Taking online courses before the school year starts is an excellent way to get a head start on your academic journey. You can use this time to familiarize yourself with the subjects you’ll be studying or to strengthen your skills in areas needing improvement. Websites like Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, and Brilliant.org offer a wide range of courses in subjects like mathematics, science, programming, and even soft skills like communication and time management. Many of these courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience, and they often come with resources like quizzes, assignments, and forums where you can interact with other learners and instructors.
Not only can online courses help you academically, but they can also help you develop essential life skills. For example, courses in time management, study techniques, and stress management can prepare you for the challenges of a busy school year. Additionally, taking classes in subjects you’re passionate about but aren’t part of your school curriculum can broaden your horizons and make you a more well-rounded individual. Whether you’re looking to get a leg up in your upcoming classes or simply interested in learning something new, online courses offer a flexible and accessible way to prepare yourself for the school year ahead. We have selected 11 online quantum courses from across the web. Some are free, some are paid, and some are delivered totally free.
Online Quantum Courses
Brilliant Quantum Computing Course [sponsored no. 0]
The “Quantum Computing” course on Brilliant is designed to teach learners how to solve complex problems using quantum mechanics. Comprising 33 lessons, this course has been created in collaboration with renowned institutions and companies like Microsoft, Alphabet X, and Caltech’s IQIM. The curriculum begins with an introduction to the nature of computation, exploring topics such as computing with circuits, quantum bits, and the intricacies of information in the quantum realm. Learners will delve into superpositions, the Bloch Sphere, and the concept of entanglement.
The course further delves into circuits, covering topics like quantum cryptography, quantum communication, superdense coding, and quantum teleportation. As learners progress, they will be introduced to foundational algorithms, understanding problem complexity, quantum parallelism, and the challenges associated with oracles. The latter part of the course focuses on near-term algorithms inspired by nature, exploring spin systems, the knapsack problem, and quantum chemistry.
Brilliant’s course description emphasizes that learners will build quantum algorithms from scratch using a quantum computer simulated in the browser. The course aims to demystify the often-hyped field of quantum computing, ensuring that participants understand the core concepts rather than just marvelling at the potential applications. Topics covered include qubits, quantum states, superposition, quantum gates, NISQ algorithms, cryptography, teleportation, and quantum chemistry. To benefit fully from the course, a basic understanding of linear algebra with 2×2 matrices and some familiarity with fundamental computer science principles is recommended.
Quantum Computing for Everyone — edX [no. 1]
Quantum computing is approaching reality, with 80+ bit machines in active use. This course provides an intuitive introduction to the impacts, underlying phenomena, and programming principles that underlie quantum computing. The course begins with exploring classes of computational problems that classical computers are not well-suited to solve. We then progress to an intuitive introduction to key QIS concepts that underlie quantum computing. Next, we introduce individual quantum operations, but with a symbolic representation and mathematical representation. A limited set of linear algebra operations will be taught so that students can calculate operation results. Finally, we string these individual operations together to create the first algorithm that illustrates the performance advantage of these unique operations.
Diana Franklin, an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago, and Jen Palmer, a Curriculum Development Specialist at the University of Chicago, are instructors for the course. The course can be Audited for free, but a certificate can cost £161.
Practical Introduction to Quantum-Safe Cryptography — IBM Quantum Learning [no. 2]
An introduction to quantum-safe cryptography and how quantum computing risks existing cryptography. This course is part of IBM Quantum Learning, which offers a variety of methods of quantum computing. Some courses include the basics of quantum information, variational algorithm design, and practical introduction to quantum-safe cryptography. The platform also offers tutorials exploring utility-grade algorithms and Qiskit Runtime applications.
MIT xPRO | Introduction to Quantum Computing [no. 3]
The quantum computer could have profound applications in business and change how we think about information. Learn how in course 1 of 2 in this online program. The course covers the history and implications of quantum computing vs. classical computation. Assess quantum computing applications and get hands-on experience by implementing a simple quantum algorithm using the IBM Q Experience. Isaac Chuang, William Oliver, Peter Shor, Aram Harrow. The course has a price of $1,469.
Quantum computing foundations from Microsoft Learn [no. 4]
Welcome to the world of quantum computing! Whether you’re a developer or simply someone who wants to get a feel for what quantum computing is all about, this learning path is a great place to start exploring quantum computing. Imagine you’re the new member of a space crew. This course introduces the world of quantum computing and offers insights into the foundational concepts of quantum mechanics and quantum computation. There is no charge for this quantum computing course as it’s free. You can check out the Q# quantum programming language, too.
Quantum Computing Introduction course – Qiskit [no. 5]
Qiskit offers a short course that contains around 3 hours of content. It is designed for self-learners from all backgrounds, both technical and non-technical. The course aims to provide a solid understanding of the principles behind quantum computing, focusing on developing intuition. After completing this course, learners will have a fair knowledge of quantum computing and Qiskit. They will also work on a short project that demonstrates their understanding. The system is a foundation for other classes in the Qiskit textbook, including traditional algorithms, near-term quantum algorithms, and quantum machine learning.
Introduction to Quantum Computing using Qiskit from Udemy [no. 6]
This course on Udemy is designed to help learners master the principles and programming of quantum computing using Qiskit. It serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners and beyond. The Silicofeller Quantum Academy created the course, and it has received positive student ratings. The course content delves into the principles of quantum computing and provides hands-on experience with Qiskit. It is updated regularly to ensure learners have access to the most recent information and techniques in quantum computing.
QubitxQubit [no. 7]
QubitxQubit offers an “Introduction to Quantum Computing” course for high school students and above. The system is created by quantum researchers and is taught by MIT PhDs. The curriculum covers various topics, from the fundamentals of quantum computing to its applications in fields like Quantum Finance and Quantum Chemistry. Students can participate in a one-semester course or an entire academic-year course. The course aims to provide a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to quantum computing, allowing students to develop foundational skills in quantum mechanics, quantum information, computation, and quantum algorithms. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to code on a real quantum computer. The course is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is approved by the University of California A-G as a college preparatory course.
Introduction to Quantum Computing from UCL (University College London) (8)
UCL offers a course that delves into the fundamentals of quantum computing and explores its real-world applications. The course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques used in quantum computing. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid grasp of the potential and challenges of quantum computing and its implications for various industries.
Quantum Computing Online (University of Oxford) [no. 9]
This two-day course offers a comprehensive introduction to digital quantum computing. On the first day, participants will delve into the basics of digital quantum computing, exploring topics such as quantum computing principles, digital quantum circuits, and the intricacies of digital quantum computers. Practical sessions allow attendees to implement traditional quantum algorithms and benchmark real-world devices. The second day focuses on applications, covering variational quantum circuits, solvers, optimization, and machine learning. Practical sessions will emphasize using variational quantum circuits for various tasks, including classification and problem-solving with quadratic Hamiltonians. The course is conducted online via Microsoft Teams and incorporates interactive Jupyter Notebooks. Emphasis is placed on quantum programming with real-world examples using the IBM Qiskit API, though skills are transferable to other major APIs. Attendees will receive a University of Oxford electronic certificate of attendance upon completing all live sessions. The course costs £985.00.
Black Opal from Q-CTRL [no. 10]
The “Black Opal” course by Q-CTRL offers a comprehensive introduction to quantum computing. The course is designed to be collaborative, visual, and interactive, allowing participants to go from having no background to programming real quantum computers. The platform emphasizes visualization, interactivity, and animation to make learning quantum computing more accessible. Participants can engage in interactive activities, challenging themselves with hands-on tasks across various topics, allowing them to learn quantum computing from any location in just minutes a day.
Upon completion, learners can earn badges and work towards certification, showcasing their achievements in the quantum era. The course provides a unique visual coding environment where participants can code fundamental quantum algorithms, equipping them with the core skills needed to start a career in the quantum industry. The curriculum is structured with over 400 lessons, starting with the basics of quantum information representation and progressing to more advanced topics like quantum circuits, entanglement, noise, and real quantum hardware programming.
Feedback from the community highlights the effectiveness of the course. Users appreciate the concise ‘bite-size lessons’, interactive visualizations, and exercises. The course’s visualization tools enable learners to understand abstract quantum concepts intuitively. Q-CTRL offers various plans for the Black Opal course, including a free basic version and a pro version with additional features. They also provide specialized versions for educators and enterprises to integrate quantum computing into their curriculum or workforce training. The course costs $19.99 per month for the entire class, but there are free options available.
