Introduction to Quantum Computing

Course overview, policies


About
Modules
Coursework

  • Instructor: Prof. Rahul Simha
  • Time/place: Tuesdays/Thursday 3.45 - 5.00 pm, Tompkins-208

  • Office Hours: 4-5pm Mondays, online (zoom/webex will be posted in Blackboard).
    Note: If nobody shows up in the first 10 minutes, the online session will be terminated.

  • TA: TBD

  • Prerequisites: Linear Algebra (CS-4342 or Math-2184 or Math-2185), Calculus-I

  • Official catalog description: Foundations of quantum computing, Dirac notation, complex vector spaces, representations of states. Single and multiple qubits, entanglement, measurement. Quantum computation with the standard circuit model. Adiabatic quantum computation. Quantum algorithms and communication protocols, EPR paradox, Bell’s theorem.

  • Informal course description: Quantum Computing is one of the most exciting new technologies at the forefront of science and technology. Government and private investment worldwide is believe to exceed $10B/year to fuel the development of this field. This course is about how it works, how the strange properties of light and matter (example: quantum teleportation) are exploited to achieve computational and cryptographic breakthroughs.

  • Learning outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able to:
    • Develop skill in working with abstractions underlying quantum computing
    • Solve problems involving simple circuits
    • Develop an understanding of core ideas in quantum computation and communication
    • Develop an understanding of applications of quantum computing

  • Recommended textbook: The course will, strictly speaking, not need a textbook because the lecture material will be available to you on this site. However, it often helps to read a textbook alongside. I recommend:     
    E.G.Rieffel and W.H.Polak. Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction.
    See the annotated reading suggestions in the Appendix.

    Another book worth reading:     

    R.Feynman. Q.E.D.
    Richard Feynman is of course one of the greatest physicists in history, and as it turns out, one of its best teachers. Any book by Feynman is worth reading, but especially so his un-put-downable layperson books like the above one on Quantum Electro Dynamics. He writes in his inimitable conversational style, hooking the reader from the start. Either you already know how light "works" or this book will shock you.

  • Programming: There is no programming required.

  • Theory skills: The linear algebra course is a strong requirement and the starting point for this course. The field of quantum computing is fairly theoretical. Although the course will discuss proofs, and expect comfort with mathematical concepts and notation, proof-skills are not a goal of this course.

  • See the Learning activities and coursework page for a description of student learning activities and submitted work.

  • Course load: This course, being an elective, is not intended to be a heavy course as a core course might be. The early part will be a bit intensive because one needs to be comfortable with new notation before diving into quantum computing.

  • Weightage and grading: See grade breakdown

  • Assignment submission and late work policy:
    • All submissions will occur via Blackboard by uploading PDF files.
    • Every student will get to use three extensions in the semester:
      • A single one-time-use 1-day extension.
      • A single one-time-use 2-day extension.
      • A single one-time-use 6-day extension.
      Each extension can be used only once, and the entire extension will be applied to everything due on that particular day. (That is, you can't submit something three days late, and claim that you've used only part of the 6-day extension.) You do NOT need to tell us you are using an extension, we will merely apply the best fit in the order we get the submissions. You also cannot pick and choose which extension to apply.
    • When an extension is applied it is applied to a due date, to everything that's due on that date. So, if modules 3 and 4 are due on the same day, an extension would apply to both.
    • None of the extensions can be applied to the very last assignment since we need to have enough time for final grades.
    • Thus, a submission is considered on time if it's submitted by the deadline or if one of the three extensions above are applied. Otherwise, it's late.
    • Thus, a submission is considered on time if it's submitted by the deadline or if the extension above is applied. Otherwise, it's late.
    • Late points are: 50% off if within 48 hours, 100% after that.
    • Advice: It's best to save the 6-day extension for illness.

  • Laptop/phone/device policy: You are generally expected to turn off or silence your phones and other such devices.

  • Email policy: You can send email to my GW email address. I will answer most class email during specific times set aside during the week for this purpose - so do not expect an instantaneous response.

  • Academic Integrity policy:
    • In this course, you will be expected to work on all assigned coursework by yourself, unless otherwise specified by instructions on the course website. If you have any questions whatsoever regarding these policies, see me during office hours.
    • You may NOT, without permission from the instructor, exchange course-related code with anyone (including anyone not registered in the course), or download code for use in your coursework, or use material from books other than the textbook. Likewise, you may not look at anyone else's code or show your code to anyone else. Protect your work: for example, be careful not to leave your printouts around. The only exception is when team or groupwork is explicitly specified.
    • If using a tutor, you may not show your code to your tutor nor use code shown or written by your tutor. All tutors for this course need to first register with me, by meeting me during office hours.
    • If you use material in your assignments that are from outside the course material, then you should be prepared to explain that material. The instructor and TA's reserve the right to question you on your use of extraneous material. Failure to answer such questions might be viewed as grounds for an integrity violation.
    • The Academic Integrity Code or Student Conduct Code will apply to this course, as will the Computer Science Department Integrity Policy. Please read through carefully.
    • Penalties for violating the code or the policies described here include failing this course, and are elaborated in the Academic Integrity Code.

  • If you have a disability that may effect your participation in this course and wish to discuss academic acommodations, please contact me as soon as possible.

  • GW's emergency preparedness guide.

  • Minimum course load: In a 15-week semester, including exam week, students are expected to spend a minimum of 100 minutes of out-of-class work for every 50 minutes of direct instruction, for a minimum total of 2.5 hours a week. A 3-credit course includes 2.5 hours of direct instruction and a minimum of 5 hours of independent learning, or a minimum of 7.5 hours per week. More information about GW’s credit hour policy can be found at: provost.gwu.edu/policies-forms

  • Statement on inclusive teaching. It is my intent that students from all backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups.

  • Finally, note that course policies may be adjusted or modified during the course of the semester.