• Offered by Research School of Physics
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Course subject Physics
  • Areas of interest Physics, Science, Engineering
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Dr Sean Hodgman
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Offered in Second Semester 2023
    See Future Offerings

This course introduces students to the principles, concepts and applications of quantum technology. Building upon prior learning in quantum mechanics, students will first develop an understanding of the ‘qubit’ as the model quantum system used in quantum technologies. Students will then explore the archetypal physical realisations of qubits (eg superconducting circuits, photons, trapped atoms etc) before being introduced to each of the major types of quantum technology: computing/ simulation, communications and sensing/ microscopy. During this learning, an emphasis will be placed on critically comparing the different realisations of qubits and quantum technologies as well as quantum and classical technologies so that students readily appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of each. Assessments will be designed to advance computational skills as well as written and verbal communication skills necessary for the quantum industry.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Model the initialisation, control, measurement and decoherence of qubits as abstracted quantum systems;
  2. Appraise archetypal physical realisations of qubits (superconducting circuits, trapped atoms, spin defects in solids, photons etc), methods of initialisation, control and measurement, and sources of decoherence;
  3. Examine the key principles, concepts and applications of each major quantum technology type: computing/simulation, communications and sensing/ microscopy;
  4. Critically compare different realisations of quantum technologies as well as quantum and classical technologies;
  5. Develop advanced computational, written communication and verbal communication skills.

Indicative Assessment

  1. Assignments (30) [LO 1,2,3,5]
  2. Presentation (20) [LO 4,5]
  3. Final exam (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:

  • Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour workshops and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week.
  • Approximately 82 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.

Inherent Requirements

To be determined

Requisite and Incompatibility

To enrol in this course you must have previously completed either PHYS6013 or PHYS6101, or an equivalent approved by the course convenor.

Prescribed Texts

N/A

Preliminary Reading

Most recent edition of: M.A. Neilsen and I.L. Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, Cambridge University Press.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees

Student Contribution Band:
2
Unit value:
6 units

If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2023 $4320
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2023 $6180
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

Second Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
5926 24 Jul 2023 31 Jul 2023 31 Aug 2023 27 Oct 2023 In Person View

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