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Unit of study_
ELEC6624: Quantum Systems Engineering
2027 unit information
This unit provides accessible yet comprehensive coverage of quantum systems engineering, tailored to final-year undergraduate and master’s students in engineering with strong mathematical and programming capabilities, who may not necessarily have a conventional advanced physics background. Moving beyond classical limits, the first part of the unit introduces essential theoretical concepts and the mathematical language of quantum mechanics, specifically the Dirac notation for quantum states and operators. Students will explore the concept of a qubit as a fundamental engineered two-level system and understand its visual representation using the Bloch sphere. Building on these foundations, the second part of the unit introduces the three core pillars of the global second quantum revolution: quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, including implications of decoherence and noise in real-world quantum systems, using open quantum systems theory. Hands-on Python labs allow students to numerically simulate abstractions of quantum systems and understand how they are used and controlled in quantum technologies. The unit concludes with an overview of the emerging global quantum landscape. The theoretical background and the hardware-independent intuition gained in this unit will be applicable across a range of platforms and will be a steppingstone for further exploration of multidisciplinary quantum-related opportunities emerging worldwide.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | School of Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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ELEC4624 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Strong mathematical background (linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, complex numbers). Strong competence in programming with Python. Experience with Fourier transform. Prior exposure to quantum mechanics (e.g., through PHYS1003) would be beneficial, but not mandatory. |
The learning outcomes for this unit will be available two weeks before the first day of teaching.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2027
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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There are no availabilities for previous years.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
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