Introduction to Quantum Computing: Zero to Shor's Algorithm from Udemy

When people first start researching quantum computers, they are usually bombarded with pop-science analogies that just end up confusing them further. Like "quantum computers use qubits that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time". Most people upon hearing this think that quantum computers are too complex and give up on their search in understanding them.

Quantum computing is actually very straight forward if you dive into the mathematics behind it. The analogies will only get you so far, if you want to truly understand how a quantum computer actually works you must understand the maths. And don't worry this isn't boring, repetitive maths like you did in high school, the maths you need in order to understand most of the popular quantum algorithms (like Shor's Algorithm) is pretty simple.

This course aims to give you a solid foundation in Quantum Computing, taking you from nothing to understanding how the popular quantum algorithms work. This will highlight why quantum computers are so powerful. All the maths you need for the course is in the first section, then after that we dive straight into understanding Quantum Computers.

Thank you for choosing us to be your first introduction to the world of Quantum Computing,

Quantum Soar

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!

Welcome to the Course!

0 Mathematical Prerequisites

0.1 Introduction to Imaginary and Complex Numbers

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Begins with a review of imaginary and complex numbers, which are essential for understanding quantum mechanics and quantum computing

Explores quantum algorithms like Superdense Coding, Deutsch's Algorithm, and Shor's Algorithm, which are foundational in the field

Covers Dirac notation and Bloch Sphere representation, which are standard tools for describing and visualizing qubits

Requires familiarity with matrix multiplication, eigenvectors, and eigenvalues, which may necessitate additional preparation for some learners

Teaches unitary and Hermitian matrices, which are essential for understanding quantum gates and quantum evolution

Reviews summary

Clear introduction to quantum computing theory

According to learners, this course offers a fantastic starting point for understanding quantum computing from a technical perspective. Students particularly praise the strong mathematical foundation provided, stating it clarifies complex concepts. The explanations are patient and easy to follow, with the instructor doing a great job explaining abstract ideas. The course covers essential quantum algorithms, building up logically. However, learners note that it is a purely theoretical introduction with limited practical coding. While covering Shor's algorithm, some felt the final section was a bit rushed or lacked the depth needed for independent implementation.

Pace is generally good but can be fast.

"the pace is quite fast sometimes but manageable if you pause and rewatch."

"Excellent first step into QC. Laid out the foundations perfectly. The progression felt logical."

Explores fundamental quantum algorithms well.

"covers the necessary math prerequisites and build up to Shor's algorithm."

"Covers the essential algorithms like Deutsch and Shor's."

"covers Shor's algorithm conceptually"

Provides needed math prerequisites clearly.

"covers the necessary math prerequisites"

"The math section was incredibly helpful, explained in a way that wasn't intimidating."

"solid grounding in the mathematical concepts required"

"didn't shy away from the math. It presented it clearly and showed why it's necessary."

"The course *provides* the math you need, assuming minimal background."

Complex concepts explained simply and patiently.

"Instructor is clear."

"The lectures on qubits and gates were very clear."

"explanations are patient and easy to follow."

"The instructor does a great job explaining abstract concepts."

"Very clear explanations, especially for the gates and circuits section."

Final section might feel rushed for some learners.

"the final section felt a bit rushed compared to the foundational parts. It gave an overview but not enough detail to truly implement it from scratch."

"reaching a full understanding of Shor's from just this course might be challenging for some. It's a great *introduction* but maybe not the *full* journey"

Strong theory base, limited practical coding.

"Don't expect to implement anything, this is purely theoretical."

"Solid intro to the theoretical underpinnings. If you want to use Qiskit or other libraries, you'll need other resources"

"Wish there was some coding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Quantum Computing: Zero to Shor's Algorithm with these activities:

Review Linear Algebra Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of linear algebra concepts, particularly matrix operations and eigenvectors, which are crucial for grasping qubit manipulation and quantum algorithms.

Browse courses on Linear Algebra

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Review matrix multiplication rules and practice with examples.
Study eigenvectors and eigenvalues and their significance.
Work through linear algebra problems related to vector transformations.

Read 'Dancing with Qubits' by Robert S. Sutor

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Gain a more intuitive understanding of quantum computing concepts through practical examples and less formal explanations.

View Dancing with Qubits on Amazon

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Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
Focus on the practical examples and applications discussed in the book.
Use the book to supplement your understanding of the course material.

Read 'Quantum Computation and Quantum Information' by Nielsen and Chuang

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Supplement your learning with a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of quantum computation, reinforcing concepts covered in the course.

View Quantum Computation and Quantum Information on Amazon

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Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
Work through the exercises and examples provided in the book.
Refer to the book for clarification on complex topics.

Four other activities

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Qubit Manipulation Exercises

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Reinforce your understanding of qubit manipulation by working through exercises involving single and multi-qubit gates.

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Practice applying Hadamard, Phase, and CNOT gates to different qubit states.
Simulate quantum circuits using a quantum computing framework.
Verify the results of your simulations against theoretical predictions.

Follow Qiskit Tutorials

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Learn practical quantum programming skills by following the official Qiskit tutorials, which cover various quantum algorithms and concepts.

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Install Qiskit and set up your development environment.
Work through the Qiskit tutorials on quantum circuits and gates.
Experiment with different quantum algorithms and modify the code.

Explain Shor's Algorithm

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Solidify your understanding of Shor's algorithm by creating a presentation or blog post that explains the algorithm's steps and its significance.

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Research Shor's algorithm and its mathematical foundations.
Break down the algorithm into smaller, understandable steps.
Create visuals to illustrate the algorithm's process.
Present your explanation to peers or publish it online.

Implement a Quantum Phase Estimation Algorithm

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Deepen your understanding of quantum phase estimation by implementing the algorithm using a quantum computing framework.

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Study the quantum phase estimation algorithm and its components.
Choose a quantum computing framework (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq).
Write code to implement the algorithm's quantum circuit.
Test your implementation with different input states.
Analyze the results and compare them to theoretical predictions.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Quantum Computing: Zero to Shor's Algorithm will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quantum Algorithm Developer

The Quantum Algorithm Developer is responsible for creating and optimizing quantum algorithms that solve specific problems. This role requires a deep understanding of quantum mechanics, linear algebra, and computer science. The Quantum Algorithm Developer analyzes existing algorithms and looks for ways to improve their efficiency or adapt them to new hardware platforms. If you want to become a Quantum Algorithm Developer, this course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the mathematics behind quantum computing. This course will also give you a foundational understanding of qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum entanglement. With its specific focus on Quantum Fourier Transform and Shor's Algorithm, the course may be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Algorithm Developer

Quantum Programmer

A Quantum Programmer writes code that leverages the unique capabilities of quantum computers. This can involve designing, implementing, and testing quantum algorithms to solve complex problems. As a Quantum Programmer, you might work on developing new quantum software libraries or adapting existing algorithms to run on quantum hardware. This introductory course will help build a foundation in the mathematical concepts underpinning quantum computing, such as complex numbers, matrices, and unitary transformations. Furthermore, it introduces learners to the qubit and superposition, quantum circuits, and quantum entanglement. With its coverage of quantum algorithms like Deutsch's Algorithm, Deutsch-Jozsa Algorithm, Bernstein-Vazirani Algorithm, and Shor's Algorithm, this course may be particularly useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Programmer

Quantum Software Engineer

A Quantum Software Engineer designs and develops software tools and libraries for quantum computers. This involves writing code that interacts with quantum hardware, as well as creating high-level programming languages and development environments for quantum programmers. Quantum Software Engineers need a strong understanding of both classical and quantum computing paradigms. This course will help build a foundation in the mathematics of quantum computing, introducing complex numbers, matrices, and unitary transformations. It will also introduce qubits and superposition, quantum circuits, and quantum entanglement. The course's hands-on approach to quantum algorithms, including Superdense Coding and Shor's Algorithm, may be especially useful for aspiring Quantum Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Software Engineer

Quantum Educator

Quantum Educators teach quantum computing concepts to students and professionals. These educators may work at universities, colleges, or private training institutions, developing curricula, delivering lectures, and mentoring students. The role requires a deep understanding of quantum computing principles, as well as excellent communication and pedagogical skills. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in quantum computing, making it a useful stepping stone for educators looking to expand their knowledge. The course covers complex numbers, matrices, unitary transformations, qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms, including Shor's Algorithm.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Educator

Quantum Research Scientist

A Quantum Research Scientist conducts research to advance the field of quantum computing. This typically involves developing new theories, conducting experiments, and publishing research papers. Quantum Research Scientists may work in academia, industry, or government labs, exploring the theoretical limits of quantum computers and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This introductory course may be useful to anyone wishing to enter this field. The course covers complex numbers, matrices, unitary transformations, qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, quantum entanglement, and quantum algorithms. With its deep dive into Shor's Algorithm, this course may be particularly beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Research Scientist

Quantum Computing Engineer

The Quantum Computing Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and testing quantum computing hardware and software systems. This includes working on the physical qubits themselves, as well as the control systems and software stacks that enable them to function. Quantum Computing Engineers collaborate with physicists, computer scientists, and other engineers to create practical quantum computers. This course provides a foundation in the mathematics and concepts necessary to understand how quantum computers work, which may be helpful for a Quantum Computing Engineer. The course covers complex numbers, matrices, unitary transformations, qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, quantum entanglement, and quantum algorithms. With its detailed coverage of specific quantum gates, this course may be valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Computing Engineer

Quantum Consultant

A Quantum Consultant advises organizations on how to leverage quantum computing technologies to solve their business problems. They assess an organization's needs, identify potential quantum computing applications, and develop strategies for implementing quantum solutions. Quantum Consultants need a broad understanding of quantum computing, as well as business acumen and communication skills. This introductory course may be useful to help build a foundation in the mathematics and concepts behind quantum computing. The course covers qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms, with a focus on Shor's Algorithm.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Consultant

Quantum Analyst

Quantum Analysts evaluate the potential impact of quantum computing on various industries and markets. They conduct research, analyze data, and develop forecasts to help organizations understand the opportunities and risks associated with quantum technologies. Quantum Analysts typically have a background in science, engineering, or finance. This course may be useful, providing a foundation in the core principles of quantum computing. The coverage includes an introduction to the mathematics behind quantum computing, qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms. The course's coverage of Shor's Algorithm may be particularly useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Analyst

Cryptography Specialist

The Cryptography Specialist focuses on developing and implementing secure communication methods. They may work on designing new encryption algorithms, analyzing existing cryptographic protocols, or implementing security measures to protect sensitive information. With the rise of quantum computing, Cryptography Specialists are increasingly concerned with developing quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques. This course may be useful by providing insight into Shor's Algorithm, which poses a threat to current encryption methods that rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers. Understanding the power of quantum algorithms may allow a Cryptography Specialist to better defend against potential attacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptography Specialist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and implements machine learning models. These models are designed to perform tasks without explicit programming. As quantum computing advances, Machine Learning Engineers are beginning to explore the potential of quantum machine learning algorithms. This course may be valuable by building a foundation in the mathematics and basic principles behind quantum computing. This can enable a Machine Learning Engineer to understand and implement quantum machine learning algorithms. This introductory course explores qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms. The course's coverage of Quantum Fourier Transform may be particularly relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Quantum Hardware Engineer

The Quantum Hardware Engineer is responsible for the physical implementation of quantum computers. They deal with the design, fabrication, and testing of the physical qubits and the control systems that manipulate them. Quantum Hardware Engineers work with materials scientists, physicists, and other engineers to create stable and scalable quantum computing systems. The course may provide a foundational understanding of the mathematical formalism underlying quantum mechanics. While the course does not directly cover hardware implementation, its focus on qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits may be valuable background for a Quantum Hardware Engineer in understanding the behavior of the systems they are building.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Hardware Engineer

Quantum Architect

A Quantum Architect designs the overall structure and organization of quantum computing systems. This includes specifying the types of qubits to be used, the control systems required, and the software architecture needed to support quantum applications. Quantum Architects need a deep understanding of both hardware and software aspects of quantum computing. This course will help build a foundation that introduces core concepts such as qubits, quantum gates, and quantum circuits. The course may be useful for a quantum architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Architect

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes large datasets to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be used to accelerate certain data analysis tasks. This course may be valuable by helping Data Scientists understand the potential impact of quantum computing on their field. The course introduces mathematical concepts that underlie quantum computing, as well as covering qubits, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms. With its inclusion of Quantum Fourier Transform, this course may be an introduction to quantum algorithms that could be applied to data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Application Developer

An Application Developer creates software applications for a variety of purposes, ranging from mobile apps to enterprise software. As quantum computing matures, new applications may emerge that leverage the unique capabilities of quantum computers. An Application Developer who wishes to develop such softwares may find that this introductory course will help build a foundation in the mathematics and concepts of quantum computing. You'll also be exposed to the qubit and superposition, quantum circuits, and quantum entanglement. With its coverage of Quantum Fourier Transform and Shor's Algorithm, the course may be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Quantum Investor

Quantum Investors invest in companies and technologies related to quantum computing. They assess the market potential of quantum computing startups, analyze the technical feasibility of quantum technologies, and make investment decisions based on their findings. Quantum Investors need a strong understanding of both the technical and business aspects of quantum computing. This course may be useful to understanding the power of quantum computing, and building intuition around the technology. With its focus on Shor's Algorithm, this course may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Investor

Introduction to Quantum Computing

Zero to Shor's Algorithm

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Reviews summary

Clear introduction to quantum computing theory

Activities

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