Quantum computing has heralded a fundamental technological shift, wherein the laws of quantum mechanics, characterized by superposition and entanglement, are being harnessed to perform computing tasks that would be otherwise intractable, even for supercomputers. Quantum science and technologies have taken giant strides over the last decade, with companies like IBM, Google and Honeywell showcasing quantum devices with 10-100s of quantum bits (qubits). Keeping in mind the widespread need for a quantum-skilled workforce, across academia and industry, IIT Madras introduced the interdisciplinary dual-degree program on quantum science and technologies (QuST) in 2020.
The aim of the program is to provide students with enough knowledge and skills in the QuST domain. Key learning outcomes include,
The core courses of the IDDD QuST programme are offered by faculty from the departments of Physics and Electrical Engineering., while the suggested elective courses are spread out across Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.
A B. Tech student or a Dual Degree student of IIT Madras in any discipline is eligible to upgrade/opt for this programme provided the student has a CGPA of 8.0 or above up to 5th semester. Total number of seats will be fixed at 25 and allocation of dual degree specialization and award of the degree will be governed by the rules of the Institute.
IDDD-QuST has a very flexible curriculum. The programme spans a period of four semesters of the five-year dual degree programme. The core course on Quantum Computation and Quantum Information lays the required foundation for the program and the Quantum Computing Lab course being offered in partnership with IBM India, provides hands on training in using the IBM quantum processors. In tune with the overall structure of the dual degree program being offered in the Institute, the number of courses to be offered and the credit distribution are as follows: