PHYS 407/507 & CS 495
Introduction to Quantum Computing
Spring 2026 Syllabus

Instructor: Carlo Segre segre [at] illinoistech.edu
166d Pritzker Science Center 312.567.3498
Office hours:   Tuesday 15:30-17:00 & Thursday 14:00-15:30 or by appointment
Schedule: Posted at http://phys.iit.edu/~segre/phys407/26S/schedule.html
Meetings: Tuesday & Thursday 17:00-18:15, 117 Wishnick Hall
URL: http://phys.iit.edu/~segre/phys407/26S/
Resources: Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction, Eleanor Rieffel & Wolfgang Polak, (MIT University Press 2011)
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computing, Thomas G. Wong, (Rooted Grove, Omaha, 2022)
Quirk: A drag-and-drop quantum circuit simulator, Craig Gidney
Objectives:
  1. Clearly describe the building blocks of quantum computing.
  2. Apply tools of quantum computing to manipulate qubits.
  3. Clearly describe the fundamental hardware used to realize quantum computers.
  4. Clearly describe the purpose and realization of quantum gates.
  5. Use the concept of quantum entanglement to develop quantum algorithms.
  6. Clearly describe the techniques of quantum error correction and fault tolerance.
  7. Build quantum algorithms using Quirk.
  8. Demonstrate the programming of a quantum computer using Python.
  9. Successfully program an agreed-upon quantum algorithm on an IBM quantum computer.
Material:
  1. Quantum building blocks
    • the quantum mechanics of photon polarization
    • single quantum bits
    • single qubit measurement
    • quantum key distribution
    • state space of a single qubit system
  2. Multiple qubit systems
    • quantum state spaces
    • entangled states
    • multi-qubit measurement
    • quantum key distribution with entangled states
  3. Measurement of multiple qubit systems
    • Dirac notation for linear transformations
    • projection operators for measurement
    • Hermitian operator formalism
    • EPR paradox and Bell's theorem
  4. Quantum state transformations
    • unitary transformations
    • simple quantum gates
    • application of simple gates
    • unitary transformations as circuits
    • universal gates
  5. Quantum algorithms
    • quantum Fourier transform
    • Shor's algorithm
    • Grover's algorithm
    • other quantum algorithms
  6. Robust quantum computation
    • quantum error correction
    • fault tolerance
    • robust quantum computing
Homework:      Homework will be assigned weekly or bi-weekly, due as shown on the schedule. All homework assignments will be collected except as announced. Homework will be due at the beginning of the class period, prior to the start of the lecture unless otherwise stated. No late homework assignments will be accepted unless prior arrangements are made.
Exams:      The two Midterm Examinations will be administered on Blackboard as open book, open notes, and open internet. The Final Presentation will consist of a 15 minute presentation on a recent quantum computing journal article.

Students in PHYS 507 will additionally program a quantum algorithm using Python and IBM QISKIT.

Grading:      The percentage weighting for each component are shown below. The final letter grades will be awarded on a scale as shown below. This scale may vary up or down slightly, depending on the difficulty of the examinations.
PHYS 407 PHYS 507
Homework 30% 20%
Midterm Exam 1 20% 20%
Midterm Exam 2 20% 20%
Final Presentation 30% 20%
Final Project 20%
Max % Min % Grade Max % Min %
100 88 A 100 88
88 75 B 88 75
75 62 C 75 62
62 50 D
50 0 E
Class Climate: I strive to provide a climate in which each student feels welcome and free to question, contributes to the discussion, thrives and learns independent of their background. I expect students to contribute actively to this learning environment through open and respectful verbal and written communication with me and the other students.
Discrimination or harassment of any form will not be tolerated
I welcome any and all suggestions for improving your learning environment this semester. Feel free to send me a short e-mail if you wish to be called by a name different than that on the official roster. I prefer to be addressed as either Dr. or Prof. Segre.
For online Office Hours or any other kind of online meeting I expect that we will both have our video on.
Illinois Tech's Sexual Harassment Policy:
  • Illinois Tech prohibits all sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and gender discrimination by any member of our community. This includes harassment among students, staff, or faculty. Sexual harassment of a student by a faculty member or sexual harassment of an employee by a supervisor is particularly serious. Such conduct may easily create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
  • Illinois Tech encourages anyone experiencing sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to speak with the Office of Title IX Compliance for information on support options and the resolution process.
  • You can report sexual harassment electronically at iit.edu/incidentreport, which may be completed anonymously. You may additionally report by contacting the Title IX Coordinator, Virginia Foster at foster_at_iit.edu or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator at eespeland_at_iit.edu.
  • For confidential support, you may reach Illinois Tech's Confidential Advisor at +1.773.907.1062. You can also contact a licensed practitioner in Illinois Tech's Student Health and Wellness Center at student.health@iit.edu or +1.312.567.7550.
  • For a comprehensive list of resources regarding counseling services, medical assistance, legal assistance and visa and immigration services, you can visit the Office of Title IX Compliance website at iit.edu/title-ix/resources.
Academic Honesty Policy:
  • All students are expected to adhere to the IIT Code of Academic Honesty.
  • The first violation will result in a grade of "zero" for that assignment (exam or quiz). Subsequent violations will result in a failing grade in the course.
  • All violations will be reported to academichonesty@iit.edu.
  • Use of cell phones or electronic devices during exams is prohibited.
Accomodation for Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with documented disabilities. In order to receive accommodations, students must obtain a letter of accommodation from the Center for Disability Resources in 3424 S. State Street, Suite 1C3-2, 312-567-5744 or disabilities@illinoistech.edu.
Important Dates:
  • Jan 20 - Last Day to Add Courses, Change Sections, etc.
  • Mar 30 - Last Day for Official Withdrawal
  • May 0? - Final Examination