Course Description

"Quantum Computer Systems Design" is an advanced-level course offered by UChicagoX that delves into the cutting-edge world of quantum computing. This comprehensive course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and work with today's quantum computer systems. By combining theoretical concepts with hands-on programming experience using IBM Qiskit, students will gain a deep understanding of quantum computing principles, algorithms, and system design.

What Students Will Learn

• Master the fundamental principles of quantum computing, including superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates
• Develop proficiency in using IBM Qiskit to write and execute quantum programs on cloud-accessible quantum hardware
• Understand the design principles of full-stack quantum software and hardware systems
• Learn to apply classical software techniques to improve quantum hardware reliability and performance
• Gain insights into quantum processor microarchitecture and quantum program compilation
• Explore medium-size algorithms for NISQ (near-term intermediate scale quantum) computers
• Develop critical thinking skills for overall quantum system design and integration of software and hardware components

Pre-requisites

To succeed in this course, students should have completed the "Introduction to Quantum Computing for Everyone" (Parts 1 and 2) or possess equivalent knowledge. A strong background in computer science, linear algebra, and Python programming is essential. Familiarity with compiler design and circuit optimization concepts would be beneficial.

Course Content

• Introduction to systems research in quantum computing
• Fundamental rules in quantum computing, Bloch Sphere, and Feynman Path Sum
• Sequential and parallel execution of quantum gates
• EPR pair, no-cloning theorem, and quantum teleportation
• Medium-size algorithms for NISQ computers
• Quantum processor microarchitecture: classical and quantum control
• Quantum program compilation and qubit memory management
• Full-stack quantum software design principles
• Quantum system inefficiencies and optimization techniques
• Application of classical software techniques to quantum systems
• Noise-aware quantum compiling and NISQ algorithms

Target Audience

This course is ideal for advanced computer science students, software engineers, physicists, and professionals interested in pursuing a career in quantum computing. It is particularly suited for those looking to specialize in quantum software development, quantum algorithms, or quantum system design.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are highly valuable in the rapidly growing field of quantum computing. Graduates will be well-equipped to:

• Develop quantum algorithms and software for various industries, including finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity
• Optimize quantum circuits and improve the performance of quantum systems
• Contribute to the design and development of next-generation quantum processors
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects involving quantum technology
• Pursue research opportunities in quantum computing and related fields
• Join quantum computing startups or quantum divisions of major tech companies

Syllabus

Module 1 (Intro to Quantum Computation and Programming)

• Lec 00 - Quantum Computing Systems – Current State-of-Play
• Lec 01 - From bits to qubits
• Lec 02 - QASM and logic gate decomposition
• Lec 03 - Basic quantum programs

Module 2 (Principles of Quantum Architecture)

• Lec 04 - Program compilation and synthesis
• Lec 05 - Program compilation and synthesis II
• Lec 06 - Gate scheduling and parallelism
• Lec 07 - Qubit mapping and memory management

Module 3 (Working with Noisy Systems)

• Lec 08 - NISQ algorithms
• Lec 19 - Noisy quantum systems
• Lec 10 - Noise-aware quantum compiling

Textbooks

Required Textbook: Quantum Computer Systems (QCS) by Ding and Chong

Open Textbook: Learn Quantum Computation using Qiskit by IBM Qiskit

Optional Textbook: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information (QCQI) by Nielsen and Chuang

Conclusion

By enrolling in this course, students will gain a competitive edge in the quantum computing industry, positioning themselves at the forefront of this revolutionary technology that promises to transform various sectors and solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers.