Master of Mathematics in Quantum Information
The University of Waterloo, home of the Institute for Quantum Computing, offers graduate students unique opportunities to learn about and engage in world-leading research in quantum information through a wide range of advanced research projects and advanced courses on the foundations, applications and implementation of quantum information processing.
In particular, the University of Waterloo offers a unique interdisciplinary graduate program in Quantum Information that leads to MMath, MSc, MASc, and PhD degrees. This program is a collaboration between the Institute for Quantum Computing and:
- The Departments of Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics and Optimization, and the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science in the Faculty of Mathematics
- The Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science
- The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering
These academic units are referred to hereinafter as the home units.
MMath, MSc, and MASc students will receive both strong and broad foundations in quantum information science, coupled with knowledge and expertise obtained within their home programs. This will prepare them for the workforce and/or further graduate studies and research leading towards a PhD degree.
PhD students will be especially well-prepared for careers as scholars and researchers, with advanced expertise in quantum information science, together with the focus of their home programs. This new program is designed to provide students with knowledge of quantum information, including both theory and its implementations, advanced expertise in quantum information science and in home program disciplines, as well as training in research.
Admission requirements are the same as those of the home programs. The home unit in which an applicant intends to pursue graduate study must approve the application. Interested students should apply directly to one of the following units via the regular university application process:
Department of Applied Mathematics
Department of Chemistry
Department of Combinatorics and Optimization
David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Information specific to the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization is given below.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are the same as those for MMath in Combinatorics and Optimization. Please refer to the following website:
http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/CandO_Dept/program_of_studies/graduate/gradprog.shtml
Degree Requirements
The MMath in Combinatorics and Optimization (Quantum Information) is a thesis degree, requiring at least two terms of full-time registration. (See Academic Regulations - Residence Requirements.) Students should normally complete the MMath degree in one year (three semesters).
Course Requirements
All MMath students must satisfactorily the core program outlined below. If students have credit for a course deemed equivalent to a particular required course by the Department Graduate Committee, then that part of the core requirement may be waived. An overall average of at least a B (75%) must be maintained.
A student may obtain credit for one graduate term course by completing two undergraduate term courses; however, any student wishing to exercise this option must seek the approval of the Departmental Graduate Committee.
Unsatisfactory academic performance in any one course will result in a review of the candidate's status by the Departmental Graduate Committee. If a student with a failed course is permitted to continue, additional work may be required to clear the failure in that course, or by replacement of the failed course; alternatively, the student may be required to repeat part or all of the program.
Combinatorics and Optimization Core Courses:
- CO 630, CO 642, CO 650, CO 663, CO 681, CO 685
Quantum Information Core Courses:
- QIC 710: Quantum Information Processing (equivalent to CO681)
- QIC 750: Implementation of Quantum Information Processing
Course Requirements
Four courses including QIC 710, QIC750, one other C&O core courses, and at least one other CO course.
Co-op Option
Degree requirements are the same as for the regular MMath program, with the addition of a 2-term co-op work placement with a suitable industrial organization. The work placement must be related to the student's research and is subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee and the student's research supervisor. After completing the work placement, the student is required to submit a work report and make a formal oral presentation.
Additional Requirements
Research Skills Seminar: Required for all graduate students in C&O.
Quantum Information Thesis
The thesis requirement consists of the writing of an expository or research thesis in Quantum Information. The thesis topic is to be arranged with a faculty member who serves as the Thesis Supervisor (a list of approved Quantum Information supervisors is available at http://www.iqc.ca/graduate-program-in-qi/supervisors.php). This requirement is met, and credit assigned, when the Thesis Supervisor and two additional readers approve the thesis. In addition to distributing a copy of the MMath thesis to the supervisor and readers, the thesis should also be deposited in the Mathematics Graduate Office for display for a period of three weeks.
An updated list of Quantum Information courses can be found at the following link:
http://www.iqc.ca/graduate-program-in-qi/courses.php
For more information, please contact:
Jian Zou
Combinatorics & Optimization, Graduate Studies
Email: cograd@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 34027
or
Monica Dey
Institute for Quantum Computing
University of Waterloo
E-mail: mdey@iqc.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 38702