This abstract model can be rigorously represented as a mathematical system of equations, studied further with analysis software, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software. The model will have captured the important aspects of the domain under consideration, so that a tractable solution can be defined with available technologies. In fact, the very feasibility of today's most demanding engineering projects may depend on the balanced insight that is needed to assemble the best combination of human and technical resources to fulfill the required objectives. This is the kind of knowledge provided by the department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo . Systems design engineering is a relatively new branch of engineering, and integrates selected material from other programs within the Faculty of Engineering that have relevance and applicability in most systems contexts.
Students can specialize further according to their preferences in the latter half of the program.
Systems design engineering is multidisciplinary and works at many levels of abstraction. The systems design engineer is a most adaptable individual, and among the most capable people in society. Finally, systems design engineering prepares the student for leadership in a complex technological society that requires interdisciplinary thinking capability to meet future needs for complex, balanced decision-making.