Module COMP54115: Quantum Computing

Department: Computer Science

COMP54115: Quantum Computing

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	5	15	Available in 2026/2027		Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

None

Aims

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

Content

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.
Notion of Qubits.
Quantum Key Distribution.
EPR Paradox.
Quantum Gates and Circuits.
Quantum Computing Algorithms.
Introduction to Quantum Networking.
Entanglement Swapping.
Quantum Switch and Line-networks.
Purification Protocols.
Link-layer protocols.
Entanglement distribution algorithms.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
an understanding of Quantum Information and its properties.
an understanding of quantum circuits and algorithms.
an understanding of concepts and principles of Quantum Networking.
knowledge of relevant software tools to implement quantum networks and algorithms.

Subject-specific Skills

By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
an ability to apply concepts and principles of quantum computation and networking.
an ability to analyse quantum algorithms.
an ability to study quantum algorithms using relevant programming tools.

Key Skills

By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
an ability to propose new quantum computing algorithms.
an ability to model and analyse quantum networks.
an ability to provide solutions to challenges in building Quantum Internet.

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 and Quantum Networking.
Problem classes provide support for solving formative exercises and for developing their coursework.
The in-year test will assess the application of methods, techniques and knowledge of the domain.
The Presentation element of the coursework component consists of a seminar presentation based on a research paper.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures	12	2 per week (1 in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8)	2 hours	24	Yes
Problem Classes	4	1 per week (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8)	2 hours	8	Yes
Preparation and Reading				118
Total				150

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Coursework	100%	In-Year Test	90 minutes	70%
Coursework	100%	Presentation		30%

Formative Assessment

Formative exercises will be provided.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.