Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - MATH 796 G100

Selected Topics in Mathematics (3)

Quantum Algorithms

Class Number: 7178

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2025
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Held jointly with MATH 496-3. See description for MATH 496-3. Students may not take a 700-division course if it is being offered in conjunction with a 400-division course which they have taken previously.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is equivalent to CMPT 476 and satisfies the same sets of course requirements.  Interested students from Computer Science and Physics are encouraged to enroll.

Quantum computing is a computational paradigm which utilizes quantum mechanical effects at the physical level to process information. By using these quantum effects we can solve certain problems faster than the best known classical methods, such as factorizing integers, simulating quantum mechanical systems, and solving some linear systems. Since the advent of such algorithms in the 90's, researchers in computing science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, and other fields have been attempting to not only build quantum computers but also to understand their power.

This course offers an introductory treatment to the field of quantum information and computation with an emphasis on algorithms. We will examine how the above and other quantum algorithms work, as well as their implications on computational complexity and issues and techniques relating to their physical realization. By the end of this course, students should understand the basic model of quantum information and computation, key quantum protocols and algorithms, and leave with a broad knowledge of how such algorithms are implemented and what the primary challenges in doing so are, from their high-level mathematical expression down to the physical realization.

As quantum computing is still largely a theoretical topic, coursework will be primarily mathematical and proof-based. Some minor coding may be involved, but the primary purpose of the course is to understand how quantum algorithms work rather than to program them.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics 

  • Quantum mechanics
  • Quantum information
  • Gate-model quantum computation
  • Key quantum algorithms
  • Quantum error correction and fault-tolerance
  • Physical realization of quantum computation
  • Additional topics such from quantum information and foundations (e.g. contextuality/nonlocality, MBQC), as per class interest

Grading

  • Exam 30%
  • Term paper 15%
  • Midterm 15%
  • Assignment 40%

NOTES:

Details to be discussed in class.

REQUIREMENTS:

As quantum computing is an interdiscplinary field involving computer science, mathematics, and physics, the only formal requirements are satisfactory performance in linear algebra, which the course will rely upon heavily. Experience with topics such as algorithms, complexity, abstract algebra, and quantum mechanics will all be assets, but are not required. It is expected that students will encounter some topics with which they have very little familiarity.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Michael A. Nielsen, Isaac L. Chaung, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information
ISBN: 9781107002173

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.