Quantum Information and Computing

This module has a significant practical component, consisting of hands-on programming of quantum algorithms throughout the course to embed concepts with computational classes and project work. There will be both standalone classes to validate concepts, as well as practicals designed around the qiskit quantum emulation environment for constructing more complicated operators and quantum circuits to implement their own quantum algorithms. These will make up a significant portion of the assessment, with an individual computational project.

Possible topics could include:

• Fundamentals of quantum information: Bloch spheres, Hilbert space, unitary operations, reversability, superposition and measurement
• Entangled states: Tensor products, quantum operations, separable states, Bell states, universal gate sets, Schmidt decomposition
• Classical to quantum circuits and reversability
• Non-linearity in quantum computation
• Current hardware concepts, limitations and prospects
• Quantum algorithms: Deutsch-Jozsa, QFT, Phase estimation, Hamiltonian simulation
• Fidelity, noise and decoherence, entanglement entropy, entanglement as a resource
• Introduction to quantum cryptography/teleportation.

Quantum computation and quantum technology exploiting inherently quantum mechanical principles of entangled qubits are increasingly relevant in both academic and industrial settings. This module will provide a modern perspective on a rapidly evolving field, spanning the fundamentals of quantum information, its exploitation in quantum devices, the use of quantum circuit diagrams, and core quantum algorithms and their comparison to classical analogues. You will be able to contexualise this understanding with the current progress in digital quantum hardware architecture and embed this knowledge with practical labs and coursework in hands-on programming in modern quantum computing emulators. 

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• Select and apply principles and concepts of quantum information processing appropriate to describe operations ranging from single qubit manipulation on the Bloch sphere to entangled multi-qubit setups, the underpinning state space, Pauli operators and the gates necessary for universal quantum computers
• Evaluate the limitations of quantum computation, projective/POVM measurements, using fundamental theorems such as no-cloning theorem, as well as the potential of quantum devices, synthesizing information from a diversity of sources in this rapidly expanding field
• Design circuit diagrams, their translation to/from matrix operations, and perform simple operations
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the core aspects of key quantum algorithms, including Deutsch-Jozsa, quantum Fourier Transform and Hamiltonian simulation
• Demonstrate the ability to apply these principles into a practical framework, with hands-on programming in a quantum emulation environment to mimic and test the application of quantum algorithms.

​​T​he standard entry requirements comprise:

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent in Physics: Quantum Mechanics
• A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study
• English language band D (for example, IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill).

You will be assessed via coursework and examination, as follows:

• Coursework = 30%
• Examination = 70%

This is an on-campus module. Lectures will be held on a single day of the week, each week, during term time. You will be expected to be on-campus for these. Exact dates and times will be confirmed upon enrolment.

This module is offered as part of our flexible master’s awards in Professional Development. The awards are one of the most flexible currently offered in the UK, providing the opportunity to study a range of modules from across King’s, both on-campus and online. Whether you are looking for a promotion or to retrain, you have come to the right place.

Designed for mature professionals juggling life and work commitments, our postgraduate awards will enable you to study at your own pace. In challenging financial times, you are also able to fund your studies module-by-module. We will support you to select the right module diet that meets your objectives while ensuring that you are well prepared for success. We will also help you to build your professional network of peers from across our suite of CPD modules.

We can’t wait for you to continue your lifelong learning journey here at King’s.