Specialized courses provide you with opportunities to apply quantum concepts and/or to learn about the science and technology where quantum processes are hosted.
Specializations include:
Quantum Information and Simulation: including mathematical and computational models of quantum computation and simulation, and complexity theory.
Quantum Materials and Sensing: including topological electron systems, strange metals, superconductors, theoretical physics and chemistry, photonics, nano-engineering, and quantum measurement.
Quantum Applications and Operations: including optimization problems, quantum algorithms, logistics, operations research, and machine learning.
A capstone project involving research on a mutually-agreed-upon QIS topic will be supervised by the research advisor. It will consist of a written report to be reviewed by the advisor, the track manager, and the program director.
In the subsections below, we list all the classes relevant towards satisfying the above specializations. In addition we also imagine novel tracks you may follow for further specialization. “Track managers” will advise you and guide you along these paths.
All QISMS students must take PHYS-P 555: Quantum Computation and Information. Basic concepts in quantum computation and information: the standard qubit model of computation, quantum algorithms: Shor's factoring and Grover's search algorithms, physics of information processing, quantum error correction, physical implementations of quantum computers.
CSCI-A 542 Technical Foundations of Cybersecurity. This course will enable students to build a technical foundation in cybersecurity by introducing concepts in secure systems design, cryptography, operating systems security, software security, and computer network security. The course will focus on developing a theoretical understanding of cybersecurity concepts and the ability to apply these concepts in practice.
CSCI-B 629 Topics in Programming Languages. Special topics in programming languages.
ILS-Z 525 Government Information. Survey of government information dissemination in all formats and at all levels of government. Consideration of government information policy. Primary emphasis given to U.S. government information but with some consideration given to state and local publication in the United States, and those of international organizations.
MATH-M 555-556 Quantum Computing I-II. Covers the interdisciplinary field of quantum information science for graduate students in computer science, physics, mathematics, philosophy, and chemistry. Quantum information science is the study of storing, processing, and communicating information using quantum systems. Prerequisites: Proven technical background / Instructor consent.
PHYS-P 453 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. The Schrodinger equation with applications to problems such as barrier transmission, harmonic oscillation, and the hydrogen atom. Discussion of orbital and spin angular momentum and identical particles. Introduction to perturbation theory. Prerequisites: P: P301 and P331. R: P332 concurrently.
PHYS-P 454 Modern Physics. Structure of multielectron atoms. Experimental facts and theoretical models in solid state physics, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics.
PHYS-P 511 Quantum Mechanics I. Basic principles, the Schrödinger equation, wave functions, and physical interpretation. Bound and continuum states in one-dimensional systems. Bound states in central potential; hydrogen atom. Variational method. Time independent perturbation theory.
PHYS-P 512 Quantum Mechanics II. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Schrödinger, Heisenberg and interaction pictures. Elementary theory of scattering. Rotations and angular momentum. Other symmetries. Nonrelativistic, many-particle quantum mechanics, symmetry and antisymmetry of wave functions, and Hartree-Fock theory of atoms and nuclei. Prerequisites: P: P511.
CHEM-C 561 Atomic and Molecular Quantum Theory. Elementary problems with chemical applications, approximate methods, atomic structure, molecular symmetry and normal vibrations, molecular orbitals. Quantum information such as Bloch sphere and Qubit dynamics through analgy to the Stern-Gerlach experiments. Prerequisites: C362 or equivalent.
CHEM-C 668 Special topics in physical chemistry. Quantum propagator theory, Time evolution, Green's functions, Group theory. Prerequisites: C561 or consent of instructor.
PHYS-P 557 Solid State Physics. Atomic theory of solids. Crystal and band theory. Thermal and electromagnetic properties of periodic structures. Prerequisites: P453 or equivalent.
CHEM-C 562 Computational Quantum Chemistry. Approximate methods for chemical and materials problems. Hartree-Fock theory, configuration interaction, coupled cluster theory, density functional theory with chemical applications. Prerequisites: C561 or consent of instructor.
CHEM-C 566 Molecular Optical Spectroscopy. Radiation and matter. Spectroscopic probes of the rotational, vibrational, electronic spectroscopy. NMR. Lasers. Structure of molecules. Advanced laser methods. Prerequisites: C561 or consent of instructor.
ENGR-E 505 Introduction to Nano-Engineering. A broad overview of the scientific background as well as the cutting-edge technological achievements of engineering on the nanoscale. Bridging the quantum realm with mainstream of the technological paradigm through miniaturization of devices and systems to the nanoscale, resulting in novel useful functionalities. Prerequisites: Proven technical background / Instructor consent.
ENGR-E 551 Simulating Nanoscale Systems. Modeling and simulation of material behavior at the nanoscale. Analysis and control of shape, assembly, and flow behavior in soft nanomaterials. Optimization methods, nonequilibrium systems, and parallel computing. Applications to engineering problems at the nanoscale will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Familiarity with a programming language recommended.
BUS-P 552 Project Management. This course introduces you to the state-of-the art techniques used in project management. Project organizations, project selection techniques, project planning, project scheduling, resource allocation, project control, and optimization and risk management associated with project management. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
BUS-W 574 Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Understand the unique nature of corporate entrepreneurship, levels of entrepreneurship in organizations, forms of corporate entrepreneurship, corporate strategy and entrepreneurship, developing an entrepreneurial culture, leading the entrepreneurial organization, and assessing entrepreneurial performance. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
BUS-W 511 Venture Strategy. Strategies of the new venture, strategic planning under uncertainty, designing an effective entry strategy, evaluating future industry evolution, assessing the strategic fit in new ventures, and strategic aspects of a business. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
BUS-W 503 Creativity/Innovation: Creating New Venture Ideas. Turning ideas into business opportunities, assessing customer reactions to products, concepts or solutions, generating and evaluating new ideas, and leading “design sprints” whether for own venture or as a team member for their future employer. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
BUS-P 550 Business Process Design. Methods to analyze, develop, and improve organizational processes in both manufacturing and service sectors, trade-offs and limitations involved in process design, and tools to analyze and improve processes. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
BUS-P 561 Supply Chain Management and Technologies. Understand supply chain fundamentals, management of the flow of material across the supply chain to achieve a profitable balance between supply and demand, understand inefficiencies caused by a lack of collaboration among the players in the supply chain, management strategies needed to align the incentives of several inter-dependent players, and capstone simulation exercise to illustrate decentralized decision making. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
You will have the opportunity to choose from a broad range of research areas and work with associated faculty when it comes to the research component of the MS program. Research opportunities are currently available in physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and business applications. Individualized research and track placements will be guided by an advising and orientation team in concert with the admissions committee to provide you with an enhanced research experience through careful alignment with your interests and background.
Using these courses, we can organize the following tracks:
Track 1 Quantum Computation (courses P555/P557/W503 + elective courses from computation & optimization + research credits)
Track 2 Quantum Materials (courses P555/B629/W503 + elective courses from nano engineering + research credits)
Track 3 Quantum Applications Simulation and Sensing Operations Research (courses P555/B629/E505 + elective courses from management and entrepreneurship + research credits)
