CSC3132 : Introduction to Quantum Computing
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jonte Hance
- Lecturer: Dr Ittoop Puthoor
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
Quantum computing is the most fundamental change in the theory of computing since the work of Alan Turing in the 1930s. Quantum mechanics has introduced in computing new, physically realizable constructs that have enabled major computational advances in several important problems (e.g., integers factoring, database search, and secure communications). Furthermore, fully functioning quantum computers are now freely accessible on the cloud (e.g., the IBM Q systems).
The main aims of this module are:
• To introduce the mathematical foundations of quantum computing necessary to understand the counterintuitive
features of quantum algorithms.
• To present the fundamental notions of quantum computing.
• To show how quantum circuits can be implemented and run on a simulator or a quantum computer.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Status of the quantum computing field.
• Complex linear algebra.
• Qubits and measurements.
• Single-qubit unitary operations (NOT, Hadamard, Pauli matrices).
• Quantum registers (tensor products).
• Entangled states and EPR paradox.
• Two-qubit operations (CNOT).
• Tensor product of unitary operations.
• No cloning theorem and teleportation protocol.
• Hardware implementations.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Revise lecture materials. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Preparation for summative assessment. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Completion of online problem question sets. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Computer laboratory practicals (in person). |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Complete lab practicals. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Background reading. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures convey the key theoretical concepts, algorithms, and illustrative examples that will be tried and extended upon in the lab. Quantum computing is quite counterintuitive, and therefore a solid understanding of its theory is required – this cannot be learnt by experimentation. The computer practicals give students hands-on experience with quantum circuits run on simulators or quantum computers, to reinforce the theoretical concepts delivered in the lectures.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 60 | Summative assessment (closed book exam). |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 1. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 2. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 3. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 4. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 5. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 6. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 7. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 8. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 9. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 4 | Weekly online assessed question set 10. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The main aim of the written exam is to assess the student’s understanding of the theory of quantum computing and quantum algorithms delivered through the lectures – this is necessary to measure to what extent the subject is mastered. Online problem questions focus on the student's ability to apply theory to practice and solve simple problems based on material presented in lectures.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC3132's Timetable