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:

ESE 429Basic Principles of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information3
or ESE 536 Introduction to Quantum Optics
ESE 4301Quantum Mechanics for Engineers3
ESE 431Introduction to Quantum Electronics3
CSE 468TIntroduction to Quantum Computing3

Program Electives

Physics 318Introduction to Quantum Physics II3
or Physics 471 Quantum Mechanics
or Physics 523 Quantum Mechanics I
ESE 436Semiconductor Devices3
ESE 439Introduction to Quantum Communications3
ESE 532Introduction to Nano-Photonic Devices3
ESE 582Fundamentals and Applications of Modern Optical Imaging3
Chem 401Physical Chemistry I3
Chem 533Time-Dependent Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy3
Chem 543Physical Properties of Quantum Nanostructures3
Math 444The Mathematics of Quantum Theory3
Math 528Topics in Functional Analysis II3
Physics 472Solid State Physics3
Physics 589Selected Topics in Physics I3

For more information, contact the director for the minor, Jung-Tsung Shen.

Contact Info