CS 150: Special topics in Quantum Information Science (Spring 2026)

Droplet

Course description:

This is a graduate seminar focusing on special topics in quantum computing and information science. The primary goal of this seminar is to prepare enthusiastic students to explore the literature and perform research in this field. Topics include, but are not limited to, quantum channels, universal and subuniversal gate sets, quantum error-correction, quantum complexity classes, and quantum algorithms. One of the main objectives of this course is to train students to perform research at the forefront of the field. Assignments in this course include three problem sets, reading materials, writing essays and scribing lecture notes. Each student in the course will complete a project related to the course topics, contribute to and lead class discussions, give presentations, and write a comprehensive report on the topic. Students from CS, mathematics, and physics can benefit from this class.

General Information

Class Information:
Instructors Information: Special dates:

Quick Links:


Course Logistics: Grading Policy
Course Material: Rules, Accomodations, & Resources

Course Logistics

Prerequisites:

quantum computer science (CS-150 or CS-151 or related courses) and linear algebra MATH 70 or permission from the instructor. This course is mathematically heavy. Therefore mathematical enthusiasm and maturity is required. A strong background in areas such as theory of computation, algorithms, complexity theory, and algebra, is recommended.

The expectation is that the students are familiar with basics of quantum computing and information science from their previous course work. If there is a topic they are unfamiliar with, they are encouraged to first learn by self-studying the recommended resources. They are then encouraged to reaching out to the instructors on Piazza, during office hours or recitations to discuss. They are also encouraged to initiate productive discussions during class.

Textbook:

Students are encouraged to consult the following textbooks as a basis for learning: You are not required to purchase these textbooks in order to complete this class.

Syllabus

Phase 1: Foundational and special topics

Phase 2: Project presentations

The last two weeks of this semester is dedicated to student presentations. Each student will focus on a particular topic and complete a project around it. Each student will give two presentations and submits a final report. Think about the final report as a pedagogical material that is accessible to a new student who wishes to work in this field.

Assignments

Grading rules:

You will have various tasks throughout the semester which can be categorized as (1) Attendance and class participation, (2) Presentation, (3) Writing. Class participation includes, class discussions, attending office hours, recitations and initiating and contributing to Piazza discussions.

How to submit the assignments:

Please submit your assignment via gradescope. Use KNNGPV as the code.

Late submission policy:

To be fair to everyone, late submissions are not accepted unless there is a well-justified reason. Please reach out in advance if you anticipate any issues.

Collaboration and AI policy:

Collaboration is encouraged throughout the semester. The main requirement is that each student must submit their work independently. Don't forget to include references to the materials you have used or the students you have had discussions with in your submissions. Use of AI is forbidden for problem sets. You can use AI to brainstorm ideas for other assignments (e.g., choosing a project topic or final project report). Copying from AI is, however, strictly forbidden. You should be able to explain your solution. If we sense that a solution has been copied from AI, we reserve the right to request an explanation and to pursue the school's academic integrity policies if we can verify that a solution to an assignment has been copied from AI.

Course Material

Problem sets

Check this link for a list of project topics.

Lecture schedules and reading assignments

For preliminary background on quantum computing you can explore lecture notes. Instructor's personal Notes

1. The Quantum Formalism

  • Quantum Operations [video (1/15), video (1/20)]
    Reading:
  • Universal Gate Sets [video (1/27), video (1/29) ]
    Reading:
  • The Solovay–Kitaev Theorem [Video (2/3), video (2/5)]
    Reading:
  • The Clifford group [ video (2/10)]
    Reading:
  • Universal Computation with Clifford and Magic States [ video (2/12) , video (2/15) ]
    Reading:

    • Problem Set 1 assigned

    2. Quantum Error Correcting Codes

  • Theory of Quantum Error Correction [ video (2/24), video (2/26) ]
    Reading:
  • Stabilizer codes [ video (3/3), video (3/5), video (3/10) ]
    Reading:
  • Linear codes, CSS Codes and discussions on Fault tolerance [ video (3/12) ]
    Reading:

    • Problem Set 2 assigned

    Project Proposals Due: 2/06


    No lecture on 2/19

    3. Quantum Algorithms and complexity

  • Hidden Subgroup Problems [ video (3/24) , video (3/26) , video (3/31) Dihedral HSP first half, video (3/31) Dihedral HSP second half]
    Reading:
  • Complexity of Boson Sampling [ video (4/2) ]
    Reading:
  • Adiabatic Quantum Computation [ video (4/7), video (4/9)]
    Reading:

    • 6. Student presentation (4/14-4/27)

    Useful links

    The following are nice introductory notes about quantum computation. You can use the following references as encyclopeida of complexity classes or quantum algorithms

    Rules, Accomodations, & Resources

    Attendance rule:

    If a student misses or expects to be missing more than three lectures, they should consult with the instructor. In any situation, please contact the course staff with any concerns.

    Religious holy days:

    In case a student is observing a religious holy day and might have to skip a class or miss a deadline, please let us know in advance. We will accommodate such circumstances.

    Equal access:

    Tufts is committed to providing equal access and support to all qualified students through the provision of reasonable accommodations. If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodations, contact the StAAR Center at     StaarCenter@tufts.edu or 617-627-4539. Please be aware that accommodations cannot be enacted retroactively, making timeliness a critical aspect for their provision.

    Tufts's academic integrity statement:

    Tufts holds its students strictly accountable for adherence to academic integrity. The consequences of violations can be severe. It is critical that you understand the requirements of ethical behavior and academic work as described in Tufts’ academic integrity handbook. If you ever have a question about the expectations concerning a particular assignment or project in this course, be sure to ask me for clarification. The Faculty of the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering are required to report suspected cases of academic integrity violations to the Dean of Student Affairs Office. If I suspect that you have cheated or plagiarized in this class, I must report the situation to the dean.

    Student Support, including Mental Health:

    As a student, there may be times when personal stressors or difficulties interfere with your academic performance or well-being. The Dean of Student Affairs Office offers support and care to undergraduates and graduate students who are experiencing difficulties and can also aid faculty in their work with students. In addition, through Tufts’ Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS) , students can access mental health support 24/7, and they can provide information on additional resources. CMHS also provides confidential consultation, brief counseling, and urgent care at no cost for all Tufts undergraduates as well as for graduate students who have paid the student health fee. To make an appointment, call 617-627-3360. Please visit the CMHS website to learn more about their services and resources.