Pedagogical Approach for Quantum Computing in Engineering Education

Abstract

This paper presents a method for teaching quantum computing for engineering students of the Master's degree in Quantum Computing at the International University of La Rioja. The approach is designed so that students can acquire the basic concepts of quantum computing in a context in which they have no knowledge of quantum mechanics. The focus is therefore on the mathematical, physical and, above all, computational knowledge acquired by the student in engineering. Theoretical and practical concepts of quantum computation are introduced, as well as the most important quantum algorithms. The student is also taught to work with a real quantum device. The method was successfully tested using the IBM Quantum platform, which consists of real quantum devices and simulators where students were able to test the acquired knowledge and implement the learned algorithms. In a context where quantum computing-related degrees and subjects are starting to emerge, the aim of this work is to help not only future generations of engineers to study quantum computing, but also those responsible people for implementing such studies.