Virtual
Taught by
MIT PhDs
Live
Instruction
Grades
9-12
Course created with researchers at:
"Qubit by Qubit has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a part of the future. Taking this course was possibly the best decision of my life. Thank you to everyone at IBM Quantum and Qubit by Qubit, you have changed my life and given me friends for life."
- Oliver, Grade 10, U.K.
About the Program
Are you a high school student who wants to develop in-depth, real world skills in quantum computing? This first-of-its kind course is for you!
The Experience
Through two semesters of weekly lectures, lab sections, and homework assignments,
students develop a foundational understanding of quantum computing, including basic
linear algebra, quantum mechanics, quantum computation and information, and quantum
algorithms. They will even have the chance to code on a real quantum computer. Students
will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
Each week students participate in three activities: a 1.5 hour lecture, a 1-hour lab with
a Teaching Assistant, and a homework assignment. Lectures serve as an opportunity to provide
conceptual understanding about a topic, whereas labs are a chance for students to gain hands-on
experience. Instructors and teaching assistants are from leading quantum universities, including
MIT, Stanford, and University of Waterloo. Additional support is available for students including
homework review sessions and office hours.
The Benefits
As a part of the course, students have the unique opportunity to meet with industry leaders and
quantum experts who are shaping the field of quantum. They will join a global cohort of future
quantum leaders, making life-long friends from around the world. As some of the first high school
students in the world to learn quantum computing, they will gain an edge in college and job
competitiveness.
Quantum computing will impact industries from healthcare to finance to cybersecurity, and we want
today’s high school students to be prepared to lead the next computing revolution. Our goal is to
make the material accessible to students from all different backgrounds, because we want the future
quantum workforce to be as diverse as the world is.
Interested in receiving high school credit? We are accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools
and Colleges) and can provide high school credit with your high school’s approval. Students from more
than 100 high schools in the U.S. received credit last year for completing the course. To see if you
can receive credit, please email us, and we will send more information.
“This course is not only fascinating but was a big help in applying to university... I highly recommend learning about quantum computing in high school, it’s an opportunity we’ve never been able to have before, and as I’ve learned, it is not only incredibly interesting but has the potential to affect anything, from chemistry to climate change, so this will be useful no matter what subject you’re interested in!”
- Sophie, Grade 12, U.K.
Full scholarships are available
Diversifying STEM is at the heart of what we do. Full scholarships are available for students with financial need and from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
What students will learn
The goal of the course is to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills
in quantum computing. Students will spend the first half of the course developing a
conceptual understanding of key quantum topics and concepts, including quantum mechanics
and quantum circuits, as well as developing skills in math and Python that will be utilized
in the second semester. The second half of the course will focus on coding quantum circuits
and quantum algorithms, leading to students coding on a real quantum computer.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Perform linear algebra operations that represent quantum gates
- Use Python libraries to send a circuit to a quantum computer and analyze the results
- Conceptually understand important quantum algorithms such as Grover's algorithm
- Implement quantum key distribution (QKD) in Python
- Run a Variational Quantum Eigensolver to simulate a molecule
Lead Instructor
Akshay Agarwal
Akshay graduated from MIT with his PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Recently, he completed a postdoctoral research position in the Research Laboratory for Electronics at MIT. In his research, he applies principles of quantum mechanics to improve the efficiency of electron microscopy and make the technique applicable to live biological samples. Akshay obtained his PhD. He holds a B. Tech. and M. Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay in 2014. Outside of his research, Akshay enjoys teaching, writing, and playing the violin.
Teaching
Assistants
Corbin
Engineer, QuEra Computing
Agnes
PhD student, MIT
Filip
PhD student, Duke
Sanskriti
Undergraduate, North Carolina State
Alev
PhD student, University of Waterloo
Joshua
Graduate student, Colorado School of Mines
Ilana
Technology at PNC Bank
Emma
PhD student, MIT
Richard
Undergraduate, University of Connecticut
Shayda
Undergraduate, MIT
Our Sponsor
We are grateful for the support of IBM Quantum who is helping ensure quantum education is accessible to all students—regardless of socioeconomic background.
Logistics
Grades
Incoming 9 - 12th graders and gap year students
Dates
September 26, 2021* - April 10, 2022
Students will attend a weekly lecture and lab each week (many time options)
Cost
$700 for the year-long course
Thanks to our sponsor IBM Quantum, we
have many FULL scholarships available
for students with financial need or from underrepresented backgrounds
Prerequisites
The only prerequisite is that students have taken a geometry class. No prior STEM experience or quantum knowledge is required or expected
Details
via Zoom
Application Deadline
Spots are limited, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
How to Apply
To apply, students are required to complete a short application with basic information and submit a 300-word statement of interest. We care about enthusiasm and passion, not prior STEM experience, so submit your application ASAP!
Hear from our Students
"As I attended lectures and participated in labs, my excitement for quantum computing only grew."
Ammielle, Grade 10, Canada
"I love how this course and the field of quantum computing connect all of my favorite subjects: math; physics; and computer science."
Emma, Grade 11, Pennsylvania
"As an African female, we are completely underrepresented in the scientific and technological community. I will forever be grateful to Qubit by Qubit for giving me a chance to take part in this program, and finally revolutionize African women and their achievements in the scientific and technological community."
Noela, Grade 10, Kenya
"The lectures were so good that I would stay up till midnight to watch them live whenever I could. After this course, I feel that I can learn anything if I want to. Learning quantum computing before my school even finished calculus has shown me that age is no barrier."
Abhinav, Grade 12, India
“This course really opened my eyes to how interesting quantum computing can be. It's just challenging enough that every question feels both achievable and rewarding. The applications that they bring up with every topic bring a sense of wonder that is often lacking in your typical math or science class.”
Josh, Grade 11, Los Angeles