MAT3420 – Quantum Computing

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Quantum computing (QC) is a cross-disciplinary area that draws from quantum physics, computer science and mathematics. Recent advances in building quantum computers are bringing QC from a purely theoretical study to one with near future applications. This course gives an introduction to mathematical and physical foundations of quantum computing, with minimal prerequisites and without going into physical realizations of quantum computers. The course will cover basic notions of quantum mechanics and quantum information theory, introduce a mathematical model of quantum computing, and give examples of quantum algorithms.

Learning outcome

After completing the course the students will

  • have a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics
  • have a good understanding of key notions of quantum computing such as qubits and gates
  • understand why quantum computing is potentially much faster than classical computing
  • be familiar with some quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s prime factoring algorithm
  • have a better knowledge of linear algebra, including tensor products and the spectral theorem for normal operators.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)
  • Social economy (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).

Teaching

4 hours of lectures/exercises per week throughout the semester.

The course may be taught in Norwegian if the lecturer and all students at the first lecture agree to it.

Examination

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

This course has 1 mandatory assignment that must be approved before you can sit the final exam.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

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

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

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) Nov. 5, 2026 12:30:50 PM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Mathematics