CSCI 5244: Quantum Computation and Information

Instructor: Lijun Chen

Email:Lijun.Chen@colorado.edu

Time and location: TTh 2pm-3:15pm University Club 6 (Fall 2026)

This course will cover a range of foundational topics in quantum computation and information, starting with a crash course on quantum computation basics for those who have no prior exposure to it:Ìý

  • Basics on quantum mechanics and quantum computing (4 weeks): basic rules of quantum mechanics, entanglement and teleportation, quantum gates, circuits and algorithmsÌý
  • Quantum optimization and machine learning (4 weeks): variational quantum optimization, quantum approximate optimization algorithms, quantum algorithms for machine learning (e.g., quantum regression algorithms, quantum PAC learning, etc), machine learning for quantum systemsÌý
  • Reliable and scalable quantum computing (4 weeks): error correction and fault-tolerant computing, quantum computer architecture, quantum codes and softwareÌý
  • Quantum communication and networking (2 weeks): quantum data teleportation, quantum network components and architecture, resource allocationÌý

We may refine the above topics (and their order) depending on how the course goes and the specific semester.

Prerequisites

Linear algebra; quantum mechanics or some basic knowledge about it is not necessary but a huge plus.

Textbook

No required textbook; lecture notes and suggested readings will be provided

Grading

  • Attendance 20%
  • Homework 40%
  • Final project 40%