We have successfully completed QCourse511-2.
103 students from 36 countries passed QCourse511-2.
After the lecture phase, we offered five self-study modules for our students:
- Quantum Error Correction
- Quantum Annealing
- Topological Quantum Computing
- Quantum Key Distribution
- Oracular Quantum Algorithms
Each student is asked for completing one self-study module. Some attempted or completed more than on module. In total, we had 179 attempts, 104 of them got a grade at least 50%, and 83 students completed at least one self-study module successfully.
We thank our strategic partner Unitary Fund for their support in the self-study module.
Learning outcomes based on Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies:
1. Concepts of quantum physics
1.1 Basic concepts
1.2 Mathematical formalisms
5. Quantum computing and simulation
5.1 Quantum gates
5.2 Quantum programming languages and tools
5.3 Quantum algorithms and computing techniques
5.4 Quantum error correction
8. Practical and soft skills
8.1 Practical/experimental skills
8.2 Classical programming
Welcome to the second edition of graduate-level course QCourse511 “Quantum Computing and Programming”!
Our qcourse is available by a collaboration between QWorld and DF@LU (Faculty of Computing, University of Latvia). QCourse511-2 is formally linked to the course with code DatZ7097 in the doctoral study program of DF@LU. It is also a part of the Latvian national quantum initiative program, as well as open to the students applied through QTEdu or through IBA (Karachi).
This edition is free, fully online, and open for graduate-level students from all around the world, with given priorities to the students from Latvia, Ukraine, local partners, the QWorld network, and the QTEdu network. Our quota is limited to 400 students.
QCourse511-2 has two phases: the lecture phase (70%) and the self-study phase (30%). The final grade is out of 100 points. The lecture phase has 10 and each self-study module has up to 3 online exams (multiple choice tests). Depending on industrial partnerships, we may have more exams or some programming homework.
The online lectures will be held at 18:00-20:00 (Latvia) on Mondays, and the online labs will be held at at 18:00-20:00 (Latvia) on Wednesdays.
To pass QCourse511-2: To join the self-study phase, your score must be at least 35 points (out of 70) at the end of the lecture phase. To pass the course and receive a certificate, your final score must be at least 39.50 points (out of 100).
During the lecture phase (12 weeks), we study the QWorld’s tutorials Bronze and Silver.
- Bronze covers basics of probabilistic and quantum systems; elements of basic quantum circuits and quantum programming libraries; superposition and measurement; composite quantum system; entanglement, superdense coding, and quantum teleportation; and, Grover’s search algorithm.
- Silver covers complex numbers and the Bloch Sphere; quantum operators on the Bloch sphere; quantum Fourier transform; quantum phase estimation; and, Shor’s factorization algorithm.
- Our course tutorials come with fully hands-on experience, and the students should solve several programming tasks using Python. Therefore, each applicant should be able to write basic programs using Python, such as creating a list of twin prime numbers less than 300 and then print this list.
- Each applicant should also know (i) the basics of linear algebra such as vectors, matrices, and the basic operations on them, and (ii) the basics of trigonometric concepts and functions such as angle, length, sine, cosine, unit circle, unit sphere, rotations, and reflections.
During self-study phase (4 week), the students are expected to study individually or as a group one of the modules (the list is tentative): QKD (quantum key distribution), Nickel (oracular quantum algorithms), open quantum systems, quantum hardware, quantum annealing, and quantum foundations.
- A student can get points only from one module.
- The online exam(s) for self-study modules must be taken individually, if not specified otherwise.
The workload of QCourse511-2 is 6 ETCS credits, around 160 academic hours per semester. We follow a strict deadline policy, and almost every week there will be a deadline. The students are expected to work every week at least 4-6 hours besides attending the online sessions and online exams. Otherwise, they likely would drop out from or fail the course.
Schedule
| Week # | Dates | Topics | Deadlines |
| Week 1 | Sep 5-11 | Bronze 1 | |
| Week 2 | Sep 12-18 | Bronze 2 | Exam 1 |
| Week 3 | Sep 19-25 | Bronze 3 | Exam 2 |
| Week 4 | Sep 26-Oct 2 | Bronze 4 | Exam 3 |
| Week 5 | Oct 3-9 | Bronze 5 | Exam 4 |
| Week 6 | Oct 10-16 | Bronze review | Exam 5 |
| Week 7 | Oct 17-23 | Silver 1 | |
| Week 8 | Oct 24-30 | Silver 2 | Exam 6 |
| Week 9 | Oct 31-Nov 6 | Silver 3 | Exam 7 |
| Week 10 | Nov 7-13 | Silver 4 | Exam 8 |
| Week 11 | Nov 14-20 | Silver 5 | Exam 9 |
| Week 12 | Nov 21-27 | Silver review | Exam 10 |
| Week 13 | Nov 28-Dec 2 | Self-study 1 | |
| Week 14 | Dec 5-11 | Self-study 2 | |
| Week 15 | Dec 12-18 | Self-study 3 | |
| Week 16 | Dec 19-23 | Self-study 4 | Self-study exams |
Online platforms and tools
We have two bases platforms. We use a Discord server for our virtual class, i.e., communicating with each other, making the announcements, directing our questions, answering questions, asking for technical help, etc. We use Canvas LMS (Learning Management System) hosted by QWorld to manage the course flow, online quizzes, and grading.
We use zoom meetings for online lectures and labs. We record the zoom meetings and make them available to the class by uploading on YouTube. Discord voice channels will be available for group working or one-to-one consultation. We may use additional tools or platforms to conduct extra activities such as networking or Kahoot games.
Attendance
Attendance to the lectures or labs is not mandatory, and the students can access materials asynchronous. However, we highly recommend each student attend the online lectures and labs, be active in the Discord server, and synchronized with the course schedule. Remark that each online exam should be taken within a week after its related part is covered.
Applications
The applications are closed. Thank you very much for the great interest!
Second round application
We still have around 100 free places, and so, the deadline is extended to Sep 7, 2022.
Check the details below for your application. The notification emails for this round will be sent out by Sep 9, 2022. Please check your inbox & spam folders.
First round application
The applications will be open between Aug 17 and 31, 2022. We will admit up to 400 students.
The notification emails will be sent out on Sep 1, 2022 on Sep 2 or Sep 3. We are very sorry for the delay.
Please check your inbox & spam folders.
Details
The priorities will be given to the students from Latvia, Ukraine, local partners, the QWorld network, and the QTEdu network.
Local partner(s): Institute of Business Administration (Karachi)
Proof of Enrollment OR Support Letter: We require that you provide some documentation as evidence that you meet the requirements. (1) If you are enrolled in a graduate level program at a university during Fall 2022, please upload a document as evidence of your enrollment. (Example, an official letter of enrollment from Registrar’s office, a snapshot of your enrollment status on the university’s online system etc.) (2) If you are a highly motivated undergraduate / secondary school student or not currently enrolled in an academic program you may still apply for QCourse511. In this case, please provide a letter from a university faculty member in support of your application for this course.
Application Form >>
Frequently asked questions
- Do you recommend some reference resources?
- Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computing by Thomas Wong (free download)
- Lecture Notes on Quantum Computation by John Watrous (free download)
- Learn Quantum Computation using Qiskit (free access)
- Quantum Computation and Quantum Information by M. Nielsen and I. Chuang
- An Introduction to Quantum Computing by Phillip Kaye, Raymond Laflamme, Michele Mosca
- If I am not a graduate student (or I am not even a student), can I still apply for QCourse511-2?
Yes, but the priority will be given to the eligible graduate students and the applications from the priority groups. - Can I get official credits if I pass QCourse511-2?
You can get official credits only from the program you enroll in. You must consult this issue with the responsible people in your program.
What might be helpful:
The details about QCourse511-2 and its linked course at University of Latvia (accredited in Latvia, EU) are publicly available. We will provide a certificate by QWorld with your final grade out of 100 points, as well as the basic information about the course. If it would be accepted by your program, we will also provide a signed document from the doctoral program of Faculty of Computing, University of Latvia (click for a template). All or some of these may be helpful.
One of easiest solution would be to convince your institute to open a similar or a seminar or a special topic course locally, and then you earn your credits through this local course based on your performance at QCourse511-2. We would be happy to share your grades with the responsible people for that local course. - I have completed a QBronze or a QSilver workshop, can I still apply for QCourse511-2?
Yes. But, do not assume that there will be less work. - I have passed the first edition of QCourse511. Can I still apply for QCourse511-2?
No. But, welcome to apply to our upcoming QCourses, events, or programs. - There was no self-study modules in the first edition of QCourse511. Can I apply only for the self-study modules?
No. But, the successful self-study modules will be offered as workshops or new courses under QWorld. So, you will have opportunities to study not only one but several of them. - I will have a busy semester, and I do not think I will have more than 2 hours per week for an additional course. Do you suggest me to apply for QCourse511-2?
No. QCourse511-2 is time demanding with strict deadline policy. But, we encourage you to attend our QBronze and QSilver workshops to study our tutorials, which run over a short time with easier homework.
Team
Coordinator: Jibran Rashid (QWorld)
Instructor: Abuzer Yakaryilmaz (QWorld & DF@LU)
Vice-coordinator: Claudia Zendejas-Morales (QWorld)
Student assistants: Rumlah Amer (QPakistan), Kenneth Isamade (QWorld), Claudia Zendejas-Morales (QWorld)
Discord: Shantanu Misra (QWorld)
Self-study module leaders:
Topological Quantum Computing: Taha Rouabah (CQTech) & Nacer Eddine Belaloui (CQTech)
Quantum Annealing: Özlem Salehi (QWorld)
Quantum Error Correction: Abdullah Khalid (QWorld)
Quantum Key Distribution: Aeysha Khalique (QPakistan)
Oracular Quantum Algorithms: Aurél Gábris (QWorld) & Özlem Salehi (QWorld)
Self-study module mentors:
Topological Quantum Computing: Nacer Eddine Belaloui (CQTech) & Abdellah Tounsi (CQTech)
Quantum Annealing: Sabah Ud Din Ahmad (QPakistan)
Quantum Key Distribution: Sabah Ud Din Ahmad (QPakistan)
Support/help: Engin Baç (QWorld), Vishal Bajpe (QWorld), Tugba Özbilgin
Contact
Jibran Rashid (coordinator), qcourse511 [at] qworld.net
Code of Conduct
Our course is dedicated to providing a harassment-free teaching and learning experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the course.
We respect the minors (children under age 18) and we must make every effort to protect their rights. All private relationships, private communications (including social media channels), or sexual contacts with minors are prohibited.
Except the filing the application form and similar formal procedures, the contact info of any attendee or participant cannot be requested by any person from organizer side (i.e., mentor, educator, speaker, organizer, sponsor, or volunteer). On the other hand, any person from organizer side may share his or her contact info with a participant who is not a minor, upon request by the participant.
A minor can access the emails of the main organizers on the event’s website. If a minor interested in working with a person from organizer side for scientific or pedagogical purpose, then he or she should read this document before contacting this person:
https://qworld.net/code-of-ethics-and-conduct/#minors
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the organizers immediately. For any concern regarding the organizers, please contact the members of the Ethics Committee of QWorld.
https://qworld.net/code-of-ethics-and-conduct/
Check the above link for more details.