Quantum Curriculum
The curricular offerings of the Fisher Center for IQSE reflects the conviction that
quantum education should not be siloed within a single discipline, but developed at the intersection of physics, chemistry, computer
science, mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and the humanities.
IWU currently offers two structured concentrations available to physics majors: one in Quantum Science and Technology (QST) and another in Quantum Optics.
In the future, the Fisher Quantum Center plans to offer intensive workshops, faculty-mentored research experiences, and career-oriented micro-credentials, including certificates.
The QST concentration combines four new courses developed in the past three years with the core foundational courses that all physics majors complete.
The gateway to this curriculum is a course titled 'QST for All.' Designed for first‑year students from multiple majors, it introduces the ideas of quantum science without assuming prior training in physics or advanced mathematics. The course provides a common entry point into the broader IQSE curriculum and prepares students to participate in more advanced coursework.
As the Fisher Center for IQSE develops, it will expand these offerings through short-format courses and summer programs exploring emerging topics in quantum science and technology.
This curricular structure creates a flexible pipeline that allows students from a wide range of academic backgrounds to enter quantum science. Beginning with a single accessible course, students can progress to advanced study in quantum science and engineering within the interdisciplinary framework of the Fisher Center for IQSE.
IQSE Course Portfolio
(Current & In Developement)
PHYS 151 - A Welcoming Introduction to QST for All
A welcoming introduction to quantum science and technology, including quantum computing, quantum chemistry, quantum teleportation, and quantum engineering. Topics include single qubit states and gates, entangled multiqubit states and gates, gate based quantum computing, and algorithms for quantum teleportation. Will include field trips to emerging hubs of QST. Prerequisites: PHYS 105, Mastery of college algebra, or consent of the instructor. Offered annually.
QE 321/PHYS 321 - Intro to QST
Explores the principles and applications of Universal Gate-based Quantum Computing. Topics include: algorithmic complexity, single Qubit states, Bloch sphere, superposition, measurement, coherence, Bloch ball, multi-Qubit states, direct product states, entanglement; 1-Qubit gates (H, X,Y,Z,S,T), 2-Qubit gates (Controlled-NOT, Swap, Controlled-Z, Controlled-phase), Quantum Teleportation, Quantum Cryptography. Prerequisite: PHYS 106. Offered annually.
QE 322/PHYS 322 - Intermediate QST (Applications)
Explores the implementation of real Qubits on various experimental platforms. Topics include: Qubits based upon Nuclear Magneton, Optical Polarization, Superconducting Fluxonium and Transmon, and Trapped Ions; Density Matrix methods and Noisy quantum system; Quantum Fourier Transform; Quantum Walks; Eckert, Grover, Deutsch–Jozsa, and Shor algorithms; Quantum Computing for chemistry. Prerequisites: PHYS 207 and PHYS 304. Offered alternate years.
QE 323/PHYS 323 - Quantum Materials
A qualitative and semi-quantitative exploration of so-called Quantum Materials, whose novel properties require concepts from Quantum 2.0. Topics include: entanglement (in different types of spaces); band topology, topological insulators and superconductors; effects of reduced dimensionality; graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs); Berry curvature, anomalous Hall effect; light induced materials. Prerequisite: PHYS 207 and PHYS 304. Offered alternate years
PHYS 307 - Optical Physics
Geometrical theory of optical systems; interference, diffraction, Fourier theory, spatial filtering; coherent light, holography; electromagnetic theory of light, polarization, crystal optics; spectroscopy. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: PHYS 106, PHYS 304. Offered in alternate years.
PHYS 317 - Momentum of the Photon
This course introduces Quantum Optics alongside parallel discussion of Classical Electrodynamiscs, here presented as a story of energy and momentum. The aim is to levarage the physical understanding provided by analysis of laser beams, to provide context for discussions of quantum psysics. Prerequisite: PHYS 304.
BIOL 375 - Quantum Biology
MATH 375/CS 375 - Complexity Theory
PHIL 375 - Ethical Issues Around Quantum Technologies
PHYS 407 - Formal Quantum Mechanics
Schrödinger equation; Hilbert spaces and operator formalism; postulates of quantum mechanics; harmonic oscillator; hydrogen atom; angular momentum and spin; addition of angular momenta; identical particles; approximation methods; scattering theory; density operators; entanglement; quantum measurement; decoherence; and selected topics connecting quantum mechanics to quantum information science and technology. Three hours of lecture per week.Prerequisite: PHYS 304. Offered annually.
QE 410/ PHYS 410/CHEM 410 - Quantum Chemistry by Classical Computers
QE 420/PHYS 420/CHEM 420 - Quantum Chemistry by Quantum Computers
CS 410 - Quantum Algorithms
MATH 410/PHYS 410 - Quantum Optimization
QE 411/PHYS 411 - Quantum Communications
QE 412/QE 412 - Quantum Sensing
PHYS 413 - Quantum Imaging
CS 415 - Quantum AI