Module lead: Dr Fedja Orucevic
This module will familiarise you with the fundamental concepts and mathematical framework of modern quantum science, improving your quantum literacy. You’ll receive an overarching introduction to quantum physics and the tools you need to understand the practical implementations of quantum technologies.
The topics covered in this module will highlight the foundational phenomena at the forefront of the second quantum revolution on which the field of emerging quantum technologies is built.
After a quick review of mathematical notions that will be used throughout this module (e.g., Dirac notations, Hermitian and Pauli matrices, Bloch sphere etc.), we’ll describe the postulates of quantum mechanics and discuss their interpretation.
The module will then explore the topics at the heart of quantum mechanics that have direct implications in the field of quantum technologies, such as entanglement, Heisenberg uncertainty, harmonic oscillator, etc.
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- demonstrate a systematic understanding of basic concepts of quantum physics (e.g., wave functions, operators, uncertainty principles and expectation values)
- analyse composite quantum systems and entanglement
- understand and assess the principles on which quantum technologies operate
- master quantum mechanical principles and algebraic approaches and deploy them to assess real-world technologies such as quantum sensing.
Types of assessment may include:
- problem set (40%) – solutions to a problem set assessing quantitative skills and understanding of quantum mechanics postulates
- portfolio (60%) – a collection of exercises solved throughout the module and an
executive summary of a case study of your choice.