ACIT4321 Quantum Information Technology Course description

Quantum information technology implements quantum phenomena to process information and communicate it beyond the limits of the classical world. According to the EU Quantum Technologies Flagship report, such technology is based on the following pillars:

• Quantum computation
• Quantum communication
• Quantum simulation
• Quantum metrology and sensing

This course will introduce students to the first three of these fields, by equipping them with knowledge of principles, ideas, and methods. Many of these methods are also applicable within several other fields.

Prior knowledge in quantum physics is not required. The first few weeks of the course is dedicated to an introduction to key concepts in quantum physics. These concepts are introduced in a practical manner - with emphasis on simulation and phenomenology rather than theory.

The students will be trained to create their own quantum algorithms, simulate quantum systems, and implement the corresponding programs on classical and quantum computers. By implementing calculations and simulations of quantum systems, the students will learn about the fundamental quantum phenomena and key concepts. Moreover, in order to lay the proper foundation, the fundamental concepts of classical information theory is introduced.

A selection of recently published quantum algorithms and methods, including communication protocols, computational methods of modern quantum physics, and optimization algorithms, will be presented and analysed. Particular focus will be given to applications in data science in order to address research challenges in sustainable systems. Finally, the most recent challenges and particular proof of concept problems, including so-called quantum supremacy, will be addressed.

Knowledge of standard classical optimization algorithms would be beneficial. Familiarity with undergraduate physics is also an advantage, but by no means any prerequisite.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of:

• project management processes, techniques and tools
• Design Thinking and/or other relevant creative development processes, techniques and tools
• professional practice in the art, design and cultural fields
• processes and methods used for entrepreneurial work and innovation of relevance to these fields
• ethical foundations within these fields
• information sources and support for business startups

Skills

The student is able to:

• utilize processes and methods and tools for innovative and creative work in teams
• identify and analyze information that is relevant to conducting an entrepreneurial project
• implement, execute, and follow up on a project within a specified deadline
• reflect on knowledge and experience from their own field and use it to develop business concepts
• reflect on their professional practice, teamwork competence, achieved results, and learning as a basis for their own ongoing development.

Competence

The student demonstrates competence of:

• planning and carrying out tasks independently and as part of a team
• entrepreneurial thinking
• leading themselves and others in different development projects
• using relevant forms of communication in an international context

The course employs a problem-based learning approach, which is supported by lectures and project tutoring. The project will be carried out as group work in teams of four to five students. The primary objective is to define, research, and conceptualize an entrepreneurial project.

Students will be introduced to theories and methods that are relevant to the course's scope. This will serve as preparation for active participation in the course's problem-based learning methods, which integrate theory and practice.

The group work entails knowledge sharing, collective decision-making, academic discussions, action coordination, and mutual critical feedback. Student groups will collaborate closely with their supervisors and external partners, such as organizations, businesses or other project groups.

Entrepreneurial projects may require standard contracts for student projects as provided by OsloMet.

The teaching is organized in sessions where the subject material is presented, and in sessions where the students solve problems on their laptops and prototype quantum computers. The latter is done using online cloud platforms currently provided by enterprises such as, e.g., IBM and D-Wave. Between these sessions, the students are expected to work independently, using their computers, access to quantum computers, and course notes.

In the last stage of the cource, the students are required to complete and present an individual project that involves (i) simulation of a quantum system/process, (ii) simulation of a quantum communications protocol, or (iii) creation of a quantum code and its implementation on a quantum processor using an online cloud platform. The project should be concluded by submitting a report which provides a description of the project, its motivation and implementation, and an analysis the obtained results.

All forms of support materials are permitted.

Grade scale A-F

One internal examiner. An internal co-examiner evaluates a selection of the exams. External sensor is used regularly.

Lena Vida

5. ECTS overlapping content toward KDM3200.

Sergiy Denisov

The course overlaps 3 ECTS with ACIT4320.