School of Physics and Astronomy FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES MSc in Quantum
The Course The course has been structured to ensure that you are able to concentrate on your own particular areas of interest through a range of optional module choices, which complement a group of core modules. As well as these taught modules the programme provides the opportunity to undertake a main project and two miniprojects, one in each semester, which allow you to choose from a wide variety of experimental and theoretical topics. These project modules are an ideal way of learning vital skills in a research environment in a way that is not possible in purely taught modules.
The mini-projects also provide the chance to sample different areas of research to help you decide upon a specialisation for your final project, which is much more in-depth, and can either be a continuation of one of the mini-projects or an entirely different topic. Core Modules Quantum Information Science Quantum Optics Advanced Quantum Computation Current Topics in Quantum Technology Optional Modules Next Generation Silicon Molecular Electronics Quantum Electronics and Spintronics Superconductivity Quantum Transport in Nanostructures Quantum Field Theory Advanced Magnetism and Spintronics Why Study Quantum at Leeds? The course is centred in the School of Physics and Astronomy, although some modules are based in the computing and engineering departments, reflecting the highly interdisciplinary nature of the field. The school is one of the top 5 physics departments in the UK, according to both the Guardian and the Times 2009 league tables. Much of its research was classed as world leading in the 2008 RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) and gained a maximum 24/24 in the Teaching Quality Assessment. The Quantum Information Research Group based within the School is exploring the symbiotic relationship between physics and information processing and is in an ideal position to deliver this programme, based on their leading edge research. You benefit from: The highest standards of research led teaching and research quality Academic staff at the forefront of their science A variety of teaching and assessment methods State-of-the-art facilities housed in high-quality laboratories Hands-on experience of research in Quantum Working in an active, interdisciplinary environment, with researchers from physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering backgrounds
Careers The industry surrounding Quantum is growing rapidly, and this course is designed to give you a solid training in the subject matter and a range of other transferable skills, that will allow you to work in industry, as well as an academic research environment The course provides a good route for entry into further study at PhD level and progression into research careers with large established international technology companies, as well as governments, defence industries and an expanding range of smaller specialist high technology companies. Quantum Physics at Leeds The state of a physical system can be thought of as a catalogue encoding all the information we have about it. We measure a system in order to obtain information about its state. The computers we use today are governed by Newton s classical mechanics, consisting of a set of engineered binary switches which can be either on or off. In a quantum computer the state of sub-atomic particles, for example the direction of spin of electrons, could be used to represent information. The way in which information can be stored and processed will then be governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, which allow us to describe particles as being in two states at once. A four-switch system can represent only one of 16 on/off combinations at any one time, whereas four electrons could represent all of the combinations simultaneously. At Leeds we are examining the theoretical foundations of quantum physics to learn how to describe, generate and identify the existence of these entangled quantum states in nature. We are exploring the links between quantum physics and thermodynamics, and applying theoretical and computational methods in order to determine which quantum systems (atoms, nuclei, electrons, photons etc.) will best enable us to achieve a greater processing power than is theoretically allowed by existing technology. We are also involved in modelling experiments with active collaborators worldwide.
MSc in Quantum Quantum and Quantum Information science are rapidly emerging fields that are receiving a great deal of interest in a variety of sectors. For example, it has been shown that a number of problems that are too hard to solve with a standard computer become possible using quantum techniques. It has also been shown that quantum mechanics can provide new types of cryptography that are unbreakable, and in fact are already being implemented in some high-security systems. This new and novel Masters programme provides an understanding of the fundamental theories behind different quantum technologies and the principles and implementations of quantum information processing systems, which will in turn help to meet the requirements of manufacturers of devices which utilise quantum mechanical effects.
What qualifications do I need? You should normally hold an upper second class BSc (or equivalent) degree in physics or physical science. Alternative qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. English language requirements If English is not your first language, you will be required to produce evidence of a language qualification before registration as a postgraduate student. The University accepts IELTS or TOEFL with the following minimum scores: IELTS: an overall band of 6.0 with no individual skill band below 5.5 (in the listening and reading components) and 5.0 (in speaking and writing) TOEFL: a score of 220 on the computer-based version of the test (550 on the paper-based version) with a score of 4.0 on the essay rating. ibt TOEFL (Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language): a score of 83 overall with Listening 18; Reading 20; Speaking 20; Writing 21. How do I apply? You can apply online or by post. Full details are available at: www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply Alternatively you can contact the admissions office at the address shown below for further details. Further information For an informal chat about the course contact: Prof. Ben Varcoe t: +44 (0)113 3438290 e: b.varcoe@leeds.ac.uk Further information can be found on our website www.physics.leeds.ac.uk Or contact: The Admissions Officer MSc in Quantum School of Physics and Astronomy University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT, UK t: +44 (0)113 3438428 e: M.L.Jones@leeds.ac.uk University of Leeds Leeds, United Kingdom LS2 9JT Tel. 0113 243 1751 www.leeds.ac.uk Doc No: MA61736