FYS4415 – Quantum Computing and Quantum Information

Course content

This course gives an introduction to quantum computing and quantum information theory. The content lies at the intersection between quantum mechanics and computer science, focusing on the fundamental theory of how we may utilize quantum systems to store, manipulate, and transmit information. Topics covered include quantum circuits, measurement, quantum channels, entanglement, and quantum communication.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will:

  • have a good understanding of the fundamental principles of discrete quantum-mechanical systems, including state space, different types of measurement, composite quantum systems, and density operators.?
  • be able to analyze qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits, as well as how they compare with their classical counterparts.
  • understand how quantum systems enable novel types of algorithms for computing and communication, and have an overview of some important quantum algorithms.
  • have basic knowledge about how quantum circuits, gates, and measurements can be implemented in physical hardware.
  • be able to analyze quantum channels and quantum distance measures, and have basic knowledge about noise in quantum systems and quantum error-correcting codes.
  • be able to use fundamental notions of classical and quantum entropy, including Holevo’s theorem.
  • be able to explain entanglement and nonlocality, including Bell’s inequality.
  • have an overview of how quantum systems may be used for communication, including quantum key distribution and device-independent primitives.

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must?apply for courses?in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other master's degree programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may?apply to take this course as a single course student.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course extends over a whole term with the following teaching per week:

  • 4 hours of lectures

  • 2 hours of group exercises?

Weekly problem sets are an essential?part?of the course.

An oral review of an assignment halfway through the semester is mandatory and must be approved in order to take the exam.

Regulations for mandatory activities can be found here.

Examination

  • Final written exam which counts 100% towards the final grade.

This course includes mandatory assignments that must be approved before taking the final exam.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for the following course: FYS3415 – Quantum Computing and Quantum Information

Examination support material

Language of examination

Courses taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail.

Read more about?the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 30, 2025 3:38:08 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring

If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching.

Examination
Spring
Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)