Welcome to Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo
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 interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs blend engineering, mathematics, and social sciences to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the most pressing technological challenges of today and tomorrow. In addition to our new Biomedical Engineering program, Systems Design remains committed to Human Factors, Mechatronics, and Societal and Environmental Systems.
Capstone Design Projects
Each year, graduating Systems Design Engineering and Biomedical Engineering students collaborate in teams to tackle real-world challenges. Applying their knowledge and creativity to engineer solutions that make a difference, students create cutting-edge technology using their design-thinking skills, developed throughout their academic journey. Capstone prepares students to confidently tackle challenges, drive change, and positively impact society as they begin their careers.
In 2024, three BME teams participated in the Esch Pitch Competition: Adapt, Saturn, and ClarifEye. Adapt and Saturn each won $12K while ClarifEye won a $5K People's Choice Award.
News
IBET fellowship supports student’s PhD research ambitions
Kimathi Kaai, a master’s student in Systems Design Engineering, has been awarded the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology Momentum Fellowship, enabling him to pursue AI-based imaging innovations.
Making the cut: PARS accelerates cancer diagnosis
Biomedical Engineering researchers create an AI-powered digital imaging system to speed up biopsy results.
Alumni’s company launches AI-powered video generation tool
Vidyard, Co-founded by Systems Design Engineering Alum Michael Litt, plans to introduce an AI Avatar feature to its Messages platform.
Events
Research Seminar - Engineering Biomaterials for Drug Delivery Targeting Inflammation in the Gut
Presenter: Dr. Sufeng Zhang
A systems-level view into surgical robotics with Robert Amelard
Join Robert Amelard, Sr Imaging Software Engineer at Intuitive Surgical, for a deep dive into developing surgical robotics from a software perspective.