PX447-15 Quantum Computation and Simulation
Introductory description
We live in what is often dubbed ‘the information age’. Underlying this is immense computational capability. But what are the limits of computation? What do the laws of physics have to say about that?
This module will introduce quantum computation and show that the laws of quantum mechanics can provide additional computational capabilities. We will show how this can be used to solve certain problems more efficiently. We shall study what quantum computers can offer for simulations in physics and chemistry.
Module aims
To provide insights into quantum computation and simulation
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Computation is physical, why quantum computation?
- Introduction to classical computation: Bits, gates, and Boolean circuits
- Quantum mechanics as matrix algebra: Quantum states and measurements
- Quantum computation: Qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits
- Quantum Fourier transform: Phase estimation, order-finding
- Quantum search algorithm: Grover’s algorithm
- Quantum simulation: Application to physics and/or chemistry problems
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Explain the basics of quantum computation
- Understand some quantum algorithms
- Commence postgraduate research in quantum computation
Indicative reading list
MA Nielsen and IL Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, Cambridge University Press (2001)
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Interdisciplinary
Quantum computing started as an idea in physics but quickly developed into a major interdisciplinary endeavour involving mathematicians, computer scientists and others. This module looks, from the physicist's perspective, at how quantum states and operations on quantum states encode and process information.
Subject specific skills
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, theory of computation. Skills in modelling, reasoning, thinking.
Transferable skills
Analytical, communication, problem-solving, self-study
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
| Private study | 120 hours (80%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Working through lecture notes, solving problems, wider reading, discussing with others taking the module, revising for exam, practising on sample exam papers
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person Examination | 100% | No | |
|
Answer 3 questions
|
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Feedback on assessment
Personal tutor, group feedback
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 4 of UPXA-F303 Undergraduate Physics (MPhys)
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 4 of UPXA-FG31 Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 4 of UPXA-F3FA Undergraduate Physics with Astrophysics (MPhys)