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 professor Dr. John McPhee named University Professor
Dr. John McPhee, the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Biomechatronic System Dynamics, was named a University Professor.
SYDE and BME students named recipient and finalists of the Pearl Sullivan Emerging Global Leaders Award
The award recognizes graduating students who have worked to make the Waterloo Engineering community a better place and will take that same energy to a career focused on improving the human condition.
Optimizing light conditions for safer driving
Shene Abdalla, a master’s student in Systems Design Engineering (SYDE), is helping to shed light on how nighttime driving environments affect drivers over age 65.
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.