24 June 2019

New Quantum Master of Science Pilot Project

Quantum Science Students

The Departments of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science run a pilot project which may eventually lead to a future joint Master of Quantum Science (QMSc). The pilot project startsin the Fall term of 2019. It is a collaboration between the departments of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, who will educate students to be specialists in quantum technology.

Jan Philip Solovej
Jan Philip Solovej at the blackboard

- We have an ambition in the long term to make a brand new Master of Science program, but we are not there yet. Instead, we start a pilot project, where we have put together recommended course packages consisting of existing courses from the three departments, which will give the students a flexible and cross-curricular education in the quantum area, says Jan Philip Solovej from the QMATH Center at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

- Mathematics students will in addition to quantum-related courses at MATH, take some of their elective courses at NBI and at Computer Science. The same applies to Physics and Computer Science students. All students who follow the pilot project should preferably take courses from all three subject areas.

- A course package will typically include courses in quantum information theory. Both the course offered here at MATH and the one offered at NBI. From Computer Science it will be relevant to attend courses in Machine Learning or in Algorithms. From Mathematics we offer our Advanced Mathematical Physics courses, says Jan Philip.

The forefront

- We have an expectation that the quantum area will be large, and we would like to educate our students to be ready when the area really takes off. The EU is currently investing one billion Euros in the field and there are many companies that have a strong focus on the field. This applies both to encryption, calculations and simulation - all subject areas focus on this. We would like to be at the forefront.

- We want to educate students from the three subject areas so that they can talk together. If they can talk together at this level, then they will also be really good at bringing it out to the companies, later on, explains Jan Philip.

The departments will establish a common study environment for the students of Quantum Science through social events, and by encouraging them to coordinate their course choices so that they have at least one common course in each semester.

On 6 May 2019, the three departments held the first information meeting on the pilot project, where approx. 20 upcoming Master of Quantum Science students showed interest. A meeting with more detailed study guidance follows on 6 September. You must apply for admission as usual at one of the three department’s Master of Science programs. Physics students should apply for the specialisation in Quantum Science. Students attending the recommended course packages will not receive a formal QMSc degree/diploma during this informal pilot phase.

Read more about the QMSc pilot project and the course packages.