Introduction to Quantum Computing
Overview
Instructor(s): Jian Tao
Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 1:30PM-4:00PM CT
Location: Blocker 220 and online using Zoom
Prerequisite(s): Active HPRC Account; basic Python and linear algebra skills helpful but not required
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computation, leveraging quantum mechanical phenomena like superposition and entanglement to solve problems intractable for classical computers. This course provides a comprehensive introduction suitable for researchers, students, and professionals interested in understanding and using quantum computing technology.
The course follows a four-part structure:
- Quantum Physics: Foundational concepts including wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, superposition, and entanglement
- Quantum Hardware: Current state of quantum processors, physical implementations, and operating requirements
- Quantum Information Theory: Mathematical representation of qubits, quantum gates, and circuit design
- Quantum Programming: Hands-on introduction to modern frameworks like Qiskit, practical examples, and accessible resources
Course Materials
Online Resources
- IBM Quantum Platform: Access real quantum computers and a visual circuit composer. Free account available. Learning materials based on Qiskit.
- Amazon Braket:AWS quantum computing service with access to multiple hardware providers.
- Azure Quantum: Microsoft's cloud quantum computing platform with Q# programming language.
- Quantum Computing Report: Latest news, hardware updates, and industry developments in quantum computing.
Hands-On Practice
IBM Quantum Composer: Visual drag-and-drop circuit builder. Great for beginners to understand gate operations.Participation
During the training, attendees are expected to log in to an HPRC cluster using their own computer and complete the instructor-led examples and exercises.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand fundamental quantum mechanical principles relevant to quantum computing
- Explain how quantum computers differ from classical computers
- Describe current quantum hardware capabilities and limitations (NISQ era)
- Understand the mathematical representation of qubits and quantum gates
- Write simple quantum programs using modern frameworks like Qiskit
- Identify problem types suitable for quantum computing approaches
- Navigate available quantum computing resources and continue self-directed learning
Further Learning
After completing this course, consider exploring:
- Qiskit Textbook's more advanced chapters on quantum algorithms
- Grover's search algorithm and Shor's factoring algorithm
- Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) for chemistry applications
- Quantum machine learning approaches
- Academic courses: MIT OpenCourseWare, Caltech's Ph219