ECE 491.001 S25: Quantum Computing

Table of contents

ECE 491.001: Quantum Computing        1

Table of contents        1

Overview        1

Prerequisites        1

Textbook        2

Grading        2

Academic Integrity        3

Accommodations        3

Schedule        4

Overview

Lecture: M/W/F 1:50-2:40pm, 3400 EB

Office hours: W 3-4pm, 2507E EB. By appointment if needed (email me)

Instructor: Ryan LaRose, rmlarose@msu.edu 

Quantum physics provides our most complete model of the world and thus our most complete model of computation. This course covers quantum computing from the inception of quantum information with Wiesner, Bennett, Feynman et al. in the ~1970s to Shor’s algorithm in 1995 and the first experimental demonstration of beyond-classical computation in 2019. Assuming only a basic understanding of linear algebra, we’ll gain a strong foundation in quantum mechanics and quantum information that we’ll use to understand the theory of quantum computing, along the way touching on rich and diverse topics including computational complexity, Shannon theory, open quantum systems, error correction, and more.

Prerequisites

• Linear algebra (no experience in quantum physics is required)

Textbook

We will use Quantum Computation and Quantum Information by Nielsen and Chuang (10th anniversary ed.).  In the schedule, this is referred to as NC. Additional sources on a per topic basis may be linked in the schedule.

The course will closely follow the textbook, and reading is a huge part of the course and your learning process. You are expected to complete all readings prior to lecture.

Grading

There will be four homework assignments each worth 25 points. Assignments and due dates will be posted on the schedule. An optional fifth homework worth bonus points will be provided.

There will be four in-class quizzes each worth 30 points. These generally occur one week after homework deadlines and are posted on the schedule. When determining final grades, 20 quiz points will be dropped. For example, if you earned 85 out of 120 total quiz points, you will receive 85%. Scores are capped at 100%.

There will be a group project consisting of a report and presentation totalling 100 points. Topics for projects will be provided; alternate topics may be proposed and approved on a case-by-base basis. Groups should be 3-4 students. More information about the project will be made available later in the semester.

Attendance and participation is based on an honest effort to come to lectures and participate in class. In addition to staying up with lectures, attendance is important because some classes will be flipped and/or include individual/group work. Four absences will be excused without question.

Grades will be weighted according to the following table:

Grading scale: 4.0 ≥ 90%, 3.5 ≥ 85%, 3.0 ≥ 80%, 2.5 ≥ 75%, 2.0 ≥ 70%, 1.5 ≥ 60%, 1.0 ≥ 50%, 0.0 < 50%

Academic Integrity

You are expected to adhere to the Spartan Code of Honor academic pledge, as written by the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU):

“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.”

Violations of academic integrity are inexcusable and will not be tolerated.

Accommodations

If you have a university-documented learning difficulty or require other accommodations, please provide your instructor with your VISA as soon as possible and speak with them about how they can assist you in your learning. If you do not have a VISA but have been documented with a learning difficulty or other problems for which you may still require accommodation, please contact MSU’s Resource Center for People with Disabilities (355-9642) in order to acquire current documentation.

Schedule

Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Key: Flipped class, Homework, Quiz.