Which Courses Would Benefit Me for Quantum Computing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of courses beneficial for understanding quantum computing, particularly for an undergraduate student in computer engineering with a minor in physics. Participants explore the relevance of existing courses in the ECE department and suggest additional resources for learning about quantum computing and its intersection with nanotechnology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in courses that would enhance knowledge in quantum computing and seeks advice on relevant classes from the ECE catalog.
  • Another participant notes that the course list does not seem to include specific classes focused on quantum computing, highlighting the distinct nature of the subject.
  • Some participants suggest that while nanotechnology may involve quantum effects, it does not directly relate to understanding quantum computing.
  • Recommendations are made to consult professors for tailored advice on course selection.
  • One participant mentions a specific physics course (PHYS 240) that might be relevant and suggests auditing it if possible.
  • Self-study and online resources, including MOOCs, are proposed as alternative ways to gain knowledge in quantum computing.
  • Links to resources for experimenting with quantum computers are shared, indicating practical avenues for exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the ECE course catalog lacks specific offerings related to quantum computing. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to gain knowledge in the field, with various suggestions and resources being proposed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the overlap between nanotechnology courses and quantum computing, and there are unresolved questions about the adequacy of available courses for the intended learning outcomes.

TheRealShah777
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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 (Nano - technology).

I was wondering if you could help me out in choosing the right classes that would benefit me for any knowledge on quantum computing. I will have the course catalog for both the undergraduate and graduate courses from the ECE department below.

I plan on also going for my PhD in Nano technology and I was wondering which specific areas in of research for Nano - technology would be helpful for research and overlap in quantum computing at the same time.

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/

Thank you for your time and help. God bless
 
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Maybe I missed it, but I don't see anything on that list that is directed toward quantum computers. It is a subject on its own, with very different mathematics, logic, algorithms, and physics. You should ask some of your professors for suggestions.
 
FactChecker said:
Maybe I missed it, but I don't see anything on that list that is directed toward quantum computers. It is a subject on its own, with very different mathematics, logic, algorithms, and physics. You should ask some of your professors for suggestions.

Do any of the courses overlap for knowledge in quantum computing, in particular the nano-tech aspect?
 
Sorry, I looked again at the brief descriptions and don't see anything. Regarding nano-tech -- as devices get very small, quantum effects become important, but that is not very well directed toward understanding quantum computers. Quantum computers are a completely different beast. You need to understand how qubits behave in combinations, how that can be used to perform simple tasks, how to implement qubit networks, etc. You may want to take a brief look at some books just to get an idea of some of the subjects. If you can, look at a copy of Quantum Computation and Quantum Information by Nielson and Chang (this is a standard) or Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction (Scientific and Engineering Computation) by Reiffel and Polak (there are many other reasonable books). It will give you some idea of the nature of the subject.
I still think that you should talk to some of your professors and ask them for recommendations within that University.

PS. If it is really nano-tech that you are interested in rather than quantum computers, then that is different. Those classes will be good and I'm sure that any quantum theory discussed will be appropriate for that subject.
 
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Hi @TheRealShah777, the ECE course catalog doesn't seem to include anything related to Quantum Computing. I found PHYS 240 at UIC which might be somewhat relevant and helpful. Not sure if you can or it makes sense for you to sign up for that course but you might want to just audit it because of your interest.

Otherwise you can self-study the subject, or pursue a grad program at a different school that specifically offers such a program.

You can even find free introductory MOOCs online, like this one I took a while back and found quite interesting: https://www.edx.org/course/quantum-mechanics-quantum-computation-uc-berkeleyx-cs-191x
 
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Vitro said:
e
Vitro said:
Check this out too: http://www.research.ibm.com/ibm-q/
It seems you can experiment with an actual quantum computer.

Thank you so much for all your help. I will be doing more research into it
 

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