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
Rising Stars fellow returns for graduate studies
A summer spent through the Rising Stars Fellowship led David Carciente to a master's in Systems Design Engineering.
Systems Design Engineering professor earns national mentorship award
Dr. Catherine Burns has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Suning Wang Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship.
SYDE PhD student awarded Governor General’s Gold Medal for 2026
This prestigious award recognizes top-performing master's and PhD graduates who have demonstrated world-class and impactful research.
Events
SYDE Department Seminar with Dr. Nadine Marie Moacdieh
Research Seminar with guest speaker Dr. Nadine Marie Moacdieh, Associate Professor at Carleton University.
SYDE Department Seminar with Seth Guikema
Seth Guikema is a Professor in the departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Industrial & Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan as well as the founding Co-Director of the Center for Risk Analysis Informed Decision Engineering at the University of Michigan. He is also a Professor II in the Department of Safety, Economics, and Planning at the University of Stavanger in Norway. He is Past-President and Fellow of the Society for Risk Analysis and currently serves as the Area Editor for the Natural Hazards area in the journal Risk Analysis as well as on the editorial board of several other journals. In January 2027 he will start as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Climate Risk and Resilience Analytics at Western University.
SYDE Department Seminar
Speaker to be announced
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.