Scope and audience
Throughout 5 exciting weeks, wou will work on challenging math problems. These will give you a unique insight into the science of quantum computing and a real understanding of quantum bits and quantum algorithms.
This course is specifically designed for high school students, aged 16-20 years old. We hope for your enthusiasm for computer science and mathematics. No prior knowledge of quantum physics is required!
Table of contents:
- Week 1: “Maestro of probability” (what is a probabilistic bit?)
- Week 2: “Conqueror of the qubit” (what is a quantum bit?)
- Week 3: “Wizard of entanglement” (how about two quantum bits?)
- Week 4: “Quantum composer” (what is a quantum circuit?)
- Week 5: “Algorithm virtuoso” (what is a quantum algorithm?)
Learning methods
We offer you various learning opportunities:
- self-study: Use our lecture notes with many quizzes and exercises, as well as the Quirky online simulator.
- weekly homework: Work with other participants, submit your solutions as a team, and have them evaluated by us.
- weekly Q&A sessions: Ask your questions in our interactive meetings.
- Discord: Additional possibilities for interaction throughout the week via Discord
The weekly weekly Q&A sessions are not compulsory: you can finish the complete course without ever visiting them. The only requirement is that you hand in the homework exercises at the end of the week.
Languages
The materials are available in English and Dutch. A German translation is on it’s way! The weekly Q&A sessions and the exchange on Discord take place in English, German and Dutch.
What should you already know?
Most importantly, you enjoy logical thinking and reasoning!
We require quite some of the more challenging high school mathematics.
- You can work with equations that contain symbols instead of numbers, and are comfortable re-organizing them, or performing substitutions.
- You can work with vectors.
- Basics of trigonometry with radians. Ideally, you know what the unit circle is.
You do not need any prior experience with complex numbers, linear algebra, differentiating/integrating, or anything specific to physics. If these words don’t make any sense, that’s perfectly fine!
We look forward to diving into the world of quantum computing with you and exploring this fascinating field.