This module has a significant practical component, consisting of hands-on programming of quantum algorithms throughout the course to embed concepts with computational classes and project work. There will be both standalone classes to validate concepts, as well as practicals designed around the qiskit quantum emulation environment for constructing more complicated operators and quantum circuits to implement their own quantum algorithms. These will make up a significant portion of the assessment, with an individual computational project.

Possible topics could include:

• Fundamentals of quantum information: Bloch spheres, Hilbert space, unitary operations, reversability, superposition and measurement
• Entangled states: Tensor products, quantum operations, separable states, Bell states, universal gate sets, Schmidt decomposition
• Classical to quantum circuits and reversability
• Non-linearity in quantum computation
• Current hardware concepts, limitations and prospects
• Quantum algorithms: Deutsch-Jozsa, QFT, Phase estimation, Hamiltonian simulation
• Fidelity, noise and decoherence, entanglement entropy, entanglement as a resource
• Introduction to quantum cryptography/teleportation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• Select and apply principles and concepts of quantum information processing appropriate to describe operations ranging from single qubit manipulation on the Bloch sphere to entangled multi-qubit setups, the underpinning state space, Pauli operators and the gates necessary for universal quantum computers
• Evaluate the limitations of quantum computation, projective/POVM measurements, using fundamental theorems such as no-cloning theorem, as well as the potential of quantum devices, synthesizing information from a diversity of sources in this rapidly expanding field
• Design circuit diagrams, their translation to/from matrix operations, and perform simple operations
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the core aspects of key quantum algorithms, including Deutsch-Jozsa, quantum Fourier Transform and Hamiltonian simulation
• Demonstrate the ability to apply these principles into a practical framework, with hands-on programming in a quantum emulation environment to mimic and test the application of quantum algorithms.

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent in Physics: Quantum Mechanics
• A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study
• English language band D (for example, IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill).

Assessment

You will be assessed via coursework and examination, as follows:

• Coursework = 30%
• Examination = 70%

This is an on-campus module. Lectures will be held on a single day of the week, each week, during term time. You will be expected to be on-campus for these. Exact dates and times will be confirmed upon enrolment.