Master of Mathematics in Computer Science (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 MMath, MSc, MASc, and 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 David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science is given below.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are the same as those for MMath in Computer Science. Please refer to the department's website.
Degree Requirements
For the MMath in Computer Science (Quantum Information), students must fulfill the degree requirements for the MMath in Computer Science in addition to the specific requirements for the Quantum Information program. It may be necessary for some students to take more courses than are prescribed by the Computer Science program requirements in order to meet the specific course requirements of the Quantum Information program.
Coursework
Course Requirement in Computer Science
- Four one-term graduate courses (with a unit weight of .50)
- at least one course must be at the 800 level
- at most one course can be at the 600 level
- no more than two courses can be taken for degree credit in one area. (See PhD section - Table 1)
In addition, the courses taken must satisfy the Quantum Information course requirement.
Quantum Information Core Courses
Students will be required to take two core Quantum Information courses. These interdisciplinary courses provide a strong foundation in quantum information science.
- QIC 710: Quantum Information Processing (0.5 credit)
- QIC 750: Implementation of Quantum Information Processing (0.5 credit)
Thesis Requirement
- Master's thesis in Quantum Information
- Presentation of the research topic in a publicly announced seminar
MMath in Computer Science - Co-op Option
In Computer Science, a master's program may be undertaken on a co-operative basis enabling a student to combine graduate studies with some work experience. The program involves an initial study period, a work period and a final study period. It is fairly flexible in length, each period comprising one or more terms. The usual pattern of study and work consists of two academic terms in which the courses are completed, a two-term work placement, and a final academic term in which the thesis is completed. Students may apply for the Co-op Option during their second or third term in the standard Master's program.
The degree requirements are the same as for the regular MMath (Quantum Information) degree program. The work placement must be related to the student's research topic and requires the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the student's research supervisor.
The student will be required to do a two-term work placement at a suitable industrial location, to begin as soon as possible after the coursework has been completed. The student will also be expected to return to campus after the work placement in order to complete the final thesis. The student will need to supply a work term report along with a formal oral presentation when they return to campus.
Early Application to the PhD Program
The School offers excellent students an opportunity to transfer from the MMath program to the PhD program. This transfer enables the student to begin doctoral research, bypassing the MMath thesis. To apply for this transfer, a student submits a letter of application to the Director for Graduate Studies, any time after the completion of the second term of registration in the MMath program or earlier in exceptional circumstances. The application must be strongly supported by the student's proposed PhD supervisor. A successful applicant should have an excellent academic record. Evidence must be available that the student has begun a viable research program. If accepted for transfer to the PhD program, the student is expected to meet the requirements for a PhD student entering directly from a Bachelor's degree.
An updated list of Quantum Information courses can be found at the following link:
http://www.iqc.ca/graduate-program-in-qi/courses.php
Faculty Advisors/Thesis Supervisors
A current listing of Quantum Information thesis supervisors and their home unit can be found at the following link:
http://www.iqc.ca/graduate-program-in-qi/supervisors.php
For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Suitor
Computer Science, Graduate Studies
E-mail: csgrad@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 36468
or
Monica Dey
Institute for Quantum Computing
University of Waterloo
E-mail: mdey@iqc.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 38702