| Unit name | A Quantum Mechanic's Toolbox |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EENGM0037 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Edmund Harbord |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
What is quantum engineering? How do quantum engineers solve problems? Why is quantum important for engineers and why is engineering important to quantum?
This unit will provide the aspiring quantum mechanic with a box of tools that will let you unlock quantum problems – you’ll be able to explain how qubits and quantum gates can operate, and how different physical systems can be used for this. You’ll have a strong overview of the field, and be able to identify the challenges and pitfalls associated with particular quantum technologies. You’ll be able to pick the signal from the noise, and see through the hype. Your analytical tools will be matched by your ability to communicate this knowledge orally to a lay audience.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is the cornerstone of the MSc in Optoelectronic and Quantum Technologies – working with your cohort, it will provide you with the entry level skills in engineering quantum information, as well as understanding how all the other units have been curated for your programme of study, and that are needed for your formation as a quantum engineer.
An overview of content
The unit will cover topics as a series of learning modules, comprising: the fundamental knowledge of quantum information engineering (the distinction between bits and qubits; the Bloch sphere; one qubit and two qubit gates; superposition; entanglement, decoherence); waves and particles (interference; electrons and photons; diffraction and the 2 slit experiment, uncertainty principle); photonic quantum information (light on beam splitters, coalescence, photon detection, autocorrelation); quantum statics (wavefunctions, Hamiltonians, potential well, optical transitions); quantum dynamics (time-dependent Schrödinger equations), quantum platforms (photonic, semiconducting, superconducting, atoms, and ions), and quantum technologies (computation and simulation, communications; sensing, imaging).
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
The students will become fluent in the language of quantum information engineering – unfazed by the jargon or by Dirac notation, they are read to read and engage with the literature in the field. They can identify the wide range of technological platforms, contrast their strengths and weaknesses in the context of particular technological applications. They will be able to communicate this knowledge authentically and persuasively to a lay audience.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, a successful student will be able to:
You’ll learn in a blended manner on this unit. Your learning consists of a series of learning modules linked to the syllabus content. Each learning module consists of a series of video tutorials, using a mixture of narrated presentations, problem-solving, and demonstrations. You will have guided reading each week. You will also have weekly in person sessions where we will review asynchronous content and apply it to real world problems, as well as drop-in sessions in which you will receive feedback on your coursework.
In later sessions, you will also have the opportunity to engage with case studies relevant to the application of academic and will take part in a guided paper club to familiarize yourself with the literature.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
At the end of the unit, you will individually submit your completed set of problem sheets, on which you have received formative feedback
You will undertake a group presentation on one of the case studies you’ve looked at, for which you will be given a group mark
When assessment does not go to plan
Should you fail to submit your coursework or to deliver the presentation, you will need to undertake an alternative individual assessment that will take a different form to the initial one, but still covering ILOs 1-4.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EENGM0037).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
