The Minor in Quantum Engineering
Quantum engineering is an emerging field that fuses physics, engineering, and computer science. It incorporates radical new ideas for computing, materials, devices and sensors. Advances in quantum sensing, encryption, and computing will transform science and engineering and have a far-reaching impact on the industry, the economy, and other aspects of our society.
The Minor in Quantum Engineering integrates quantum knowledge — quantum physics, quantum information science, and quantum technologies — into the engineering education at Washington University. The curriculum encompasses both fundamental physics and the broad engineering skill set necessary to meet the practical challenges of the future.
Students with background in applied physics or electrical engineering are ideal candidates for this program, but the minor is open to any undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program at Washington University in St. Louis.
Prerequisites
The course ESE 4301 Quantum Mechanics for Engineers is designed to be the entry course for the quantum engineering curriculum, which provides the foundations — that is, the mathematical and physical knowledge — required for all subsequent core courses. By design, this course is made to be accessible to second-year engineering undergraduates with knowledge of linear algebra and calculus at the level of ESE 318/ESE 319 Engineering Mathematics A/B or the equivalent.
Required Courses
The Minor in Quantum Engineering requires the completion of 15 units from the courses listed below. At least two courses must be from the Core Courses list.
Core Courses
Students select at least two courses from this list:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESE 429 | Basic Principles of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information | 3 |
| or ESE 536 | Introduction to Quantum Optics | |
| ESE 4301 | Quantum Mechanics for Engineers | 3 |
| ESE 431 | Introduction to Quantum Electronics | 3 |
| CSE 468T | Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 |
Program Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Physics 318 | Introduction to Quantum Physics II | 3 |
| or Physics 471 | Quantum Mechanics | |
| or Physics 523 | Quantum Mechanics I | |
| ESE 436 | Semiconductor Devices | 3 |
| ESE 439 | Introduction to Quantum Communications | 3 |
| ESE 532 | Introduction to Nano-Photonic Devices | 3 |
| ESE 582 | Fundamentals and Applications of Modern Optical Imaging | 3 |
| Chem 401 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| Chem 533 | Time-Dependent Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy | 3 |
| Chem 543 | Physical Properties of Quantum Nanostructures | 3 |
| Math 444 | The Mathematics of Quantum Theory | 3 |
| Math 528 | Topics in Functional Analysis II | 3 |
| Physics 472 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| Physics 589 | Selected Topics in Physics I | 3 |
For more information, contact the director for the minor, Jung-Tsung Shen.