06-12411
Introduction to Molecular and Quantum Computation

Level M

Dr J E Rowe

10 credits in Sem1

The School of Computer Science Module Description is a strict subset of this Syllabus Page. (The University module description has not yet been checked against the School's.)

Changes and Updates

No major changes during the current academic year.

29 July 2001: Most recent update.

Outline

This module introduces the concepts and techniques of Quantum Computation. It also covers DNA computing and other forms of Molecular Computation (such as Excitable Media).

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

Give an introduction to Quantum Computation and its relation with algorithmic complexity.
Give an introduction to DNA computing.
Introduce the students to the concepts of chemical and biological computation.
Give the students an understanding of the role of physics in computation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, the student should be able to:	Assessed by:
Explain the differences between classical computation, quantum and molecular computation.	Examination
Describe how to build quantum logic circuits.	Examination
Demonstrate an understanding of various molecular and quantum algorithms.	Examination
Demonstrate an understanding the basic concepts of quantum mechanics.	Examination
Understand the current practical attempts to build quantum and molecular computation devices.	Examination
Understand the principles of quantum cryptography and contrast with classical cryptography.	Examination

Restrictions, Prerequisites and Corequisites

Restrictions:

None.

Prerequisites:

None

Co-requisites:

None

Teaching

Teaching methods:

2 lectures/tutorials per week

Contact hours:

Assessment

2 hr open book examination (100%).

Recommended Books

Title	Author(s)	Publisher, Date
Explorations in Quantum Computing	C P Williams & S H Clearwater	Springer-Verlag, 1998
Computing with Cells and Atoms	C Calude & G Paun	Taylor & Francis, 2000
Computation in Cellular and Molecular Biological Systems	R Paton & M Holcombe	World Scientific Publishing

Detailed Syllabus

Turing machines and algorithmic complexity
Quantum mechanics, notation, Schrodinger equation
Quantum logic circuits
Quantum superposition and entanglement
Reversible computing>
The Feynmann processor
Quantum algorithms particularly Shor's and Grover's algorithms
Quantum cryptography
DNA computing, Adelman hamiltonian path problem
Computation in non-linear excitable media

Relevant Links