Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2007-2008

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Notes:

  1. The numbering of Systems Design Engineering courses is as follows:
  2. The majority of Systems Design courses are given on the basis of 3 formal lectures and 1 tutorial hour each week. The department endeavours to ensure that the formal course schedule remains below 30 hours per week in each term. Beyond this, other, less formally scheduled, meetings between students and faculty are required. It is expected that the average student will spend, in total, between 45 and 55 hours per week on her/his studies.
  3. In the event of extraordinary circumstances, the department reserves the right to not offer certain elective courses at the 4XX/5XX level.

The Undergraduate Calendar is published by the Office of the Registrar, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada

Contact Information: Need academic advisement help? If so, please direct your inquiry to the appropriate Undergraduate Faculty Advisor by visiting
the Undergraduate Faculty Advisors page on the Registrar's Office website for contact information.
If you are reporting technical problems and broken links in the calendar, send an email to roucal@uwaterloo.ca.
All other inquiries may be directed to: registrar@uwaterloo.ca.

SYDE 100s


SYDE 101 LAB,SEM 0.13Course ID: 009341
Seminar
Systems Design first year students will meet with a faculty member designated as their class professor. In the seminar period, assignment performance, conceptual difficulties with courses, interrelation of coursework, and an introduction to the university environment will be discussed. In the lab session aspects of Engineering practice will be discussed, including Engineering professional development, résumé skills, interview skills, the co-op system, and preparation for the upcoming co-op term. Credit course. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 1A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 102 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009342
Seminar
Systems Design first year students will meet with a faculty member designated as their class professor. Performance in assignments, conceptual difficulties with courses, interrelation of coursework, later work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 1B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 111 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008925
Calculus 1
The limit, continuity, and inverse functions. Integral calculus: fundamental theorems, integral as an area, indefinite integrals, methods of integration. Areas, volume, work, impulse and energy; polar coordinates; sequences, series and convergence. [Offered: F]
Prereq: OAC Calculus or 4U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus; Open only to students in Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: MATH 107 or 116 or 117 or 127 or 137/147

SYDE 112 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008926
Calculus 2
Intermediate and mean value theorems, L'Hopital's rule. Taylor/Maclaurin and other power series, convergence and applications. Functions of two variables, partial derivatives, Jacobian, gradient, extrema, series. [Offered: S]
Prereq: SYDE 111; Open only to students in Systems Design Engineering;
Antireq: MATH 108 or 118 or 119 or 128 or 138/148

SYDE 114 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008928
Linear Algebra
Vector spaces. Matrix algebra. Linear maps. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Diagonalization. Inner product spaces and orthogonality. Systems of linear equations. [Offered: S]
Prereq: OAC Algebra and Geometry or 4U Geometry and Discrete Mathematics; Open only to students in Systems Design Engineering;
Antireq: MATH 114 or 115 or 125 or 136/146

SYDE 121 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008929
Digital Computation
Computer systems, problem solving, data and programs, structured programming, arrays, matrices and pointers, correct and efficient algorithms, data structures. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 1A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 142 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008932
Introduction to Human Systems
Ergonomics -- the man-machine environment, human sensory processes, information processing, motor function. Introduction to biomedical engineering. Introduction to cognitive ergonomics. [Offered: S]
Prereq: (1B Systems Design Engineering) or Ergonomics Option or Biomechanics Option

SYDE 161 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.75Course ID: 008933
Introduction to Systems Design Engineering
Defining systems design, systems concepts, system sciences. Systems problem solving: identification, analysis and design. Graphics: engineering drawing, projections, descriptive geometry, points planes and lines. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 1A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 181 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008934
Physics 1 (Statics)
Basic concepts of mechanics, vectors. Statics of particles. Rigid bodies and force systems, equilibrium of rigid bodies. Analysis of trusses and frames. Distributed forces, centroids and moments of inertia. Friction. Virtual work. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 1A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 182 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008935
Physics 2 (Dynamics)
Kinematics of particles, rectilinear and curvilinear motion. Kinetics of particles, application to space mechanics. Energy and momentum methods. Systems of particles. Kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies; planar motion. Vibrations. [Offered: S, W]
Prereq: 1B Systems Design Engineering or 2A Mechatronics Engineering students only

SYDE 183 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008936
Chemistry
Concepts of electronic structure, atomic and molecular bonding, shapes of molecules; reactivity, energetics, chemical behaviour. Acidity, basicity and buffer solutions. Solids: ionic and covalent crystals, crystal defects. Oxidation and corrosion. Organic chemistry -- common functional groups and reactions, including polymer-forming reactions; fibers, plastics and rubber. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 1A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 192 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008938
Digital Systems
Digital technology, combinatorial logic, binary arithmetic, synchronous sequential circuits, design methodology, algorithmic state machines, microcomputer interfacing. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 1B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 200s


SYDE 201 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009343
Seminar
Systems Design second-year students will meet a faculty member designated as their class professor. Performance in assignments, conceptual difficulties with courses, interrelation of coursework, later work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 2A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 202 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009344
Seminar
Systems Design second-year students will meet a faculty member designated as their class professor. Performance in assignments, conceptual difficulties with courses, interrelation of coursework, later work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 2B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 211 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008939
Differential Equations
First order differential equations, existence and uniqueness theorems, solution methods, second and higher order differential equations. Forced and free solutions to differential equations, transient and steady state solutions, applications, systems of differential equations. Laplace transforms with applications to differential equations. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 2A Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: MATH 218

SYDE 213 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008941
Probability
Probability models, random sampling, distribution functions, independent experiments, conditional probability, Bayes Theorem. Discrete and continuous variates; mean and variance, covariance and correlation. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 2A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 214 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008942
Statistics
Likelihood methods, two parameter likelihoods, frequency properties, tests of significance. Analysis of Normal measurements. Applications to statistical quality and process control. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 2B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 223 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008957
Data Structures and Algorithms
Algorithms and Data Structures emphasizes the following topics: structured software design data structures, abstract data types, recursive algorithms, algorithm analysis and design, sorting and searching, hashing, and problem-solving strategies. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (2A Systems Design Engineering) or Computer Engineering Option.
Antireq: ECE 250, GENE 240/MTE 140, CS 240

SYDE 252 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008945
Linear Systems and Signals
Models and analysis of linear systems. Discrete time systems, continuous time systems; difference and differential equations; impulse and frequency response. Complex frequency, functions of complex variables, transform domain techniques: Z transforms; Fourier analysis, Laplace transform. Transfer functions and frequency response, frequency domain analysis of linear systems; sampling theory, stability, and linear filters. [Offered: F]
Prereq: Level at least 2B Systems Design or MTE 202 and level at least 2B Mechatronics Engineering

SYDE 281 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008948
Mechanics of Deformable Solids
Introduction to mechanical response of materials and stress-strain relationship. Behaviour of prismatic members in tension, compression, shear, bending and torsion. Shear-force and bending-moment diagrams. Introduction to instability. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 2A Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: CIVE 204, ME 219

SYDE 282 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008949
Fluid Mechanics
Fundamental concepts in systems involving fluid flow. Basic treatment of statics, kinematics and dynamics of fluids. Conservation of mass, momentum and energy for a control volume. Dimensional analysis and similarity. Flow in pipes and channels. Brief introduction to boundary layers, lift and drag, ideal and compressible flow. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 2B Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: ME 351

SYDE 283 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008950
Physics 3 (Electricity, Magnetism and Optics)
Introduction to the fundamental laws of electricity, magnetism and optics; electric fields, voltage, resistance, current, properties of conductors and semiconductors, capacitance, properties of dielectrics, magnetic fields, Faraday's Law and inductance, properties of magnetic materials; electromagnetic waves and the nature of light, geometrical optics: reflection and refraction, physical optics: interference and diffraction. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 2A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 292 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008952
Circuits, Instrumentation, and Measurements
Active and passive circuit elements, Kirchhoff's laws, mesh and nodal circuit analysis, principle of superposition; step response of first and second order networks; sinusoidal steady state analysis using complex impedance phasors; input-output relationships, transfer functions and frequency response of linear systems; operational amplifiers, operational amplifier circuits using negative or positive feedback; diodes, operational amplifier circuits using diodes; analog signal detection, conditioning and conversion systems; transducers, difference and instrumentation amplifiers, active filters, A/D and D/A conversion. [Offered: F]
Prereq: (2B Systems Design Engineering) or Mechatronics Option

SYDE 300s


SYDE 301 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009345
Seminar
Systems Design third year students will meet with a faculty member designated as their class professor. Performance in assignments, conceptual difficulties with courses, interrelation of coursework, later work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 3A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 302 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009346
Seminar
Systems Design third year students will meet with a faculty member designated as their class professor. Performance in assignments, conceptual difficulties with courses, interrelation of coursework, later work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 3B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 311 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008953
Engineering Optimization
This course focuses on the optimization (also called deterministic or mathematical programming) part of "operations research" -- the branch of engineering science that approaches large-scale operations problems in design and decision making by forming mathematical models of relevant problem phenomena and analyzing the models to evaluate decision alternatives. We discuss how problems are classified, we practice formulating optimization models, and we learn solution techniques that are most often used in practice. [Offered: S]
Prereq: SYDE 114; Level at least 3A Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: MSCI 331

SYDE 312 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008954
Numerical Methods
Introduction to numerical techniques for engineering problems. Topics covered include: source of computational error; solutions to linear and non-linear equations; matrix factorization; eigensystems; numerical interpolation and approximation; numerical integration, solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. Introduction to data structures and their application. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 3B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 322 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008943
Software Design
Software development process; software requirement specification; software design; software testing and quality assurance; software maintenance; software management; case studies. [Offered: W]
Prereq: SYDE 223/324 or GENE 240/MTE 140 or CS 240 or ECE 250; Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering or Software Option for Engineers.
Antireq: ECE 355, GENE 342

SYDE 331 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008958
Engineering Economics
This course is designed to satisfy Engineering Economics requirements of the Canadian Accreditation Board. Price and output decisions. Choosing among alternative inputs and production processes. Evaluating alternative investments, equipment service life, and new products. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 3A Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: MSCI 261

SYDE 334 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008961
Applied Statistics
Review of basic Normal theory, t, chi-squared, and F distributions. Simple linear regression. Lack of fit. Analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression, variable selection techniques, indicator variables, diagnostics. Brief introduction to non-linear regression, factorial experimentation. [Offered: W]
Prereq: SYDE 214 and Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: STAT 331, 361, 371

SYDE 348 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010066
User Centred Design Methods
This course approaches the design tasks, tools, products and systems from a user-centered design persepective. Emphasis is on the human factors and usability methods and techniques that can and should be applied throughout the iterative design process. While design issues pertaining to human-computer interaction are discussed, the methods presented can be applied to the design of almost any user interface. Major topics include: function and task analysis, usability analysis, prototyping and evaluation, user interaction styles, interface design, user designing to guidelines and standards. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or Ergonomics Option or Biomechanics Option

SYDE 351 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008964
Systems Models 1
Introduction to systems modelling and analysis. Graph theoretic models and formulation of system equations. State space formulation and solution. Time and frequency domain solutions. Application to engineering systems. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 3A Systems Design Engineering or (MATH 115 and MTE 202 and level at least 3A Mechatronics Engineering)

SYDE 352 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008965
Introduction to Control Systems
Classical and state space representations of control systems. Stability, controllability, observability and sensitivity. Routh-Hurwitz and root-locus methods. Frequency domain behaviour, Bode plots, Nyquist stability criteria. Pole placement, PID, phase-lead and phase-lag controllers.(labs alt. weeks) [Offered: W]
Prereq: 3B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 361 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008968
Introduction to Design
The methodology of design: defects, needs and the problem definition; criteria and generation of alternative solutions; feasibility analysis; optimization; selection, implementation and solution. The lecture material is supplemented by a term long design project done in small groups. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 3A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 362 LAB,LEC 0.50Course ID: 008969
Systems Design Workshop 1
Engineering design project course where students work in small groups applying the principles of engineering problem solving, systems analysis, simulation, optimization and design to a problem of their own choosing. Students have individual project supervisors as well as an overall coordinator who provides the framework for the term projects. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 3B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 372 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008972
Introduction to Pattern Recognition
Pattern recognition as a process of data analysis. Pattern features as components in a random vector representation. Classification techniques: distance measures in feature space, probabilistic (Bayesian) decision theory, linear discriminants. Clustering and feature extraction. Applications: optical character recognition, speech recognition, industrial robot vision, medical diagnosis, remote sensing and satellite image analysis, fault detection and diagnosis in complex systems such as nuclear reactors. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Mechatronics Option or Biomechanics Option

SYDE 381 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008973
Thermodynamics
An introductory course in engineering thermodynamics structured for students in Systems Design. Classical thermodynamics is presented as the systematic study of energy; its use, degradation, and waste. Applications focus on problems of energy and environment. The concepts of statistical thermodynamics are introduced briefly and their connections with information theory are described. [Offered: S]
Prereq: 3A Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: ME 250

SYDE 382 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008974
Modelling and Simulation of Mechanical Systems
Introduction to dynamic analysis of mechanical systems; review of planar kinematics and dynamics; basic concepts in kinematics of mechanical systems; position, velocity, and acceleration analysis of two-dimensional linkages and machines; dynamics of rigid body systems; solution of equations of motion to obtain time response and reaction forces; application to planar mechanisms, robots, and vehicles; extension to three-dimensional systems; computer-aided simulation and animation; introduction to advanced concepts in multibody dynamics. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or Mechatronics Option or Biomechanics Option.
Antireq: ME 321

SYDE 400s


SYDE 401 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009347
Seminar
Systems Design fourth-year students will meet with a faculty member designated as their class professor. Conceptual difficulties, the interrelation of course work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 4A Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 402 SEM 0.00Course ID: 009348
Seminar
Systems Design fourth-year students will meet with a faculty member designated as their class professor. Conceptual difficulties, the interrelation of course work and engineering practice will be discussed. Non-credit course. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 4B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 422 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008981
Machine Intelligence
The objective of this course is to introduce the students to current intelligent system concepts. An overview of different learning schemes will be provided, including: Decision Tree, Bayesian, Inductive, Analytical and Rule-based Learning. The main focus of the course will be on Neural Nets, Genetic Algorithms and Reinforcement Learning. [Offered: W]
Prereq: One of SYDE 223/324, GENE 240/MTE 140, ECE 250, CS 240 and Systems Design Engineering or level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering or Mechatronics Option or Computer Engineering Option

SYDE 423 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008982
Computer Algorithm Design and Analysis
Design of efficient algorithms and methods for their analysis, mathematical algorithms, string processing algorithms, geometrical algorithms, exhaustive search and traversal techniques, introduction to a lower bound theory and NP-completeness, examples from engineering problems. [Offered: F]
Prereq: One of SYDE 223/324, GENE 240/MTE 140, ECE 250, CS 240 and Systems Design Engineering or level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering or Mechatronics Option or Computer Engineering Option

SYDE 444 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008988
Biomedical Engineering: Human Function and its Measurement
This course develops an understanding of the fundamental concepts of biomedical engineering through the review of the basic functioning aspects of several major physiological systems, through the analysis of mathematical models used to represent the systems and through the study of techniques used to measure pertinent parameters of these systems. In addition, a number of current clinically used medical imaging techniques are covered. The major physiological systems covered include the neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Imaging techniques analyzed include X-ray, CT Scan, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Biomechanics option

SYDE 454 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008991
Computer Simulation of Systems
System modelling, simulation techniques for continuous and discrete systems; special purpose computer languages for systems simulation; examples and applications in a variety of areas. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Biomechanics option or Mechatronics Option

SYDE 461 LAB,LEC 0.50Course ID: 008993
Systems Design Workshop 2
The first half of a two term engineering design project continuing the systems design workshop sequence. An interim progress report is presented at the end of the first term. [Offered: F]
Prereq: 4A Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: GENE 461

SYDE 462 LAB,LEC 0.50Course ID: 008994
Systems Design Workshop 3
The concluding half of the fourth year Systems Design Workshop. [Offered: W]
Prereq: 4B Systems Design Engineering.
Antireq: GENE 462

SYDE 500s


SYDE 511 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 008999
Optimization Methods for Stochastic Systems
A continuation of SYDE 311, with the emphasis on stochastic operations research models. Topics will include: introductory time series analysis and queuing theory, Markov decision processes, and stochastic programming. Models for optimization of large systems under uncertainty. [Offered: F]
Prereq: SYDE 311; Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering

SYDE 524 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 011761
Embedded Real-time Systems Design
Introduction to Embedded Systems and Real-time Systems. Hard versus soft Real-time Systems. Real-time issues in computer architecture. Clocks and timing issues. Correctness and predictability. Structuring and describing Real-time software. Clock Synchronization. Real-time objects and atomicity. Validation of timing constraints. Formal Real-time systems design and analysis techniques: process-based, event-based, and Petri Nets. Resource management and control, Real-time scheduling and task allocation (Uni-processor and Multi-processor). Hardware/Software Co-design. Design for dependability, reliability and fault tolerance. Real-time programming. [Offered: W]
Prereq: One of SYDE 192, ECE 223, ME 262, PHYS 353 or SE 141 and (level at least 3B Electrical, Computer, Software or Systems Design Engineering) or (level at least 4A Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering)

SYDE 533 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 009003
Conflict Analysis
Formal methods for studying engineering decision making problems involving multiple participants and multiple objectives. Topics include the graph model for conflict resolution, metagame analysis, games with misperceptions, preference elicitation, human behaviour under conflict, evolution of a conflict, decision making under uncertainty, sensitivity analyses, multiple criteria decision analysis, bargaining and negotiation, decision support systems, and real-world applications of the foregoing concepts. [Offered: F]

SYDE 534 LAB,LEC 0.50Course ID: 010166
Remote Sensing Systems
A survey of modern quantitative remote sensing using optical, infrared, and microwave radiation, Physical principles of EM propagation and interaction between radiation and terrestrial and atmospheric materials. Principles and operation of sensor systems. Principles of pattern recognition and image processing techniques unique to remote sensing. Applications of remote sensing to monitoring vegetation, soil, oceans, and inland waters and snow and ice. [Offered: W]
Prereq: SYDE 252 or ECE 342; (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Mechatronics Option

SYDE 542 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010067
Interface Design
This course focuses on the design of computer interfaces for simple to complex systems. Examples of applications will be used to illustrate theoretical approaches. Main topics include: forms of visual display; auditory display and soft controls; context, integration, and navigation; techniques for interface design; ecological interface design. [Offered: W]
Prereq: One of SYDE 142 or 348 or 543 and Systems Design Engineering or (level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Ergonomics Option

SYDE 543 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 009006
Cognitive Ergonomics
This course focuses on the role engineering psychology research plays in design of the information displays and devices associated with simple and complex cognitive tasks. Main topics include: signal detection and target location tasks, navigation tasks, training tasks, communication tasks, human error, stress and mental workload, supervisory control, and situational awareness. [Offered: F]
Prereq: Systems Design Engineering or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Ergonomics Option or Biomechanics Option

SYDE 551 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009009
Advanced Graph Theoretic Methods
The theory of linear graphs as applied to linear systems analysis; definitions, properties and theorems are developed on a rigorous basis. Introduction and review of graph theoretic modelling in the Laplace domain; the branch, chord, nodal and mixed or hybrid methods. Modelling large systems in terms of subsystems; tree transformations, multi terminal representations, interconnection of multi port subsystems. Development of the state model using graph theory and its solution. There will also be an introduction to additional topics such as sensitivity analysis, probabilistic systems, and tolerance optimization. Students apply the material in an individual course project. [Offered: F]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering)

SYDE 553 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 009010
Advanced Dynamics
Newtonian and Eulerian formulation of particle and rigid body kinematics and dynamics. Energy (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian) formulations of particle and rigid body dynamics; generalized coordinates, generalized forces, holonomic constraints, Lagrange multipliers. [Offered: F]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Mechatronics Option or Biomechanics Option

SYDE 554 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 009011
Systems Models 2
This course focuses on methods for parameter and tolerance design that ensure system responses meet specifications with low variability and low cost. Topics include: system models from mechanistic (linear graph-based) and empirical methods; quality metrics in terms of sensitivities, second moments and probability of conformance; production and loss of quality costs; gradient-based methods and constrained optimization to provide designs for minimum total cost, minimum cost for set quality, and best quality for set cost. Examples come from industrial processes, as well as hydraulic, electrical, and mechatronic systems. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering)

SYDE 555 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 009012
Modelling of Continuum Systems
Finite difference methods as they are applied to boundary value problems in solid mechanics and heat transfer analysis. Use of the finite difference method in the solutions of systems of higher order differential equations. The finite element method as it is applied to problems from structural and thermal analysis. Foundations and important principles of the finite element method. [Offered: F]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at Least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Mechatronics Option or Biomechanics Option.
Antireq: CIVE 422, ME 559

SYDE 556 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012084
Simulating Neurobiological Systems
This course develops and applies a general framework for understanding neural computation in the context of recent advances in theoretical and experimental neuroscience. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding representation, nonlinear computation, and dynamics in real neurobiological systems. Students will apply signal processing, control theory, linear algebra, probability theory, and similar quantitative tools for the purpose of modelling sensory, motor, and cognitive systems. Topics covered include single neuron function, neural coding, neural dynamics, attractor networks, learning, statistical inference, locomotion, working memory, etc. Familiarity with neural systems is helpful but not essential.
[Note: Offered: W]
Prereq: SYDE 252 or ECE 342

SYDE 558 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009013
Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks
Fuzzy systems and neural networks have recently become widely applied to various areas including consumer products, mechatronics systems, industrial process control, information systems, pattern and speech recognition, and prediction of future stock prices to name a few. Fuzzy logic and neural networks share the common ability to improve the decision making process for systems characterized by ill-defined dynamics and working in an imprecise environment. For fuzzy systems this is done through linguistic description of the system by combining fuzzy sets with fuzzy rules following a well-structured numerical estimation procedure. For neural networks, this is done through detecting patterns and relationships from a set of training input-output data gathered from the system, while learning from relationships and adapting to change. The course is mainly intended as introductory material for fuzzy logic and neural networks and outlines the most recent developments in these areas and their applications for intelligent systems design. [Offered: W]
Prereq: (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Mechatronics Option

SYDE 575 LAB,LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 009016
Image Processing
Beginning with a discussion of quantitative models of imaging systems, this course moves on to apply methods of linear systems theory and signal processing to image processing. Simple spatial domain techniques as well as spatial frequency domain methods and digital filter design for image enhancement and restoration are discussed. Special topics in application areas of machine vision (segmentation and feature extraction), remote sensing, medical imaging and vision models are presented throughout the term. (labs alt. weeks) [Offered: F]
Prereq: SYDE 252 or ECE 342; (Level at least 3B Systems Design Engineering) or (Level at least 4A Mechatronics Engineering) or Mechatronics Option or Biomechanics Option

The Undergraduate Calendar is published by the Office of the Registrar, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada

Contact Information: Need academic advisement help? If so, please direct your inquiry to the appropriate Undergraduate Faculty Advisor by visiting
the Undergraduate Faculty Advisors page on the Registrar's Office website for contact information.
If you are reporting technical problems and broken links in the calendar, send an email to roucal@uwaterloo.ca.
All other inquiries may be directed to: registrar@uwaterloo.ca.