent with co-operative education tax credit). Official registration with a University’s Co-op/Career Services office is expected and implied in Engineering Co-Op and Internship positions.  

Below are a sample of employers who have hired Integrated Engineering students as Engineering Interns (12-16 months), along with the associated role titles: 

  • Suncor (integrated energy and power) – Reliability Intern​
  • Ontario Power Generation (nuclear power) – Professional Engineering Year University Student Intern​
  • Ameresco Canada (renewable energy efficiency & management) – Engineering Intern​
  • SNC-Lavalin Engineers and Constructors (now AtkinsRéalis, energy and nuclear) – Process Engineering Intern​
  • ​Celestica (high-reliability design, manufacturing, supply chain solutions) – Corporate Commodity Management Associate​
  • CrossLinx Transit Solutions Constructors (LRT design & construction) – Technical Department Intern​
  • TransCanada – Threat Management Engineering Internship Student​
  • Magna International Inc. (mobility tech, automotive) - Engineering Student, Mechanical​
  • Formet Industries (automotive frame manufacturing) – Process Engineering Co-op Student​
  • Schaeffler Canada Inc. (automotive) - Process Engineering Leader Intern​
  • Litens Automotive Partnership (advanced battery systems and tech for electric vehicles) – Product Designer​
  • ​Thales Canada, Inc. (research and tech in civil aviation, defence, digital identity, security) – Component Engineer Intern​
  • Diamond Aircraft – Flight Science Junior Engineer Intern​
  • BOS Innovations Inc. (turnkey automation integrator) – Applications Engineering Data Analyst​
  • ​Sanofi Pasteur Ltd. (pharmaceutical, biomanufaturing) – Co-op Student​
  • McCormick Canada (specialty food industry) – Engineering Intern​
  • Labatt Breweries of Canada – Maintenance Engineer​
  • ​IPEX Inc. (thermoplastic piping) - Project Engineering Co-Op Student​
  • HTS Engineering Ltd. (heat transfer solutions) – Co-op Design Engineering​
  • Great Lakes Copper Ltd. (plumbing, refrigeration, OEM, medical, air conditioning) – Mechanical Engineering Student Intern​
  • Steelway Building Systems (custom-engineered steel buildings) – Manufacturing Engineering Assistant​
  • ​EBA Engineering (construction management and inspection) – Technologist Level 2​
  • Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) – Operations Analyst Intern​
  • AECON (project development, financing, investment, management) – Project Designer​
  • Deloitte – Technical Analyst​

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It is common for Engineering students to obtain their first Summer Co-Op (4 months) after their second year of studies (although we do see students having their first Co-Op right after their first year in Engineering). IE students have worked with the following employers (including, but not limited to) for short-term Co-Op positions: General Dynamics Land Systems, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Qualtec Seating Systems (Magna), Ontario Power Generation, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Linamar Corporation, McGregor Allsop Ltd., GFL Infrastructure Inc., Labatt Breweries, HDR Architecture Associates Inc., Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd., Ameresco Canada, Trisun Sales and Management Inc., ZTR Control Systems Inc., Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. 

For more information related to Engineering Co-Op and Internship, and to get early access to job posting and resume help: https://www.eng.uwo.ca/careers/students/undergraduate-co-op/index.html 

 

 

Research and Innovation Projects

John M. Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership and Innovation, the home unit for Integrated Engineering, includes faculty members with diverse expertise: Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering. Some of our faculty members are cross-appointed with Ivey Business School; some are cross-appointed with different Engineering departments across the Faculty of Engineering.

As undergraduate students, you are encouraged to embark on innovative projects aimed towards commercialization (check out the Thompson Innovation Fund), and also gain research experience in projects that have positive impact on our local stakeholders and international partners (check out FAST research group and ICFAR). Besides summer research projects supervised by the Thompson Centre faculty, undergraduate students can conduct research with Dr. Joshua Pearce through a technical elective course, Integrated Engineering 4490 (or 4491).  

 

Program Brochure and Progression Sheet

Image of IE program brochure

Official Progression Sheets show how courses are planned for completion of program requirements within 4 BESc years of full-time study (current program structure). For an alternate presentation of the same information, you can review this attachment: files/Undergraduate/Integrated Engineering Courses Progression 2024-25.pdf. The program accommodates a level of flexibility in the sequence of electives and some of the core courses. Contact the Program Lead (Minha R. Ha) or Academic Advisor (Diana Ali) for more details. 

 

Extracurricular Activities

IE students include varsity athletes, student leaders and volunteers in clubs and program chapters (e.g. Big Sister, Little Sister; Toboggan Team; Robotics Club; Women in Engineering; Engineers Without Borders; and many others). Be it intramural sports, the Engineering Musical, or other pursuits and commitments of interest, we encourage you to get involved on campus! Student Clubs - Faculty of Engineering - Western University.

The IE Club, with a faculty advisor from the Thompson Centre, organizes activities and events that vary year after year. In Winter 2025, the IEC organized a field trip to Toyota Cambridge, to get an exciting tour of their facilities and connect students across BESc Years 1-4. Also in Winter 2025, some of the IE Club members, in collaboration with the Associate Director, will be offering a tailored resume workshop for IE students (and a handful of first year students). Do you see a student need you'd like to help meet? Do you see opportunities for enhanced student community experience in Integrated Engineering? I highly encourage you to connect with the IE Club and discuss possible projects and roles! What the IE Club accomplishes really follows the vision and collaboration that the IE students cultivate. To contact the IE Club and stay in touch: Instagram @uwo_iec; integratedengclub[at]uwo.ca

IE Class Reps (YR2, YR3 and YR4) hold voting seats at the UES Council, and contribute to the student side of the IE Curriculum Committee (working with the Associate Director of IE). IE Class Reps serve as important liaison between students and the Associate Director, identifying any academic issues that benefit from a timely response (e.g. exam schedule conflicts, technical elective selections, study space needs, in-class experiences), and helping make decisions for each cohort (e.g. setting dates for special workshops). IE Class Reps make important inputs on the ongoing program improvement strategies, especially on the curriculum design (e.g. improving course sequence, identifying opportunities for enhanced skills development). 

For current student representatives: undergraduate/integrated-engineering/ie_student_reps

Are you a first year students wishing to receive more information about the Integrated Engineering courses and events, or to book an appointment to discuss your program plans? Submit your request here: 

https://forms.office.com/r/29RshccnCx