Module 12411 (2005)

Syllabus page 2005/2006

06-12411
Introduction to Molecular and Quantum Computation

Level 4/M

Iain Styles
10 credits in Semester 1

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

Relevant Links


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 successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: Assessed by:
1explain the differences between classical computation, quantum and molecular computation Examination
2describe how to build quantum logic circuits Examination
3explain various molecular and quantum algorithms Examination
4outline the basic concepts of quantum mechanics Examination
5describe the current practical attempts to build quantum and molecular computation devices Examination
6compare the principles of quantum cryptography 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:

24


Assessment

  • Supplementary (where allowed): As the sessional assessment
  • 1.5 hr open book examination (100%).

Recommended Books

TitleAuthor(s)Publisher, Date
Quantum Computation and Quantum InformationMichael A Nielsen and Isaac L ChuangCambridge University Press, 2002
Explorations in Quantum ComputingC P Williams & S H ClearwaterSpringer-Verlag, 1998
Computing with Cells and AtomsC Calude & G PaunTaylor & Francis, 2000
Computation in Cellular and Molecular Biological SystemsR Paton & M HolcombeWorld Scientific Publishing,

Detailed Syllabus

  1. Review of classical computation
  2. The Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
    • Notion of a state vector; Dirac Notation
    • Quantum Measurement and Probabilities
    • Time-evolution of Quantum Systems; Unitarity
    • Composite Quantum Systems
  3. Introducing Qubits
    • Notion of a Qubit
    • How much information can a qubit store?
    • Superposition and Entanglement
    • The No-Cloning Theorem
  4. Quantum logic circuits
    • Importance of Reversibility
    • Basic elements of quantum logic circuits
    • Analysing quantum circuits
  5. Quantum Algorithms
    • The Quantum Fourier Transform
    • Grover's Search Algorithm
    • Shor's Factorisation Algorithm
  6. Quantum Communications
    • Quantum Teleportation
    • Quantum Cryptography
  7. Molecular Computation
    • DNA computing
    • Adelman's hamiltonian path problem
    • Computation in non-linear excitable media

Last updated: 15 Sep 2005

Source file: /internal/modules/COMSCI/2005/xml/12411.xml

Links | Outline | Aims | Outcomes | Prerequisites | Teaching | Assessment | Books | Detailed Syllabus