Introduction to Quantum Computing
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of quantum computing. Starting from the mathematical foundations of qubits and quantum mechanics, we will progress through quantum gates, circuits, and core protocols. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to understanding how classical computers simulate quantum systems, including state-vector simulators, stabilizer simulators, and the challenges of simulating noise. By the end of the course, students will understand the operational principles behind major algorithms (Grover, Shor) and the limitations of current simulation technology.
Lecturer
Date
24th March ~ 16th June, 2026
Location
| Weekday | Time | Venue | Online | ID | Password |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday,Thursday | 16:10 - 17:50 | A14-203 | Zoom 17 | 442 374 5045 | BIMSA |
Prerequisite
calculus, linear algebra, probability
Syllabus
(Subject to change)
Lecture 1: Qubit, superposition, Bloch sphere.
Lecture 2: Quantum gates, quantum circuits, quantum teleportation.
Lecture 3: Quantum algorithms, Toffoli gate, Deutsch-Josza algorithm.
Lecture 4: Bra-ket notation, vector space, operators. tensor product.
Lecture 5: Operator functions, commutator.
Lecture 6: Simultaneouse diagonalization, polar decomposition.
Lecture 7: Quantum postulates: state space, evolution, measurement.
Lecture 8: Projective measurement, positive operator-valued measurement (POVM)
Lecture 9: Quantum postulate 4: composite system. Projective measurement plus unitary.
Lecture 10: superdense coding, Density operator,
Lecture 11: Unitary freedom in the ensemble for density matrices. density for mixed states.
Lecture 12: Schmidt decomposition and purification.
Lecture 13: Bell test, CHSH inequality. nonlocal realism.
Lecture 14: Rotation, Z-Y decomposition, AXBXC.
Lecture 15: CNOT and Controlled-U. C^n(U)
Lecture 16: Principle of deferred and implicit measurements. Universal quantum gates.
Lecture 17. THTH, HTHT, approximation to arbitrary precision, Solovay-Kitaeve theorem.
Lecture 18. Quantum Fourier Transform, and inverse QFT.
Lecture 19. Quantum Phase Estimation: phase kickback, binary encoding, controlled-U^{2^j}.
Lecture 20. Shor's algorithm 1.
Lecture 21. Shor's algorithm 2.
Lecture 22. Quantum search 1
Lecture 23. Quantum search 2
Lecture 24: Course Recap.
Lecture 1: Qubit, superposition, Bloch sphere.
Lecture 2: Quantum gates, quantum circuits, quantum teleportation.
Lecture 3: Quantum algorithms, Toffoli gate, Deutsch-Josza algorithm.
Lecture 4: Bra-ket notation, vector space, operators. tensor product.
Lecture 5: Operator functions, commutator.
Lecture 6: Simultaneouse diagonalization, polar decomposition.
Lecture 7: Quantum postulates: state space, evolution, measurement.
Lecture 8: Projective measurement, positive operator-valued measurement (POVM)
Lecture 9: Quantum postulate 4: composite system. Projective measurement plus unitary.
Lecture 10: superdense coding, Density operator,
Lecture 11: Unitary freedom in the ensemble for density matrices. density for mixed states.
Lecture 12: Schmidt decomposition and purification.
Lecture 13: Bell test, CHSH inequality. nonlocal realism.
Lecture 14: Rotation, Z-Y decomposition, AXBXC.
Lecture 15: CNOT and Controlled-U. C^n(U)
Lecture 16: Principle of deferred and implicit measurements. Universal quantum gates.
Lecture 17. THTH, HTHT, approximation to arbitrary precision, Solovay-Kitaeve theorem.
Lecture 18. Quantum Fourier Transform, and inverse QFT.
Lecture 19. Quantum Phase Estimation: phase kickback, binary encoding, controlled-U^{2^j}.
Lecture 20. Shor's algorithm 1.
Lecture 21. Shor's algorithm 2.
Lecture 22. Quantum search 1
Lecture 23. Quantum search 2
Lecture 24: Course Recap.
Reference
Primary Textbook:
"Quantum Computation and Quantum Information" (10th Anniversary Edition) by Michael A. Nielsen & Isaac L. Chuang.
Availability: Known as "Mike & Ike." Not free, but is the definitive resource. Relevant chapters will be cited for deeper dives.
Easy reading:
"Quantum Computing for the Quantum Curious" by Ciaran Hughes, Joshua Isaacson, Anastasia Perry, Ranbel F. Sun, and Jessica Turner.
Availability: Free PDF available on SpringerLink (Open Access).
Use: Perfect for intuitive understanding, visuals, and analogies.
Simulation & Visualization Tools (No-Code):
Quirk Quantum Circuit Simulator: A browser-based, drag-and-drop tool for visualizing quantum states in real-time. (quirk at algassert com)
IBM Quantum Composer: A graphical interface to build circuits and view statevectors and probabilities. (Requires free IBMid login).
"Quantum Computation and Quantum Information" (10th Anniversary Edition) by Michael A. Nielsen & Isaac L. Chuang.
Availability: Known as "Mike & Ike." Not free, but is the definitive resource. Relevant chapters will be cited for deeper dives.
Easy reading:
"Quantum Computing for the Quantum Curious" by Ciaran Hughes, Joshua Isaacson, Anastasia Perry, Ranbel F. Sun, and Jessica Turner.
Availability: Free PDF available on SpringerLink (Open Access).
Use: Perfect for intuitive understanding, visuals, and analogies.
Simulation & Visualization Tools (No-Code):
Quirk Quantum Circuit Simulator: A browser-based, drag-and-drop tool for visualizing quantum states in real-time. (quirk at algassert com)
IBM Quantum Composer: A graphical interface to build circuits and view statevectors and probabilities. (Requires free IBMid login).
Audience
Undergraduate
, Advanced Undergraduate
, Graduate
Video Public
Yes
Notes Public
Yes
Language
English
Lecturer Intro
I am an Associate Professor at BIMSA. I joined BIMSA in the summer of 2025. My Research area is statistical genetics, where I develop statistical and computational methods, mainly from Bayesian perspective, with targeted applications in genomic studies and genetic diagnosis. Currently I am working on studying haplotype variation using deep learning models. I am also interested in studying genetic determinants of autism, and early cancer screening.