The Department of Systems Design Engineering is a globally unique interdisciplinary department with flexible and innovative programs dedicated to the study of complex systems and their design.
Our undergraduate and graduate programs blend engineering, mathematics, and social sciences to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle today's and tomorrow's most pressing challenges.
Our Systems Design Engineering program teaches students to create innovative solutions to complex problems by thinking holistically. Learn to consider interactions between various system components, work on design projects, and apply design thinking methodologies to real-world challenges.
Our Biomedical Engineering program provides students with the opportunity to create biomechanic and biomedical devices while relating them to biology and physiology to improve quality of life. Learn to develop tools for medical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention utilizing an engineering systems approach.
News
SYDE profs backed by federal research fund
Rodrigo Costa, Moojan Ghafurian and Veronika Magdanz received funding from a federal initiative supporting high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary projects.
SYDE alumni celebrate milestones at reunion 2025
SYDE graduates spanning five decades gathered on campus to reconnect and explore how the department continues to evolve through hands-on research and design education.
SYDE graduate builds community by design
Jocelyne Murphy, recipient of the 2025 Pearl Sullivan Emerging Global Leaders Award, is helping students around the world connect, create and lead with purpose.
Events
Grad Seminar: Design and Evaluation of a Novel Framework Inspired by Affect Control Theory to Create Social Robot Affective Identities
Seminar by Andrea Chakma
Grad Seminar: Agent-based simulation to evaluate the impact of seismic retrofit promotion policies
Seminar by Alireza Ahmadi
Biomedical Engineering Industry Panel
Join us for an engaging Biomedical Engineering (BME) Industry Panel featuring professionals from three innovative companies.
Home to Centre for Society, Technology and Values
The Centre for Society, Technology and Values (CSTV) is a uniquely UWaterloo interdisciplinary centre that sets out to explain and examine social aspects of technology and technological change.