Quantum Computing – What Is It & How Do I Learn it?

  • These courses will help to build a skilled workforce in Ireland, capable of developing hybrid classical-quantum computing applications and solutions. This will, in turn, attract talent and investment into the industry here.

The Short History of Quantum Computing

The term quantum computing was coined in the 1980s by physicists who studied the behaviour of electrons and subatomic particles. Today, scientists are investigating how to harness the power of quantum mechanics to create more powerful computers and more advanced artificial intelligence systems. A typical computer consists of a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and a disk to store programmes and data. The typical computer system would use ‘conventional bits’. By contrast, a quantum computer uses quantum bits (quibits), to represent data.

 

 

What Are Bits & Quibits?

In simple terms, they’re like atoms in the computer. For the techies out there, this would mean instead of using binary bits (ones and zeros) to represent information, quantum computers use coil qubits that can be both one and zero at the same time – think of it as working through grey as well as black and white! This enables quantum computers to solve certain problems more quickly than traditional computers.

 

 

How Important Could Quantum Computers Be?

Quantum computers are very powerful but notably, they are still comparatively small. As technology advances, they will be able to solve larger problems and become more powerful than today’s most powerful supercomputers.

Supercomputers can only currently analyse the most fundamental components. The quantum properties that quantum computers use to function are identical to those of the molecules they are seeking to imitate. And as they can allow for uncertainty, they can handle much more complex processes than conventional computers can analyse. And faster too!

In practice, this could result in more innovation in product development. Given the environmental challenges we face, sustainability opportunities such as the development of more efficient solar capture or better batteries for electric cars, for example, are high priority at leadership level. And there’ll be medical applications too – it’s feasible that a cure for Alzheimer’s disease may be found with the help of quantum simulations, according to scientists. It’s also likely that quantum computing will transform Artificial Intelligence, Weather forecasting, Cybersecurity and more.

So whether you’re a Business leader or IT professional, it makes sense to get up-to-speed with developments in this field and these ICT Skillnet courses are an ideal entry point.

 

How Do I learn Quantum Computing?

 

Our courses in this area include:

 

Course name: Quantum Computing Pathways for Business Leaders

 

Course dates: 23 January 2023 (2 Sessions – 4 weeks)

 

Location: Online

 

Grant Aided Fee: €749

 

How to Apply: Book a place on this course or view the course syllabus for more information.

 

Course name: Quantum Computing Pathways for Technical Managers

 

 

Course dates: 7 sessions (14 weeks)

 

Location: Online

 

Course Fee: €1,499

 

How to Apply: Book a place on this course or view the course syllabus for more information.

 

In addition to the courses outlined above, ICT Skillnet offers a wide variety of courses and training programmes across all aspects of ICT, from Masters programmes to short 5 day courses.

 

Our courses have been designed in conjunction with an industry advisory board. This board is composed of Irish indigenous and global organisations across various sectors (financial services, engineering, aerospace, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, quantum technologies, IT solutions, services, and consulting). This ensures recognition and relevance across sectors and disciplines.