How much time will I need to invest in this course?
It is hard to give a general answer, but based on teacher feedback we expect that you will need to invest around 6-8 hours per week.
Who should follow the Quantum Quest? How hard is it?
The Quantum Quest is aimed at students of around 16-20 years old, in the last year of high school or the first year of university. The Quantum Quest can be very challenging! It is targeted at students who enjoy the more difficult mathematics. Participating as a group or school class can make things easier (but is by no means required).
Within the Netherlands, the course is recommended for students in 5-6 VWO who follow (at least) Wiskunde B. In Germany, it is ideal for grade 10-13.
No strong background in physics is required, but a strong background in mathematics (trigonometry, solving equations with unknown variables, logical reasoning) is recommended.
Do I need to pay money to participate?
No, the Quantum Quest is completely free!
We participate as a class or group. How should we sign up?
All students should sign up individually (also your teachers). You are welcome to work together, and submit your homework (just once) as a group, ideally consisting of 2-5 people. A few weeks before the Quest starts, you will receive instructions on how to make your group known.
I am a teacher. What do I need to do?
There are two options:
- Sign up with a complete class
- Recommend a subset of students to participate individually.
When you sign up as a class, the Quantum Quest can replace your regular lectures (including quite a bit homework(!)). We will support your students, give feedback on homework, answer their questions, etc.. Ideally, give your students the opportunity to attend (at least) one Q&A session per week. We do not assign grades to students, only a binary pass/fail (in the form of a certificate). For either of the options, each individual student should to sign up through the home page.
We will organize an information session for (mainly Dutch and German) teachers: the Dutch edition takes place on 16 September 2023 in Amsterdam. Contact Koen Groenland for more information.
Teachers are warmly invited to follow along and learn a lot by yourself, and/or to plan satellite activities with your class. To support you, we will offer a private chat room for teachers. Therefore, make sure you register yourself as well!
Can I follow this course from anywhere in the world?
Yes, you can participate from anywhere in the world, all you need is a stable internet connection! Do note that our lectures and discussion sessions are held in the Central European Time (CET) zone (mostly in the afternoon and early evening).
How long does the Quantum Quest take?
The Quantum Quest consists of 5 chapters: each one is designed to be made in 1 week. That’s why we allocate 5 weeks of actual course work. Before the 1st week, there is an ‘opening ceremony’, where we explain all the details about the course. After the last week, we have a ‘closing ceremony’ where we celebrate for those who passed the course.
We offer 2 different learning paths (see calendar):
- A 3-week program, during which students work through chapters 1-3.
- A 5-week program, during which students work through chapters 1-5. The last two chapters are extra challenging, but are especially interesting because they will teach some actual quantum algorithms!
The 3-week program offers a bit more breathing space in the later weeks, as you can finish the 3 chapters in 5 weeks. This is ideal for students who may be interrupted by other obligations, like exams. However, if you start with the 3-week program and you finish in time, you can always choose to join for the last 2 chapters as well!
I have a question that is not on this list!
Please contact Koen Groenland with your question: k.l.groenland@uva.nl