Home Teaching Research Blog + News

CS 5001 Introduction to Quantum Computing (Spring 2024)

Time: Tu 4-6:30 PM
Location: Computer Science 00220

Instructor: Avah Banerjee
Office Hours (in-person in CS 309): Tu-Th 2:30-3:30 PM (or by appointment)
Email: banerjeeav [at] mst [dot] edu
Course website: https://www.avahbanerjee.com/cs5001-s24.html
Zoom link: Zoom link for the class will be avilable on Canvas


Course description:
This course introduces basic concepts in Quantum computing from a computer science perspective. We will cover, among others, models of quantum computations, designing quantum circuits, scenarios where quantum algorithms may have an advantage over classical algorithms, quantum resources, error correction, etc.


Course Outcomes:
1. Understand the mathematical language describing quantum computation.
2. Learn to develop simple quantum algorithms and analyze them.
3. Gain a basic understanding of quantum information and the underlying quantum mechanical principles behind quantum computation.


Prerequisites:
Prior knowledge of quantum mechanics is helpful but not required. An understanding of some basic concepts in Linear Algebra, Probability theory, and Theoretical Computer Science is needed. However, we will review some of the preliminary concepts based on the needs of the class.


Textbook
From time to time, I will use different textbooks to prepare lectures. The following textbooks may be used for further reading. Relevant reading materials for each lecture topic will be made available here.
Textbooks for Further Reading.
1. Quantum Computation and Quantum Information : 10th Anniversary Edition, Isaac Chuang and Michael Nielsen, 2010
2. Lipton, R. J., & Regan, K. W. (2021). Introduction to quantum algorithms via linear algebra. MIT Press.
3. Mermin, N. D. (2007). Quantum computer science: an introduction. Cambridge University Press.
4. Kitaev, A. Y., Shen, A., & Vyalyi, M. N. (2002). Classical and quantum computation (No. 47). American Mathematical Soc.
5. The online Qiskit "textbook" can be found [here].


Tentative Syllabus
1. Introduction
2. Linear Algebra
3. Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Games
4. Models of Computation
5. Quantum Circuits
6. QFT and Integer Factoring, HSP
7. Query Model and Search
8. Quantum Error Correction
9. Quantum Walks
10. Quantum machine learning


Problem Sets
HW1 (Due Feb 14 24, 12 Noon CST) [PDF]
HW2 (Due Mar 22 24, 12 Noon CST) [PDF]
HW3 (Due Apr 19 24, 12 Noon CST) [PDF]
HW4 (Due May 01 24, 12 Noon CST) [PDF]



Grading Policy:

  1. (Homework 40%): There will be 4 homework assignments. These must be completed individually.
  2. Final Exam (30%): This will be a take-home exam.
  3. In-class activities (30%): These may involve group exercises, short quizzes, presentations, etc.
[Late submissions are not accepted.]



Academic Integrity
Please review S&T's Honor Code at https://stuco.mst.edu/. Policy regarding student conduct, plagiarism etc. can be found at https://registrar.mst.edu/academicregs/
Honor code violations, including the misuse of AI tools, are grave concerns in this course. If you are uncertain about whether your planned actions, such as utilizing AI for solving assignments, missing citations, or referencing online solutions might breach the honor code, please consult with me prior to submitting your work. Be aware, if it is determined that any portion of your exam or assignment has been plagiarized or completed with prohibited AI assistance, you will receive a grade of zero for that specific submission.

Use of AI
In accordance with the principles of academic integrity and trust in the educational community, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty in their academic endeavors. The following guidelines specifically address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of this course:

  1. Use of AI for Homework Assignments: Utilizing AI, including but not limited to solutions generated by systems like ChatGPT, to solve or complete homework problems is strictly prohibited. Submitting work generated or significantly aided by AI will be considered a violation of the honor code.
  2. Use of AI for Learning: While AI-generated solutions for assignments are forbidden, students are encouraged to use AI tools such as ChatGPT to clarify doubts, understand course concepts, and deepen their knowledge. It's crucial, however, to differentiate between using AI as a learning tool and letting it complete assignments on your behalf.
  3. Collaboration: Unless explicitly stated otherwise, students are expected to work independently on assignments. While discussions among peers are encouraged for understanding concepts, sharing or copying solutions is an infringement of the honor code.
  4. Consequences for Honor Code Violations: Violations of the honor code will be dealt with seriously. This can range from receiving a zero on the assignment or exam in question, to failing the course, or even referral to higher academic authorities for further action.
  5. Clarifications: If you are ever in doubt about whether a specific action might violate the honor code, please seek clarification from the instructor or teaching assistants. It's always better to ask beforehand than face consequences later.


Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
My goal is to create a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives and experiences, and honors your identities (including race, gender, class, sexuality, socioeconomic status, religion, and ability). If something was said in class (by me or anyone else) that made you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it. If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please do not hesitate to come and talk with me. As a participant in offline and online course discussions, you should also strive to honor the diverse perspectives of your classmates and teaching staff. (Credit: based on the statement of Dr. Monica Linden at Brown University.)


COVID-19 Policy/ Contingencies
Refer to https://coronavirus.mst.edu/ for up to date information and guidlines regarding COVID-19.


Accessibility and Accommodations
It is the university’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on a disability, please contact Student Disability Services at (573) 341-6655, sdsmst@mst.edu, visit http://dss.mst.edu/ for information. Lectures will be recorded and will be available via Panopto.

Copyright, FERPA, and Use of Video
It is vitally important that our classroom environment promote the respectful exchange of ideas. This entails being sensitive to the views and beliefs expressed during discussions, whether in class or online. Please obtain instructor permission before recording any class activity. It is a violation of University of Missouri policy to distribute such recordings without authorization and the permission of all who are recorded. For more info see here.

Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Title IX
Missouri S&T is committed to the safety and well-being of our campus community, and to creating an environment free from discrimination and harassment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. As used in this policy, the word “sex” is also inclusive of the term “gender.” Additionally, US Federal Law Title IX states that no member of the university community shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity. Sexual harassment violations of this law include quid pro quo, hostile environment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. The U.S. Department of Education has stated the prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Students who are experiencing pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, including the birthing parent and non-birthing parent, have rights protected under Title IX. Students should contact the Office of Equity and Title IX to learn more about their rights and pregnancy-related assistance/accommodations provided by the University to ensure equitable access to University educational programs and activities. In accordance with the University of Missouri’s Collected Rules and Regulations, all faculty and staff are required to report any information concerning discrimination disclosed through communication including, but not limited to, direct conversation, email, social media, classroom papers and homework exercises to the Equity Officer/Title IX Coordinator (https://equity.mst.edu ).

Student Mental Health
Your well-being and mental health are paramount to your success as a student. Understanding the challenges of academic life and potential personal stressors, Missouri S&T offers a range of mental health services to support students. For comprehensive information on counseling, workshops, and other mental health resources, visit Missouri S&T Student Mental Health (https://studenthealth.mst.edu/mentalhealth/ and https://wellbeing.mst.edu ). Should you ever feel overwhelmed or in distress, please reach out to these services or discuss any concerns with me.