PHY8056 : Quantum Information and Quantum Modelling of MaterialsModelling of Materials
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Professor Jon Goss
- Lecturer: Dr Martin Johnston, Dr Adam Stokes
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To critically review the most common approaches to computational quantum mechanical modelling, reflecting upon both speed and accuracy and the roles played by the main approximations used.
To present through a case study the application of computational quantum simulations for a condensed matter and molecular problems.
To review finite-dimensional quantum theory of one and two qubits, the Bloch sphere, and elementary unitary gates. To break down general two-qubit operations into controlled and single qubit operations.
Outline Of Syllabus
Modelling of solids and nanostructures: practical implementations of DFT, including common approximations (basis, sampling, pseudopotentials…).
Modelling experimentally observable properties of systems using quantum-mechanically based computational methods
Modelling observable properties of matter using computational methodologies.
Reviewing basic unitary operations on one and two qubits (Linear algebra, Bloch sphere). Reviewing elementary quantum information properties and protocols (entanglement, no-cloning, teleportation).
Constructing universal quantum circuits: Realising two-qubit operations through single qubit operations and elementary controls (circuit decomposition, identities, and manipulation)
To introduce quantum error correction and key distribution.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | Completion of in-course assignments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Formal Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Problems Classes (theory) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Computer Workshops (Computational) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 100 | 1:00 | 100:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, revision, coursework review |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 12 | 0:15 | 3:00 | Review online content (Computational Methods) |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking. Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Workshops provide supported hands-on experience with advanced computing practice.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 50 | Short form report for computational problem: max 4 pages |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 50 | Answers to problems |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | Draft submission of section of report 1 for formative feedback |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework problem solving assignments allow the students to develop their problem-solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
The Report format and length is designed to focus upon critical evaluation and concise, focus articulation of advanced physics concepts, practice technical writing aligned to professional practice, and through the formative exercise, inculcate a reflective approach. The focus upon writing and critical evaluation is also aligned to the embedding of transferable skills as part of professional accreditation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY8056's Timetable