Courses What Classes Should I Take for Quantum Computing at UIC?

AI Thread Summary
To pursue a career in quantum computing, obtaining a PhD is essential, as the field remains heavily academic. Instead of starting with a master's degree, consider directly applying to engineering doctorate programs. It's crucial to have a strong foundation in physics before enrolling in graduate-level physics courses, especially for someone with only an engineering background. The discussion emphasizes the importance of identifying specific interests within quantum computing, such as algorithms or filter design, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the field. Engaging with academic advisers and faculty involved in quantum computing at UIC is recommended for tailored guidance and support.
TheRealShah777
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I’m currently an Undergraduate Computer Engineer at UIC and minoring in physics. I have become more and more interested in Quantum Computing and its related fields. I plan on continuing my masters in Electrical engineering and taking graduate level physics classes at the same time.

I was wondering if you could help me out in choosing the right classes for quantum computing. I will have the course graduate catalog for the physics department and both the undergraduate and graduate course catalog from the ECE department below.

I am a standing senior so you can start looking at the 300 level or higher classes for the ECE catalog.

ECE Department Undergraduate course catalog: http://catalog.uic.edu/ucat/course-descriptions/ece/
ECE Department Graduate course catalog: http://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/course-descriptions/ece/

Physics Graduate course catalog: http://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/colleges-schools/liberal-arts-sciences/phys/#courseinventory

Thank you for your time and help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
TheRealShah777 said:
Hello,
I’m currently an Undergraduate Computer Engineer at UIC and minoring in physics. I have become more and more interested in Quantum Computing and its related fields. I plan on continuing my masters in Electrical engineering and taking graduate level physics classes at the same time.

I was wondering if you could help me out in choosing the right classes for quantum computing. I will have the course graduate catalog for the physics department and both the undergraduate and graduate course catalog from the ECE department below.

I am a standing senior so you can start looking at the 300 level or higher classes for the ECE catalog.

ECE Department Undergraduate course catalog: http://catalog.uic.edu/ucat/course-descriptions/ece/
ECE Department Graduate course catalog: http://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/course-descriptions/ece/

Physics Graduate course catalog: http://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/colleges-schools/liberal-arts-sciences/phys/#courseinventory

Thank you for your time and help

First, If you really want to work on quantum computing, you're going to need a PhD. So instead of pursing a masters first, I would go straight to looking into engineering doctorate programs. It's still very much an academic pursuit at this point.

Second, unless you feel really confident, I wouldn't recommend someone with only an engineering background taking graduate physics courses without doing any upper division physics coursework. That's just setting yourself up for failure.

Third, you don't say exactly what you want to do related to quantum computing. Algorithms? Filter design? Whatever? It's a big ol' multidisciplinary area with many working sub parts. Honestly, I would speak with your adviser. Not being an engineer myself, I would recommend any of the filter design courses or the random/probability for engineers course. Are any engineers at UIC working on quantum computing? You should try to get their input too and express your interest in the field.
 
  • Like
Likes TheRealShah777
Student100 said:
First, If you really want to work on quantum computing, you're going to need a PhD. So instead of pursing a masters first, I would go straight to looking into engineering doctorate programs. It's still very much an academic pursuit at this point.

Second, unless you feel really confident, I wouldn't recommend someone with only an engineering background taking graduate physics courses without doing any upper division physics coursework. That's just setting yourself up for failure.

Third, you don't say exactly what you want to do related to quantum computing. Algorithms? Filter design? Whatever? It's a big ol' multidisciplinary area with many working sub parts. Honestly, I would speak with your adviser. Not being an engineer myself, I would recommend any of the filter design courses or the random/probability for engineers course. Are any engineers at UIC working on quantum computing? You should try to get their input too and express your interest in the field.

I 100% backing up this view
 
  • Like
Likes TheRealShah777
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
Back
Top