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Quantum Information Science and Engineering

hands typing at a computer

Minor

Explore and Discover. Quantum mechanics has played an important role in many areas of science and engineering for decades, fueling an increasing number of fundamental breakthroughs, as available devices become smaller and individual particles can be precisely controlled in the lab. Newly observed phenomena are often best explained using quantum theory, facilitating new technologies, computational platforms, and applications. The minor gives students experience with quantum hardware and theory that prepares them for various roles in quantum engineering, including those involving microelectronic and photonics materials, devices, and integrated circuits.

Overview

Appealing to students studying chemistry, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, materials science, mechanical engineering, and physics, the minor in quantum information science and engineering provides a broad view of the diverse aspects of the field of quantum mechanics. Students study:

  • Quantum physics
  • Communication
  • Quantum computation
  • Simulation of physical systems
  • Physics of qubit platforms
  • Hardware technologies

Requirements

Please refer to the current undergraduate catalog for full requirements. If any discrepancy exists between the requirements below and those listed in the undergraduate catalog, requirements in the catalog always prevail.

The minor in quantum information science and engineering requires a total of 15 credit hours, distributed as follows:

QISE Core – 9 credit hours, from the approved list below:

  • CS 3891/5891: Special Topics: Quantum Computing
  • ECE 4335: Fundamentals of Quantum Engineering
  • PHYS 2255: Modern Physics and the Quantum World or PHYS 3651: Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHYS 2300: Quantum Computation

Elective Courses – 6 credit hours, from the approved list below:

  • CHEM 3300: Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics, Spectroscopy, and Kinetics
  • CHEM 5320: Quantum Chemistry
  • CS 3250: Algorithms
  • ECE 4283: Principles and Models of Semiconductor Devices
  • ECE 4288: Optoelectronics
  • Math 3320: Error-Correcting Codes and Cryptography
  • PHYS 2210: Classical and Modern Optics
  • PHYS 3652: Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHYS 5640: Physics of Condensed Matter

Declaring the Minor

To add the minor in Quantum Information Science and Engineering, students should complete the Declaration of Major/Minor form. See the Major/Minor Declaration User Guide for more information.

Contact

If you are a student interested the quantum information science and engineering minor, or if you are a faculty member at Vanderbilt interested in becoming affiliated with the minor, please contact one of the co-directors.