3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This course is an introduction to quantum computing and information focused primarily on foundations and algorithms. After a linear algebra review, we introduce the axioms of quantum mechanics and the usual formalization of quantum computation based on quantum circuits. The core of the course focuses on the most common primitives in quantum algorithms, including Grover search, quantum Fourier transforms, phase estimation, and Trotterization. A highlight is Shor's factoring algorithm. Along the way, we analyze some of the more curious aspects of quantum information facilitated by quantum entanglement, such as Grover search, quantum teleportation, superdense coding, and Bell violations. The later portion of the course introduces more advanced, research-ready topics of the instructor's choosing (for example, Hamiltonian simulation and complexity, or quantum error correction). The course includes coding assignments that provide hands-on experience with quantum computer programming. Throughout the semester we balance our introduction to the potentially transformative impact of quantum computers with candid discussion of limitations and analysis of lower bounds.
Learning Outcomes1Formulate the axioms of quantum mechanics and all relevant mathematical definitions (in the case of finite-dimensional quantum systems).
2Communicate precisely about quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition, as well as what it means for a quantum algorithm to efficiently solve a problem.
3Appreciate the essential role that measurement plays in quantum computation.
4Analyze several examples of problems where quantum computers can provide speedups compared to classical computers, as well as some of the limitations of quantum computers, both theoretical and practical.
5Think critically about recent developments and claims in quantum computing research and industry.
6Synthesize theory and reality by implementing simple quantum algorithms with modern quantum programming toolkits.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.