Take part in an exciting hands-on learning opportunity this summer in Ghana!
SYDE 599 is an experiential, undergraduate-level field course hosted at Ashesi University in Ghana, West Africa, focused on applying systems design thinking to the study of water security.
Over the course of 2.5 weeks in early May 2027, students will explore the issue of water insecurity and examine its far-reaching impacts on public health and wellbeing. Through a combination of classroom instruction and immersive field experiences, students will investigate how technical, social, and ecological systems intersect at the water–health nexus. Activities will include hands-on experience in water sampling and analysis, application of qualitative research methods, and site visits to water treatment facilities, local NGOs, national parks, and more.
This course, taught by Alexa Bennett, is open to 12 students and intended for upper-year undergraduates in Systems Design Engineering, but is open to students across the faculties of Engineering and Environment. No prior knowledge of the course content is needed. Students will earn a 0.5 course credit, which can count toward their Complementary Studies Elective requirements.
This opportunity is partially funded by an alumni donor which covers the cost of the course fee (including all activities in Ghana), accommodation, and meals. We expect students to enrol in the course on a co-op work term and be able to return for a work term from June to August.
Important dates:
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November 24: Virtual information session at 6:00PM (MS Teams)
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December 4: Application deadline — complete the form below
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December 15: Selected students are notified by email
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January (date TBD) : Mandatory information session for participating students
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April: Mandatory pre-departure training day for participating students
If you are not able to attend the information session and have questions about the course, please reach out to alexa.bennett@uwaterloo.ca
Apply for the field course in Ghana - Deadline December 4, 2026
