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.
Capstone Design Projects
Each year, graduating Systems Design Engineering and Biomedical Engineering students collaborate in teams to tackle real-world challenges. Applying their knowledge and creativity to engineer solutions that make a difference, students create cutting-edge technology using their design-thinking skills, developed throughout their academic journey. Capstone prepares students to confidently tackle challenges, drive change, and positively impact society as they begin their careers.
In 2024, three BME teams participated in the Esch Pitch Competition: Adapt, Saturn, and ClarifEye. Adapt and Saturn each won $12K while ClarifEye won a $5K People's Choice Award.
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.
News
Advancing human performance in transportation systems: A SYDE graduate’s research journey
SYDE PhD student is pushing the boundaries of evaluating human performance and situation awareness in transportation and aviation systems.
Celebrating a Remarkable Career: Dr. Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam’s Retirement Celebration
The Systems Design Engineering community celebrated Professor Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam (Ponnu)'s remarkable career and inspiring legacy at his retirement party.
SYDE students build an iconic movie car for the fun of it
A multidisciplinary team of Waterloo students, from SYDE, Math and MME, built a life-sized model of the Grumobile in just four days.