Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
This course will introduce the paradigm of quantum computing, covering fundamental topics in quantum information and quantum algorithms from the standpoint of a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer. No prior knowledge of quantum physics is required. Topics will include: the basics of quantum information, including qubits and quantum logic gates; the design and analysis of quantum algorithms, with applications such as Shor's algorithm for fast factorisation; and fundamentals of both classical and quantum computational complexity, including P vs NP for classical algorithms and BQP for quantum algorithms.
This course will begin with the basics of quantum computing, including qubits, quantum logic gates, the structure of a quantum algorithm, and some seminal ﾠalgorithms such as Shor's algorithm for factorising integers. It will follow with a series of related topics, including quantum computational complexity, quantum key exchange, and the quantum analogue of error correcting codes.ﾠTogether these aim to showcase some of the benefits and difficulties ﾠof working with quantum computation. The material will generally work with an abstract model of a quantum computer, without reference to any specific hardware (similar to how Turing machines ﾠmodel classical computers).
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students are familiar withﾠthe linear algebra fromﾠMATH1051 or MATH1071, and the number theory and algebra fromﾠMATH2301.
ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MATH1051 or MATH1071 or MATH7051; MATH2301
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
All classes will be conducted on campus. Consult your personal timetable for times and locations. Students are expected to attend these sessions in person unless they have a valid reason for being unable to attend (such as illness).
There will be no classes on Wednesday 14 August or Monday 7 October, which are public holidays.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to introduce students to the basics of quantum computing, as it relates to and impacts upon modernﾠcryptography. This includes an abstract model of quantum computation, the design of quantum algorithms, and related topics as seen from the quantum world includingﾠcomputational complexity, error correction and key exchange.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe an abstract model of a quantum computer.
LO2.
Explain how quantum algorithms are constructed, and describe some examples that relate to cryptographic applications.
LO3.
Describe the fundamental quantum computational complexity classes, and explain how they relate to classical complexity classes such as P and NP.
LO4.
Describe different ways in which topics from classical computing, coding and cryptography can be adapted to the world of quantum computing.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignment 1 | 25% |
Week 4, Fri 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignment 2 | 25% |
Week 7, Fri 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignment 3 | 25% |
Week 10, Fri 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignment 4 | 25% |
Week 13, Fri 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Assignment 1
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Week 4, Fri 2:00 pm
Task description
This assignment requires you to solve a set of problems given in class, and to submit your written solutions through Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Solutions should be submitted through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
Assignment 2
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Week 7, Fri 2:00 pm
Task description
This assignment requires you to solve a set of problems given in class, and to submit your written solutions through Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Solutions should be submitted through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Assignment 3
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Week 10, Fri 2:00 pm
Task description
This assignment requires you to solve a set of problems given in class, and to submit your written solutions through Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Solutions should be submitted through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Assignment 4
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Week 13, Fri 2:00 pm
Task description
This assignment requires you to solve a set of problems given in class, and to submit your written solutions through Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Solutions should be submitted through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Solutions for assessment item/s will be released 7 days after the assessment is due and as such, an extension after 7 days will not be possible.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates very limited understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and of the basic concepts in the course material. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrating very limited understanding of the key concepts. A student receiveing a grade of 1 will have attained an overall mark of less than 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates limited understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates limited knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately. A student receiving a grade of 2 will have attained an overall mark of at least 20% and less than 45%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates some understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates some knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems, but fails to satisfy all of the basic requirements for a pass. A student receiving a grade of 3 will have attained an overall mark of at least 45% and less than 50%. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates a knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. A student receiving a grade of 4 will have attained an overall mark of at least 50% and less than 65%. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a good understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and can apply the techniques to solve problems. A student receiving a grade of 5 will have attained an overall mark of at least 65% and less than 75% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and is proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems. A student receiving a grade of 6 will have attained an overall mark of at least 75% and less than 85%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and is highly proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems. A student receiving a grade of 7 will have attained an overall mark of at least 85%. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment for this course will consist of a written problem set, similar in style but substantially longer than the four in-semester assignments. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Reading and homework problems Before and after each lecture and tutorial you are expected to be reading text and other suggested sources for deeper understanding of the material, and trying all homework problems set. This is essential to understand and pass this course -- lectures and tutes alone will not teach you everything you need to know, you are expected to be self-learners in this course. |
Lecture |
Lectures The lectures will be presented face-to-face. |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.