Quantum Mechanics for Engineers

Quantum technologies — from quantum computing and quantum communication to quantum sensing — are rapidly transitioning from laboratory curiosities to engineered systems. Working with or on these systems requires a solid understanding of the underlying quantum-mechanical principles, yet most engineering curricula do not cover this material.

This course provides a rigorous introduction to quantum mechanics tailored to students with engineering backgrounds. Starting from the limits of classical physics, it builds the mathematical framework — state vectors, operators, the Schrödinger equation — needed to describe, analyze, and design quantum systems. The qubit serves as a unifying model throughout the course: students learn how two-level quantum systems are manipulated, measured, and affected by noise, and how these concepts map onto real platforms for quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.

By the end of the course, students will have the conceptual framework, mathematical tools, and vocabulary to engage with current research and development in quantum technologies.

The module consists of a weekly lecture and a weekly exercise session. The lecture introduces the theoretical concepts using a combination of derivations, slides, and live demonstrations. The exercise sessions reinforce the lecture material through guided problem-solving. Exercises include both pen-and-paper problems and computational tasks using open-source tools (Jupyter Notebooks). No prior programming experience is required; the necessary tools will be introduced during the course.

• Module description, detailed content of lecture with exercise, schedule, and registration in C@mpus
• Lecture notes, videos, recordings, tutorials, and simulation files in ILIAS