Students
PHYS7910 – Engineering Quantum Matter
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gavin Brennen
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
PHYS714 or PHYS7905
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
PHYS8910
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit teaches fundamentals and emerging topics in engineered quantum materials. As originally envisioned by Feynman, quantum simulation is a process where one set of controllable quantum systems can be made to simulate a complex quantum system that is too hard to model classically. In this unit we will explain how quantum simulators work to mimic natural and unnatural, or synthetic, materials. Theoretical skills taught will be standard techniques from condensed matter, as well as tools used in quantum information. You will learn how a quantum system can be programmed to simulate another either via an analogue simulation using an engineered Hamiltonian, or via a digital gate-based quantum simulation. We will cover the physics of experimental quantum simulation architectures including trapped ions and neutral atoms, and colour centres in diamond. Applications of synthetic quantum matter for quantum error correction and sensing will be covered.
To better understand the physics of many body quantum systems you will learn numerical techniques including quantum simulation code and approximation methods known as tensor networks in order to simulate ground states and dynamics of many body quantum systems.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Apply essential skills for solving problems in quantum many body physics.
- ULO2: Model quantum simulations using Hamiltonian based and gate based approaches.
- ULO3: Explain how to use the toolbox of interactions in an experimental architecture to perform a quantum simulation.
- ULO4: Numerically model the physics of entangled many body systems via tensor network algorithms and quantum simulation software.
- ULO5: Effectively communicate ideas in quantum engineering.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 20% | No | Week 13 |
| Final exam | 40% | No | Exam Period |
| Written assignments | 40% | No | Weeks 4,7,10,12 |
Report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
Report on computational project
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply essential skills for solving problems in quantum many body physics.
- Model quantum simulations using Hamiltonian based and gate based approaches.
- Numerically model the physics of entangled many body systems via tensor network algorithms and quantum simulation software.
- Effectively communicate ideas in quantum engineering.
Final exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%
An examination in the University Examination period covering all of the course content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply essential skills for solving problems in quantum many body physics.
- Model quantum simulations using Hamiltonian based and gate based approaches.
- Explain how to use the toolbox of interactions in an experimental architecture to perform a quantum simulation.
- Effectively communicate ideas in quantum engineering.
Written assignments
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Weeks 4,7,10,12
Weighting: 40%
Four problems sets spread throughout the session.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply essential skills for solving problems in quantum many body physics.
- Model quantum simulations using Hamiltonian based and gate based approaches.
- Explain how to use the toolbox of interactions in an experimental architecture to perform a quantum simulation.
- Effectively communicate ideas in quantum engineering.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Mixed Lecture and Tutorial/discussion.
The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at:
https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2020/
Required and Recommended Texts
Material will be provided in lecture notes during the course, but some recommended texts are :
- "Quantum Computation and Quantum Information", Isaac Chuang and Michael Nielsen
- "Condensed Matter Field Theory" by Alexander Altland and Ben Simons.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
The theoretical aspects of this unit are taught in lectures and tutorials with 4 assignments to strengthen the understanding of the material. In addition there is a computational project which can be done using software of the student's choice (e.g. Python, Matlab, Mathematica).
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.