Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024

Module COMP4117: QUANTUM COMPUTING

Department: Computer Science

COMP4117: QUANTUM COMPUTING

Type Open Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • COMP2261 Artificial Intelligence AND COMP2211 Networks and Systems AND (COMP1021 Maths for Computer Science OR MATH1551 Maths for Engineers and Scientists OR (MATH1561 Single Mathematics A AND MATH1571 Single Mathematics B) OR (MATH1061 Calculus I AND MATH1017 Linear Algebra I))

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • MATH3391: QUANTUM COMPUTING III

Aims

  • To introduce students to Quantum Information Processing and Quantum Computing with emphasis on where these may be advantageous over the classical approach.

Content

  • Qubits and Quantum Key Distribution
  • Computing with Multiple Qubits
  • EPR paradox and Quantum State Transformations
  • Quantum Gates and Circuits
  • Quantum Algorithms
  • Quantum Networking

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an understanding of the fundamental notions from Quantum Information Processing
  • an understanding of the workings of Quantum algorithms
  • an understanding of the principles of Quantum networking
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to apply basic methods from Quantum Physics for the study and analysis of systems of Quantum Information Processing and Quantum Computing.
Key Skills:
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to formalise computation problems in a variety of contexts
  • an ability to reason mathematically about information in a variety of ways.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to Quantum Computing.
  • Summative assessment assesses the application of methods and techniques.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
lectures 22 2 per week 1 hour 22
preparation and reading 78
total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Example formative exercises are given during the course.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University