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
Vanier Scholar is improving heatwave resilience
Irfhana Zakir Hussain, a PhD student in the School of Public Health Sciences and Systems Design Engineering, has been awarded a 2025 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
Thinking inside the box
Biomedical Engineering (BME) students learn to translate on paper concepts into reality in the second-year design course, BME 261: Prototyping, Simulation and Design.
SYDE profs backed by federal research fund
Rodrigo Costa, Moojan Ghafurian and Veronika Magdanz received funding from a federal initiative supporting high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary projects.
Events
Biomedical Engineering Industry Panel
Join us for an engaging Biomedical Engineering (BME) Industry Panel featuring professionals from three innovative companies.
SYDE Alumni Talk with Dylan Horvath
SYDE alumni Dylan Horvath returns to campus to share lessons from founding medtech firm, Cortex Design
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.