University of Waterloo

Courses for your Systems Design Engineering degree

First-year courses

September to December

SYDE 101/SYDE 101L – Communications in Systems Design Engineering/Laboratory
SYDE 111 – Calculus 1
SYDE 113 – Elementary Engineering Math
SYDE 121 – Digital Computation
SYDE 161 – Introduction to Design
SYDE 181 – Physics 1: Statics

May to August

SYDE 102 – Seminar
SYDE 112 – Calculus 2
SYDE 114 – Matrices and Linear Systems
SYDE 162 – Human Factors in Design
SYDE 192/192L – Digital Systems/Lab
SYDE 223 – Data Structures and Algorithms
One approved elective course

This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change.

After first year

See the range of courses available in Systems Design Engineering.
View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

SYDE 261 – Design, Systems, and Society
SYDE 263 – Engineering Prototyping
SYDE 351 – Systems Models 1
SYDE 411 – Optimization and Numerical Methods

Advisors are here to help

You might have a lot of questions. We're here to help! If you have questions, email our admissions staff who would be happy to assist.

Once you're a Waterloo student, you'll have access to academic advisors who can help you

determine your class and lab schedule,
select options and specializations,
ensure that you're meeting the requirements for your degree, and more.

Learn more

Overview of Waterloo's Systems Design Engineering program.