APPLIED QUANTUM COMPUTING III (HOW TO MAKE A QUBIT AND QUANTUM BIOLOGY) - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module comprises two independent halves, on How to Make a Qubit (Qubits), and on Quantum Biology (Q Bio).

 

• Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, rely on the quantum mechanical principles of superposition and entanglement. Furthermore, this superposition and entanglement needs to be controlled in useful ways. In this module you will learn about what physical systems allow quantum technology production, and their limitations. Quantum computers are only one type of device that uses these principles, and several other technologies are being created that are also enhanced by use of superpositions. Others include atomic clocks and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI. We will also learn about the errors that inevitably build up in quantum computers when quantum superpositions are disturbed, and the strategies that might be built in to correct them.


• Quantum biology is the study of how quantum mechanical phenomena, such as quantum superposition, tunnelling, and entanglement, can be exploited by living systems to provide evolutionary and/or biological advantages. This half module will cover a range of biological molecules and processes that may exploit quantum effects, such as magnetoreception, photosynthetic light harvesting, and DNA mutations. The goal of this half module is to develop an understanding of how quantum processes could have an impact in nature and how this knowledge can be further used for applications in health and medical sciences. In addition, using research progress in the field of quantum biology and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop an experimental and theoretical understanding of how quantum processes may play a crucial role in maintaining the non-equilibrium state of the biomolecular systems. Many of the subjects acquired through this half module are likely to be of potential use in the summer Project.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

MURDIN Benedict (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content for the How to Make a Qubit part:

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    • Qubit platforms. The DiVicenzo criteria specify the ingredients needed to build a quantum computer. We will perform a comparative study the characteristics of a variety of quantum technology platforms that provide the requisites (likely to include, but not limited to: Harmonic oscillators; Ion Traps; Photons; NMR; diamond NV; semiconductor spins).
    
    
    • Error correction. Not only do we need strategies to reduce errors in quantum computers for qubits with low fidelity, strategies for correction are essential, and this has important implications for the number of qubits required in a practical computer.
    
    
    • Other quantum technologies. We will also investigate the possibilities for other applications of quantum technology such as: Atomic Clocks; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Sensors) [NB some specific hardware systems and applications are not included here because they will be explored in detail in other modules].
    
    
    • Latest research. The list of platforms covered, the details of their comparison, and the applications in quantum technology will be kept up-to-date with the latest research in the field.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • The history of quantum biology. We begin with a historical overview, tracing the origins and development of Quantum Biology including some basic classical biology.
    
    
    • Spin-dependent chemical reactions in biology. The radical pair mechanism is an example of the interaction between electron spins in chemical reactions, and governs how some birds sense magnetic fields. We will examine how spin plays a role in diverse biological processes, and are integral to enzymatic catalysis and signal transduction. Chirality-induced spin selectivity effects.
    
    
    • Quantum processes. Quantum processes in photosynthetic light-harvesting systems showcase the remarkable efficiency of quantum phenomena in energy transfer. Coherent quantum interactions can take place in biomolecules, such as chromophore-proteins. Quantum tunnelling of protons is important in DNA mutations.
    
    
    • Quantum technology for biology. Quantum technology can provide enhanced sensing capabilities, and quantum computing can help understand biomolecular reactions, such as in the nitrogenase molecule, which, if we could mimic it industrially would lead to enormous savings in energy and carbon emissions from the agri-chemicals industry.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• adaptability, collaboration skills resulting in team contributions to group outcomes (Q Bio).


• individual knowledge and problem-solving abilities (Qubits and Q Bio).

• The Quantum Biology project will take the form of a group assignment, to be presented to class members during the last lecture session plus individual deliverables submitted following the group presentation. The project will evaluate recent research in quantum biology. Students will be assigned a group and choose scientific literature to discuss the limitations of current methods, together with research developments that aim to improve this in the areas of quantum biology. The project addresses Learning Outcomes: 3-5.

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    • The group part of the project will be in the form of a group presentation. Groups will also produce a peer assessment of each other teams’ performance. This Group Part will be evaluated on the clarity of the presentation/reflection, including the group's ability to communicate effectively. The form of the presentation will allow non-verbal contributions (written evidence).
    
    
    • The Individual part of the project will be delivered in the form of: a self-assessment of student’s own individual contributions to the presentation (outlining student’s specific responsibilities and tasks, highlighting key learning outcomes, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and areas for improvement), an evaluation of student’s team-mates' contributions (considering factors such as effort, creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaboration), and evaluation of the deliverables of other Groups (considering conveying of understanding, and credibility). [Marks for peer assessment in both Group and Individual components will count towards the assessor student/team, not the assessed student/team].  
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

• The Qubits exam will address Learning Outcomes 1-3.

• Weekly problem sheets will give students practice in exam questions. Tutorials will be provided with discussion and solutions to selected questions from the problem sheets. (Qubits)


• Formative Feedback and Coaching will be provided that is timely and constructive throughout the project duration to guide project groups in their implementation. (Q Bio)


• A team project Proposal and Plan, will be submitted early in the QBio project for formative assessment, outlining the objectives for each individual (i.e. with different tasks for each member of the team), a scope, methodology, and timeline. [Assessed on the clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness of the methodology, techniques and tools.] (QBio)


• SurreyLearn quizzes (Qubits and Q Bio)

• Verbal feedback will be given in tutorials (Qubits and Q Bio).


• In-class questions and discussions in tutorials (Qubits and Q Bio).


• One-to-one advice in open office hours (Qubits and Q Bio).

Module aims

• The module aims to give an understanding of the variety of modern quantum computer hardware, with comparative analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and likely applications of each (Qubits).
• Applications of quantum technology other than computers will also be explored, such as quantum sensing (Qubits).
• From a hardware perspective, it is very important to understand how imperfections in quantum technology affect the ability to deliver large scale computers, and this module will cover hardware error correction strategies (Qubits).
• Provide a solid foundation of basic quantum biology knowledge that will facilitate the students¿ understanding of the biological molecules and biomolecular systems that give rise to the quantum effects (Q Bio).
• Develop critical thinking skills to enhance confidence in students¿ ability to undertake practical work in their dissertation projects (Qubits and Q Bio).

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Expose students to the latest research in quantum technology hardware, including not only quantum computer hardware but also other technologies like quantum clocks, sensors etc. (Qubits).


• Encourage critical thinking about hardware research results, in particular comparative assessment of benefits and barriers for any given technology (Qubits).


• Give understanding of the way that quantum computer gates are translated into signals to hardware in the various implementations (Qubits).


• Knowledge of strategies to deal with errors, in the present era of Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum computing (Qubits).


• Enhance students’ knowledge of quantum processes in nature (Q Bio).


• Develop the critical understanding of quantum biology concepts (Q Bio).


• Improve students’ group collaboration and presentation skills (Qubits and Q Bio).

• interactive lectures, (Qubits and Q Bio).


• tutorials to discuss group presentation assessments (Q Bio),


• and class discussion about limitations and challenges in quantum technology and quantum biology (Qubits and Q Bio)


• Workshops for group activities (Qubits).

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHY3069

Other information

Digital Capabilities: In this module we study the hardware components of a revolution in digital capabilities: the quantum computer (Qubits).

Resourcefulness and Resilience: By participating in group activities, students have the opportunity to demonstrate resourcefulness and resilience through problem-solving, time management, collaboration, conflict resolution, adaptability, seeking feedback, and reflective practices. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges, both within group settings and in real-world situations, fostering their personal growth and success (Q Bio). Quantum biology is a very interdisciplinary field, and the group presentations will require students to read, absorb and speak to articles and papers in physics, chemistry and biology (Q Bio).

Employability: The group project will enhance students' employability by providing them with practical experience in collaboration, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, accountability to others, time management, leadership, professionalism, and networking. These skills are transferable to various professional settings and contribute to their readiness for the workforce. (Qubits and Q Bio). The market for graduates in quantum computing is expected to rise significantly in the future as the technology becomes more established, and background knowledge of the variety of platforms with their various advantages and disadvantages will be very beneficial (Qubits).

Sustainability: The Quantum Biology half module encompasses quantum processes in biology, such as those that may be involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation in plants, which can have immense importance for sustainability (Q Bio).

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.