605.728.82 - Quantum Computation

Course Structure

The course is divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking  Modules on the left menu. A module will have several sections including lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments. Each module runs for seven days. You should regularly check the Course Outline  and  Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Mathematical background
  
• Quantum Mechanics formalism
• Conceptual issues in QM
• The quantum computing model: quantum gates and circuits
• Quantum programming
• The Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm
• Shor's quantum factoring algorithm
• Quantum search
• Quantum error-correcting codes
• Quantum cryptography
• Quantum teleportation and other protocols
• Impact of quantum computing on cryptography
  

Course Goals

The course has three major goals. The first is to develop the quantum computing model, on both conceptual and formal levels. The second is to explore the application of the quantum model to computational problems, through a detailed examination of fundamental quantum algorithms. The third is to introduce the idea of quantum information, through an examination of selected quantum protocols.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Explain the quantum computational model, and how it differs from the classical model
• Apply basic principles of the quantum mechanics formalism to an analysis of quantum gates and circuits—the building blocks of the quantum computational model.
• Analyze the fundamental algorithms and techniques of quantum computing, including quantum factoring, quantum search, and quantum error correction.
• Interpret and design quantum circuit diagrams.
• Demonstrate familiarity with basic concepts of quantum information: quantum key distribution, quantum teleportation, dense coding.
• Explain the potential impact of quantum computing on cryptography.

Textbooks

Eleanor Rieffel and Wolfgang Polak, Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction, MIT Press, 2014  (recommended only)

Student Coursework Requirements

Assignments (50% of Final Grade Calculation)

Assignments will be based on technical material developed in the lectures and covered in the readings. There will be 6 assignments, due at the end of odd-numbered modules (except for module 1). Assignments should be completed on an individual basis.

Some of the problems are challenging, and I don’t expect you to figure out all of them. It’s OK to ask me (via email) for hints, or for help in getting started with a given problem.

Refer to the Assignment Guidelines for more information.

Course Project (40% of Final Grade Calculation)

A research project will be due the last week of class. The project can consist of a paper, a computer program, or a combination of the two.

Refer to the Course Project Guidelines for more information.

Discussions (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

Many of the modules will include discussion questions, focusing mainly on conceptual issues that arise in quantum mechanics and quantum computation.

Refer to the Discussion Guidelines for more information.

Grading Policy

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.