Introduction to Quantum Computing is a four-week online course that familiarizes learners with the core principles of quantum computing and some of its areas of practical application.
The course will review the history of classical and quantum computing, introduce and detail the ways in which the nature of quantum computing is fundamentally different from that of classical computation, and familiarize learners with the core principles and areas of practical application of quantum computing. It will consider the implications of quantum computing on business, engineering, science, and technology in light of the new capabilities and advances in existing capabilities afforded by quantum computing over classical computing.
This course is well suited for technical professionals and leaders in business, government, and technology who want to develop an understanding of the business and technical implications of quantum computing. Additionally, because quantum computing is in its earliest stages as an industry, all learners interested in leading the quantum revolution within their field are encouraged to join the course to get started!
Due to the technical nature of the course, it is strongly recommended that learners possess basic knowledge of linear algebra fundamentals, especially vector and matrix multiplication methods. Linear algebra is at the core of quantum computing algorithms. For more information about prerequisite knowledge, please visit this FAQ article.
The coursework features video lectures, real-world case studies, interactive projects, practice activities with immediate feedback, as well as a self-reflection with peer-review. As the capstone project, you will utilize the IBM Quantum Experience—a real quantum computer—to implement and run the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm.
A faculty-led webinar will allow learners the opportunity to ask course-related questions and allow instructors to expand on the course content, referencing examples from their own experience advancing the field of quantum computing.
Learners will disentangle the promise of quantum computing from the hype. You will discover and explore how quantum computers are not simply smaller, faster versions of today's computers, but a fundamentally new paradigm for processing information, with the potential to vastly exceed the performance of conventional computers in especially challenging problems of importance to humankind and businesses alike, in areas like: Cybersecurity, Materials science, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Machine learning, Optimization, and more.
The first weeks of the course will introduce learners to the historical forces from which quantum computing emerged and explore the parallels between the role classical computing played in the 20th century and the potential role quantum computing may play for the 21st century. You will learn to understand the foundational aspects of quantum computing—quantum bits, bloch spheres and quantum gates—and practice the basic concepts, including the mathematical tools required in the rest of the course.
You will be introduced to different quantum computing approaches, focusing on two leading modalities: Trapped ions and superconductor qubits. And you will explore the concept of decoherence and quantum bit robustness as one of the most significant obstacles in quantum computing.
The third week of the course will focus on quantum algorithms, investigating the potential computational power of quantum comptuers: quantum advance and quantum speed-up, and current industry perspectives on quantum computing. You will review the fundamentals of quantum communication and current communication protocols and hear from several leading industrial and start-up efforts targeting quantum computing, including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and others.
In the final week, you will investigate classical and quantum circuit models—comparing and contrasting them at a high level—and study the Deutsch-Josza Algorithm. You will learn to program a version of the algorithm for one- and two-qubit systems using OpenQASM’s visual composer. Finally, you will participate in the IBM Quantum Experience and implement the Deutsch-Josza Algorithm on a real quantum computer. Please review the Course Schedule for more details.
You will become familiar with the current state and potential of quantum computers, along with the most significant obstacles to practical implementation and applications. You will learn to think differently about the present reality and the future of computing, and the place, implications, and promise of Quantum Computing for business, engineering, science, and technology. You will explore and connect the challenges of quantum computing to potential risks and rewards within your industry, and gain firsthand experience working with a real quantum computer.