Welcome to Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo

Established over 40 years ago, the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo was the first-of-its-kind in Canada, and still is, hosting the most flexible programs and interdisciplinary areas of research. Systems design covers technical, environmental, socioeconomic and political aspects of the engineering process using systems design methodology.

Our community is home to more than 700 students, 35+ dedicated faculty and supportive staff, with thousands of alumni worldwide – including some of the most successful entrepreneurs to graduate from Waterloo.

News

Nov. 12, 2018Systems Design Engineering lab joins growing ethical AI partnership
A research group at Waterloo Engineering is the first Canadian academic member of a global organization dedicated to studying and formulating best practices on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The Vision and Image Processing (VIP) Lab in systems design engineering was announced yesterday as one of 10 new organizations in the Partnership on AI to Benefit People and Society.
Nov. 12, 2018AI system could resolve bottlenecks in drug research
Engineering researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new system that could significantly speed up the discovery of new drugs and reduce the need for costly and time-consuming laboratory tests.

The new technology, called Pattern to Knowledge (P2K), can predict the binding of biosequences in seconds and potentially reduce bottlenecks in drug research.
Nov. 1, 2018SYDE Class of 1977 Endows Undergraduate Award
The graduates of the Class of 1977 Systems Design Engineering have established an annual award to recognize a student entering the fourth year of Systems Design Engineering or Biomedical Engineering. A combination of talents, interests and accomplishment describe the 54 unique individuals who survived the many trials and triumphs of the Systems Design Engineering Class of 1977, so the award recognizes students who have demonstrated accomplishment and creativity in (but not limited to) sports, politics, academics, work terms, philanthropy, business, the arts, and community service.