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 congratulates IDEAs Clinic on its tenth anniversary
The Department of Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) proudly celebrates ten years of innovation and collaboration for the Pearl Sullivan Engineering IDEAs Clinic.
New capstone initiative challenges students to reimagine campus accessibility
Waterloo Engineering faculty members partner to launch a new initiative to empower students to reimagine accessibility on campus.
Time Travel Tours: A SYDE undergraduate student’s quest to make virtual reality more accessible for older adults
Aava Sapkota, a third-year Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) student, is making virtual reality (VR) technology accessible for older adults.
Events
CSTV Movie Night: Ex Machina
The Centre for Society, Technology and Values hosts a series of movie screenings and discussions. All Waterloo students, faculty and staff are welcome! Free admission! Free popcorn!
Next up—June 10, 2025—Ex Machina (2014): This movie revisits the classic Frankenstein story in which an artificial person is made to prove herself to her high-tech creators.
See you in E5 6008 at 6:30pm. Bring a friend!
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.