Quantum Engineering specialization

photonics atoms ions

Beginning in Fall 2023, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering students will be able to begin working towards a Quantum Engineering specialization.

Why Quantum Engineering?

Quantum technology utilizes the laws of quantum mechanics to develop quantum computers for enhanced computation of problems beyond those that are solvable by classical computers, enable secure communication between remote parties to keep sensitive data safe from eavesdroppers, and to enhance the precision of measurements. Past achievements of quantum technology include applications such as MRI imaging of the brain and timing for accurate GPS systems.

To harness the potential of present and future quantum technologies, we need to train engineers in the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms, and quantum-related hardware platforms, such as superconductors, photonics, and atomic physics, as well as teach them how to build useful quantum devices and systems through hands-on training and how to program a quantum computer.

Workforce for the quantum industry

  • Our goal is to train the next-generation workforce with the skills necessary in the quantum industry, which will create over 10,000 jobs and is expected to develop into a multibillion-dollar (~$10B) industry in Canada within the next ten years.
  • Quantum technologies have the potential to be a 139 billion-dollar industry in Canada by 2045, creating over 200,000 jobs
  • Quantum technologies are poised to transform many sectors, including health and pharmacology, energy, finance, defense and security, and computing.
  • Canada is a global leader in the research and commercialization of quantum technologies.

Requirements for the Quantum Engineering (QE) specialization

Students need to complete:

  • ECE 305 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (the renumbered ECE 405). ECE 405 will be offered for the final time in Fall 2023. If you've completed ECE 405 already, it can substitute for ECE 305.

Plus three courses from the list below:

Students must achieve a minimum average of 60% in the specialization courses, and a minimum grade of 50% in each of the specialization courses to earn the specialization. 

Quantum Engineering course overviews

ECE 305 (formerly ECE405) Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
In this course, students will come to understand and apply the fundamental concepts and formulism of quantum mechanics to engineering problems. Students will understand quantum dynamics: how quantum systems evolve in time as well as wave functions and wave mechanics to explain the structure of the microscopic world (atoms, molecules, solids). Students will also see modern applications in quantum mechanics including quantum computing and cryptography.

ECE 405A Quantum Info Processing Devices
In this course, students will come to understand the criteria for building a quantum computer. Students will also understand/use actual quantum computer platforms (e.g. Nuclear magnetic resonance, photons, trapped-ions, superconducting systems) in terms of their qubit definition, single-qubit and two-qubit gates, initialization, measurement schemes, and noise. Students will understand the fundamental operation principles given architectures and assess their performance and challenges.

ECE 405B Fundamentals of Experimental Quantum Information
This course will familiarize the students with basic experimental tools and techniques behind some of the main quantum computing platforms. Students will develop an understanding of how to apply concepts of quantum mechanics at the basic hardware levels and gain hands-on skills through experimental labs.

ECE 405C Programming of Quantum Computing Algorithms
In this course, students will learn a quantum computing programming language to program quantum circuits and algorithms on quantum simulators and real quantum computers. Students understand how to make quantum circuits based on various single-qubit and two-qubit gates as well as fundamental quantum algorithms.

ECE 405D Superconducting Quantum Circuits
In this course, students will be able to apply microwave knowledge to a superconducting environment as well as understand the construction and behaviour of common superconducting elements/circuits. The focus will be on Josephson junctions and used as qubits. Students will be able to apply the knowledge to modern superconducting quantum computing architectures.

Questions about the QE specialization?

Please contact Hamed Majedi.

Last updated: 18 May 2023