CSCI3350 Introduction to Quantum Computing (2026 Spring)

Course Instructor: Time and Venues:
Time Venue
Lectures Monday 9:30AM - 11:15AM Y. C. Liang Hall (LHC) 104
Tuesday 2:30PM - 3:15PM Mong Man Wai Building (MMW) LT2
Tutorials Monday 8:30AM - 9:15AM Y. C. Liang Hall (LHC) 104
Teaching Assistants:
Name Office Hour Room Email Responsible SID Range
TBD TBD TBD TBD [at] cse.cuhk.edu.hk TBD
TBD TBD TBD TBD [at] cse.cuhk.edu.hk TBD
TBD TBD TBD TBD [at] cse.cuhk.edu.hk TBD

Important Message for Potential Students


  • No programming; all theory: This course is similar in style to CSCI3160 Design and Analysis of Algorithms, focusing on the algorithmic ideas, pseudocode, and theoretical analysis. It does not involve programming, real-world implementation, or software engineering considerations.
  • Difficulty level: The course uses linear algebra and probability as foundational tools. You can expect a difficulty level and workload comparable to your undergraduate-level Linear Algebra and Probability Theory courses.
  • More than "algorithms": While this course does explore quantum algorithms, it is not solely focused on them. A meaningful understanding of quantum algorithms begins with a solid foundation in the principles of quantum information — including concepts like superposition, entanglement, and measurement — which we will study in depth. The course may also cover several important topics that are not algorithmic in nature but are central to the field of quantum computing, such as quantum error correction, fault-tolerant computation, proofs of quantumness, and non-local games. If you're coming in with the expectation that this course is a direct quantum counterpart to a classical algorithms course like CSCI3160, we encourage you to view it instead as a broader and more foundational exploration of what makes quantum computing unique.
  • This course is NOT intended for students who:
    • Want to learn how to build a quantum computer
    • Want to practice quantum programming in a specific (quantum programming) language
    • Expect to learn quantum physics

Grading Scheme


  • Quizzes (16%): There will be two quizzes, each accounting for 8%.
  • Midterm (40%): There will be one midterm exam. Although it's called a "midterm," it will actually take place in the later weeks of the course (e.g., between Week 8 and Week 15). This scheduling ensures that the exam occurs after most of the course material has been covered. It also compensates for the fact that this course does not have a final exam!
  • Group Homework (14%): There will be two problem sets, each worth 7%. Students are allowed to form groups and submit one joint solution. More details will be announced later.
  • Group Project (30%): Students will work in groups to choose a topic, read related papers, write a report, and give a presentation. More details will be provided in due course.

Textbooks


(We will add more textbooks to the list as the course goes on.)

Weekly Schedule


Week Date Lecture Topics and Slides Supplementary Reading Tutorial Topics and Slides
01 2026-01-05 TBD TBD TBD
2026-01-06 TBD TBD
02 2026-01-12 TBD TBD TBD
2026-01-13 TBD TBD
03 2026-01-19 TBD TBD TBD
2026-01-20 TBD TBD
04 2026-01-26 TBD TBD TBD
2026-01-27 TBD TBD
05 2026-02-02 TBD TBD TBD
2026-02-03 TBD TBD
06 2026-02-09 TBD TBD TBD
2026-02-10 TBD TBD
07 2026-02-16 Lecture cancelled (Lunar New Year Vacation) N.A. Tutorial cancelled (Lunar New Year Vacation)
2026-02-17 Lecture cancelled (Lunar New Year Vacation) N.A.
08 2026-02-23 TBD TBD TBD
2026-02-24 TBD TBD
09 2026-03-02 Lecture cancelled (reading week) N.A. Tutorial cancelled (reading week)
2026-03-03 Lecture cancelled (reading week) N.A.
10 2026-03-09 TBD TBD TBD
2026-03-10 TBD TBD
11 2026-03-16 TBD TBD TBD
2026-03-17 TBD TBD
12 2026-03-23 TBD TBD TBD
2026-03-24 TBD TBD
13 2026-03-30 TBD TBD TBD
2026-03-31 TBD TBD
14 2026-04-06 Lecture cancelled (the day following Ching Ming Festival) N.A. Tutorial cancelled (the day following Ching Ming Festival)
2026-04-07 Lecture cancelled (the day following Easter Monday) N.A.
15 2026-04-13 TBD TBD TBD
2026-04-14 TBD TBD

Additional Information


Course Description: This course offers an introduction to the fascinating world of quantum computing, focusing on its fundamental concepts and algorithms. Additionally, as a unique feature, the instructor will guide students through several interdisciplinary areas where quantum computing intersects with fields such as computational complexity, cryptography, machine learning, networking, and information theory. This unique approach aims to equip students with a broad spectrum of quantum-related skills, preparing them to contribute to the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, which offers abundant opportunities in both industry and academia. Topics include:

  • Basics of quantum information, the linear-algebra formalism
  • Entanglement and nonlocality
  • The quantum circuit model
  • Basic quantum protocols, such as quantum teleportation and superdense coding
  • Basic quantum algorithms, such as Simons' algorithm, the Quantum Fourier Transform, Phase Estimation, Shor's Factoring algorithm, Grover search, amplitude amplification
  • Quantum error correction and fault-tolerance
  • Selective topics from quantum cryptography, proof of quantumness, quantum information theory, quantum complexity theory, quantum machine learning
No background in quantum physics is required. The only prerequisites are familiarity with undergraduate-level linear algebra and probability theory.

Make-up Quiz/Exam Policy: You may apply for a make-up quiz/exam if all of the following conditions are met:
  • You must provide a valid justification along with supporting documentation. For example, in the case of illness, a doctor's note clearly stating your condition is required.
  • You must email the instructor at least 4 hours before the start of the lecture in which the quiz is administered.
Genuine emergency cases will be handled separately and typically require valid justification along with supporting documentation.

Academic Honesty: Students are reminded to carefully review and adhere to the University's policies and regulations on academic honesty, as well as the disciplinary guidelines and procedures governing breaches of these rules. We emphasize the importance of strictly following all examination regulations. During an exam, if an invigilator observes behavior deemed suspicious or potentially indicative of academic dishonesty, they are authorized to issue a warning, record the student's name, and report the incident directly to the Faculty Disciplinary Committee (FDC) for investigation. If the FDC determines that a violation has occurred, the student will receive an automatic failure for the course and may face additional disciplinary actions in accordance with University policy. All students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University's official guidelines on examination conduct and academic integrity. Please refer to the following links: In particular, the following sections are relevant to course examinations:
Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN): CUHK is committed to promoting equal opportunities in academic pursuits for all students. To support full-time students with special educational needs (SEN) in fully participating in campus life and enhancing their learning experience, the SEN Service (SENS) provides tailored support based on individual needs. These may include learning aids and equipment, special arrangements for classes or examinations, accessible facilities, and assistance with hostel visits and accommodations.

Students who require these services should first register with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and undergo an assessment by the SEN team. If a student is identified as needing SEN support, the recommended academic accommodations will be communicated to the SEN coordinator of the relevant teaching unit, who will then inform the course instructor accordingly. If you have completed the registration and assessment process with the SEN team at OSA, please email the course instructor to discuss arrangements that best accommodate your needs.

Use of AI tools: This course follows "Approach 2 – Use only with prior permission" according to the University's policy on the use of AI tools. In particular, the use of AI tools is prohibited in all assessment-related components (including quizzes, the midterm, and the final exam). However, students are permitted to use AI tools for non-assessed learning activities, such as practicing exercise problems that do not count toward the final grade.