Systems Design Engineering

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

  1. May 18, 2017Systems Design Engineering Professors and Alumni Featured in University of Waterloo Magazine

    Three professors (Dr. Alexander Wong, Dr. John Zelek, and Dr. John Yeow) along with three alumni (Kurtis McBride (Miovision),  Morteza Ahmadi (Qidni Labs), and Cameron Piron (Synaptic Medical) were featured in three different articles in the Spring issue of the University of Waterloo Magazine:

  2. May 3, 2017Dr. Alexander Wong featured in Maclean's magazine article about conversational artificial intelligence

    Dr. Alexander Wong, a Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering, was one of the scientists interviewed in a Maclean's magazine article about the rise of conversational artificial intelligence.

    A re-post of the full Maclean's magazine article can be found on Canadian Business.

  3. Apr. 21, 2017SYDE'17 student Adam Thompson on UW A Cappella Group Water Boys to compete in ICCA Finals

    Adam Thompson is a SYDE 4B student who is a member of the Water Boys A Cappella group that will be competing at the International Competition in New York City this weekend. Apparently, they are the first Ontario team and only the second Canadian team to reach the ICCA Finals competition. The fact that the group is mostly made up of Math and Engineering students competing against Music majors is impressive as well. Read more.

Read all news

Events

  1. June 9, 2017Entrepreneurship: What to build beyond your startup

    Explore and expand your growth mindset with Lyon Wong, SYDE ‘03, cofounder Spectrum 28.

    This event will focus on building a solid foundation for all your future endeavors (whether entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial) and assist you in achieving your aspirations. You will be encouraged to explore and expand your growth mindset as you are asked to examine your core values and motivations. Established founder teams will gain insight into their "founder framework" and be able to immediately apply key findings to improve their personal effectiveness.

All upcoming events