COMS 4281: Introduction to Quantum Computing
Fall 2026
Course Number: COMS 4281
Date/Time: Fridays 2:10pm - 4:40pm
Room: 330 Uris Hall
First meeting: September 11, 2026
TAs: Sophia Lee, Collins Evans, Allen Andrew
Office Hours
- Wednesdays, 4–6pm, in SCH 301A.
- Thursdays, 4–6pm, in SCH 301C.
Description
This class is an introduction to the theory of quantum computing and quantum information.
No background in quantum physics is required. However, having familiarity and comfort with abstract linear algebra is a must.
Practice Worksheets
- Worksheet 1 (Solutions): Reversible computing and quantum math. Practice this week (Sept 21–25); we will review it in class on Friday, Sept 25.
- Worksheet 2: Qubit math—complex amplitudes, measurement, tensor products, and entanglement.
- Worksheet 3: Composite systems, entanglement proofs, partial measurements, and three-qubit circuits.
Schedule
Tentative and subject to change.
| Date | Topic | Assignments / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 11 | Introduction and reversible computing | Overview (PPTX) Physics of information (PPTX) |
| Sept 18 | Reversible computing and quantum information basics | Lecture (PDF) |
| Sept 25 | Qubits, measurement, entanglement, no-cloning, and quantum money (Lecturer: Barak Nehoran) | Lecture (PDF) |
| Oct 2 | Composite systems, entanglement, and partial measurements | Lecture (PDF) |
| Oct 9 | No-cloning, quantum teleportation, and measurements in other bases | Lecture (PDF) |
| Oct 16 | Heisenberg uncertainty principle, quantum circuits, universal gate sets, and Deutsch’s algorithm | Lecture (PDF) |
| Oct 23 | Midterm | In class; covers material through Oct 16. |
| Oct 30 | Quantum Fourier transform | |
| Nov 6 | Phase estimation and order finding | |
| Nov 13 | Quantum error correction I | |
| Nov 20 | Quantum error correction II and final review | |
| Nov 27 | No class (Thanksgiving) | |
| Dec 4 | Cumulative final | In class, 2:10pm - 4:40pm. Last course meeting. |