Students

PHYS8905 – Quantum Information and Computation

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gavin Brennen
gavin.brennen@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Thomas Volz
thomas.volz@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Permission by special approval
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to the growing field of quantum information science and technology. A general formalism is introduced involving the concept of Hilbert space, states represented by density matrices, open systems evolution via operator sum decompositions, and generalised measurement theory. Much of the unit covers the physics and quantum information aspects of leading physical implementations for a quantum engineered device, including: atomic, (neutral and trapped ion), photonic, superconducting and semiconductor devices. There is a laboratory component based on photonic systems with experiments on quantum correlations in single photons, tests of quantum nonlocality, and generation of entangled photons.

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: explain the basic theoretical concepts and elements needed for quantum information processing
  • ULO2: solve basic analytical and numerical problems in quantum information theory
  • ULO3: reflect on the true potential and limitations of a quantum computer
  • ULO4: describe and model currently existing atom-based implementations of a quantum computer and their technical limitations

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final Examination 40% No [TBA]
Problem-based assignments 60% No 6/3/23, 27/3/23, 24/4/23, 15/5/23, 5/6/23

Final Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: [TBA]
Weighting: 40%

Final examination covering all course content
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • explain the basic theoretical concepts and elements needed for quantum information processing
  • solve basic analytical and numerical problems in quantum information theory
  • reflect on the true potential and limitations of a quantum computer
  • describe and model currently existing atom-based implementations of a quantum computer and their technical limitations

Problem-based assignments

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 32 hours
Due: 6/3/23, 27/3/23, 24/4/23, 15/5/23, 5/6/23
Weighting: 60%

A set of problems based on lecture content
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • explain the basic theoretical concepts and elements needed for quantum information processing
  • solve basic analytical and numerical problems in quantum information theory
  • reflect on the true potential and limitations of a quantum computer
  • describe and model currently existing atom-based implementations of a quantum computer and their technical limitations

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

Online Delivery with recorded lectures.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
15/02/2023 Due dates for assessments added.

Unit information based on version 2023.01R of the Handbook