Module: High Performance & Quantum Computing

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	High Performance & Quantum Computing
Module Code	PHY1090 (ITS) / PHY1090 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Oisin Creaner
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

The module will give an introduction to the concepts behind of modern computational methods with a particular emphasis on quantum computing and information: * An introduction to theoretical computer science and computational complexity * The need for high performance computing in theoretical modelling * The physics and mathematics behind quantum computing and quantum information science generally

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1: Appreciation of theoretical computer science and computational complexity classes
2. LO2: Practical working understanding of discrete vector spaces
3. LO3: Understanding the Postulates of Quantum Mechanics and implications thereof
4. LO4: Knowledge of the main models of Quantum Computation [e.g. Circuit, Adiabatic]
5. LO5: Familiarity of key Algorithms and Applications (Quantum Key Distribution, Teleportation, Factoring, Simulation)
6. LO6: Mastery of core concepts in Quantum Information (Entanglement, Density matrices, Noise Channels)
7. LO7: Knowledge of advanced topics [e.g. mappings from qubits and spin to fermions; Entanglement Entropy; Matrix Product states]
8. LO8: To be able to understand and evaluate the merits of the main QC platforms (Superconducting, Ion-Traps, Photonic)

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	30	Students will independently work through provided online material in form of recommended reading, and asynchronous online lectures
Online activity	20	Students will complete Loop quizzes to monitor learning on the course topics
Workshop	10	Industry partners will provide workshops and "look behind the curtain" live streams to facilities such as high performance computing clusters (Intel, MS) and quantum computing hardware under development (Intel)
Group work	25	Students will jointly define a computational problem to be run on a HPC cluster, write the appropriate code and evaluate the results
Group work	20	Students will jointly work on introducing a test challenge and solution involving HPC, BC, Q-Crypt, or Q-Comp. Students will present their challenge and concept to solve it to their peers
Independent Study	20	Independent learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

High performance computing
Introduction in HPC hardware and use scenarios in terms of computational physics, but also cloud computing. This activity will involve industry partners to illustrate their usage of such systems (All TOP500 entries in Ireland are from private companies)

Block-Chain
Basic introduction in the concept of a block-chain and its use in new developments in trust networks

Quantum Cryptography
Introduction in cryptographic key exchange using entangled photon pairs. Outline current challenges and use scenarios

Quantum Computing
Basic introduction to quantum computing, promises and limitations.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Continuous evaluation of completion of self-guided online learning material (loop, h5p,...) Components (HPC,BC,QCrypt,QComp) can be taken separately in any order	50%	As required
Group project	Group project in running code on a high performance cluster or cloud instance (in collaboration with PS432)	25%	As required
Group presentation	Peer assessed group presentation on a challenge based project set by industry partners, research centres, or the module coordinators. The challenge will be based on an example of the implementation of any of the modules aspects (HPC, BC, Q-Crypt, Q-comp)	25%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None