Master of Mathematics in Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information)
The University of Waterloo, home of the Institute for Quantum Computing, offers graduate students unique opportunities to learn about and engage in world-leading research in quantum information through a wide range of advanced research projects and advanced courses on the foundations, applications and implementation of quantum information processing.
In particular, the University of Waterloo offers a unique interdisciplinary graduate program in Quantum Information that leads to Master of Mathematics (MMath), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Applied Science (MASc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. This program is a collaboration between the Institute for Quantum Computing and:
- The Departments of Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics and Optimization, and the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science in the Faculty of Mathematics
- The Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science
- The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering
These academic units are referred to hereinafter as the home units.
MMath, MSc, and MASc students will receive both strong and broad foundations in quantum information science, coupled with knowledge and expertise obtained within their home programs. This will prepare them for the workforce and/or further graduate studies and research leading towards a PhD degree.
PhD students will be especially well-prepared for careers as scholars and researchers, with advanced expertise in quantum information science, together with the focus of their home programs. This new program is designed to provide students with knowledge of quantum information, including both theory and its implementations, advanced expertise in quantum information science and in home program disciplines, as well as training in research.
Admission requirements are the same as those of the home programs. The home unit in which an applicant intends to pursue graduate study must approve the application. Interested students should apply directly to one of the following units via the regular university application process:
Department of Applied Mathematics
Department of Chemistry
Department of Combinatorics and Optimization
David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Information specific to the Department of Applied Mathematics is given below.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are the same as those for the MMath in Applied Mathematics.
Degree Requirements
For the MMath in Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information), students must fulfill the requirements of the Applied Mathematics MMath program and meet the Quantum Information program requirements. The combined requirements are described below.
The Master's degree in Quantum Information is only available in a Thesis option. Candidates for the MMath degree must obtain an average of at least 70% in their courses.
The MMath in Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information) requires the completion of four one-term (0.50 unit) graduate courses, with a breadth requirement and Quantum Information core course requirement, and the writing of a thesis in Quantum Information. A list of approved Quantum Information thesis supervisors is available on the Institute for Quantum Computing website. It is not required that an MMath thesis contain original results. However, many of our students (for example, those who have had research experience as undergraduates) do obtain new results which may lead to publications in the research literature.
Students are allowed to take at most one 600-level course (including similar cross-listed courses offered by other departments) for credit.
The Master's thesis is read by a committee which consists of the thesis supervisor and two other faculty members who are knowledgeable about the research area. The committee is approved by the Departmental Graduate Committee. There is also a thesis defence, which consists of a twenty minute presentation by the candidate, followed by detailed questioning by the committee members. The thesis should normally be submitted to the Mathematics Faculty Graduate Office at least three weeks before the date of the thesis defence. A final version of the thesis should be given to the members of the examining committee at least two weeks before the defence date.
Breadth Requirement
All Master's students are required to take one Computation course and one Differential Equations or Techniques course, from the following list:
Quantum Information Core Course Requirement
Students are required to take the two core Quantum Information courses listed below. These interdisciplinary courses provide a strong foundation in quantum information science.
A list of Quantum Information courses that are offered each term is available on the Institute for Quantum Computing website.
For more information about the program, please contact:
Applied Mathematics, Graduate Studies Office
Email: amgrad@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 33170
or
Monica Dey
Institute for Quantum Computing
University of Waterloo
Email: mdey@iqc.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 38702