Course overview
It is still unknown whether quantum computers will ever be a reality.
If such machines are possible, they will fundamentally change how we perform calculations, and the implications on many applications (including communications and computer security) will be tremendous.
Leaving the issue of feasibility aside, it is interesting nonetheless to study how to do computing using a quantum computer. This course aims to provide a first introduction to quantum computing. We will highlight the paradigm change between conventional computing and quantum computing, and introduce several basic quantum algorithms. If time permits, we will also discuss the implications of quantum computing on fields such as computer security and machine learning.