NMAB19003U Introduction to Quantum Computing

Volume 2019/2020
Education

BSc Programme in Computer Science

BSc Programme in Mathematics

BSc Programme in Physics 
 

Content

This course will provide an introduction to the field of quantum computing and information, covering a variety of topics ranging from computation and cryptography to foundations of quantum physics. Once familiar with the fundamentals, we will explore current research topics and discuss how quantum phenomena give rise to new algorithms for machine learning, quantum computational supremacy, cryptographic schemes with unprecedented security guarantees, and device-independent protocols. 

As part of the exercises, you will run simple quantum programs on an actual, albeit noisy, quantum computer available through the cloud.


The specific topics covered include
- Fundamentals of quantum computing (quantum states, superposition, measurement, unitaries)
- The circuit model (qubits, unitary gates) 
- Basic protocols (teleportation, super dense coding, state discrimination) 
- Basic quantum algorithms (Deutch-Josza, Grover, HHL) and quantum computational supremacy
- Bell inequalities, non-local games, noncontextuality and device-independence
- Basic quantum key-distribution, bit commitment

 

Learning Outcome

Knowledge: the students will have an understanding of the basic principles of quantum information and computing, including knowledge of basic protocols, applications, and algorithms.

Skills: Carry-out computations corresponding to valid transformations of quantum states as a result of measurement or application of unitary gates.

Competencies: Ability to analyze simple quantum protocols and reason about basic information processing capabilities of quantum computers. 

1) Linear algebra: LinAlg or LinAlgDat course or equivalent
2) Basic probability: SS or DMA or StatFys course or equivalent
4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of exercise classes per week for 7 weeks.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 30
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 134
  • Theory exercises
  • 14
  • Total
  • 206
Written
Oral
Individual
Collective

Students will receive written individual feedback on their assignement solutions. Collective oral feedback will be given during lectures and exercise classes regarding the problems/questions posed to the class.

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Oral examination, 25 minutes
The students' performance will be evaluated via
- 3 individual, equally weighted assignments during the term
- Final oral exam (with preparation), where the student presents one randomly selected topic from a previously known list of topics

The assignments will account for 40% and the exam for 60% of the final grade.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

All aids allowed for Assignments

Personally handwritten notes on paper allowed during the 25-minute preparation period before the examination.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners at the oral exam. One internal examiner for the assignments.
Re-exam

Final exam with two internal examiners: a 25 minutes oral exam without preparation or aids.

Criteria for exam assesment

The student must in a satisfactory way demonstrate that he/she has mastered the learning outcomes.