MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

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Quantum Information Science is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles from quantum mechanics and information theory to explore new computational paradigms and technologies. This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of quantum information, including qubits, entanglement, and quantum circuits, and examines how these concepts differ from classical information systems. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of quantum computation and cryptography, and gain insight into the practical challenges and potential applications of quantum technologies. Topics include quantum algorithms, quantum cryptography, and the applications of quantum systems for communication. The course aims to develop a critical understanding of the advantages and limitations of quantum systems, preparing students for advanced study in quantum computing and related fields. 

To provide a foundational understanding of quantum mechanics in the context of quantum information science.

To explore key concepts such as qubits, entanglement, and quantum circuits.

To introduce students to practical applications, including quantum cryptography, algorithms, and communication tasks.

To develop the ability to critically analyse the advantages and limitations of quantum systems compared to classical ones for information processing tasks. 

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:  

ILO 1

Explain the fundamental principles of quantum information theory and their relation to classical information theory.

ILO 2

Describe and apply concepts such as qubits, entanglement, and quantum circuits in the characterisation of quantum systems and their advantages for information processing tasks.

ILO 3

Evaluate the principles and practical applications of quantum cryptography and communication.  

ILO 4

Critically assess the challenges of scaling quantum systems, including decoherence and error correction.

Two one hour, live in-person lectures per week where the core material with examples will be delivered. The recordings of these lectures will be on the course online page. The lectures are accompanied by brief summary notes and for some of the material explanatory videos that the students are expected to assimilate before the lecture. This is augmented by a weekly online quiz (where the students get automatic feedback), and fortnightly problems. A Piazza discussion forum is also provided where students can ask questions with answers provided by other students and the unit lead. 

Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, by Michael A. Nielsen and Isaac L. Chuang:

https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511976667

Quantum Information, Computation and Communication, by Jonathan A. Jones, Dieter Jaksch:

https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139028509