Understanding Quantum Computers (FutureLearn)

Offered by Keio University,
Understanding Quantum Computers (FutureLearn)

Explore the key concepts of quantum computing and find out how it’s changing computer science with this introductory course. In this course, we will discuss the motivation for building quantum computers, cover the important principles in quantum computing, and take a look at some of the important quantum computing algorithms.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

We will finish with a brief look at quantum computing hardware and the budding quantum information technology industry.
Key concepts will be explained graphically, with minimal mathematics required.

What topics will you cover?

  • Waves and interference
  • Quantum superposition and entanglement
  • Computational complexity
  • The quantum Fourier transform
  • Shor’s algorithm for factoring large numbers
  • Quantum chemistry and machine learning
  • Physical phenomena as quantum bits (qubits)
  • Quantum computing hardware
  • Quantum error correction

-The quantum information technology industry

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Describe a few key applications of quantum computing
  • Explain the role of quantum computing in the future and recognize the role of Moore’s Law in the future of computing
  • Prepare for a mathematical course in quantum information concepts
  • Explore the value proposition in available and forthcoming quantum information technology products
  • Identify the importance of quantum superposition, entanglement and interference in quantum algorithms
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Getting started in cryo-EM (Coursera) Coursera
Caltech

Getting started in cryo-EM (Coursera)

This class covers the fundamental principles underlying cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) starting with the basic anatomy of electron microscopes, an introduction to Fourier transforms, and the principles of image formation. Building upon that foundation, the class then covers the sample preparation issues, data collection strategies, and basic image processing workflows for all 3 basic modalities of modern cryo-EM: tomography, single particle analysis, and 2-D crystallography.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
AI for Legal Professionals (II): Tools for Lawyers (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
National Chiao Tung University

AI for Legal Professionals (II): Tools for Lawyers (FutureLearn)

Discover programming with Python, and the AI tools that lawyers, legal educators, and regulators can use to deliver services. Explore artificial intelligence, programming, and machine learning. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming the way our world works – and their influence is increasingly being felt in the legal profession. On this introductory course, you’ll explore common supervised and unsupervised machine learning problems, including classification, regression, clustering, and ranking.

Available now
4 Weeks
AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery (Coursera) Coursera
University of Edinburgh

AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery (Coursera)

Modern astronomy has made some astonishing discoveries - how stars burn and how black holes form; galaxies from the edge of the universe and killer rocks right next door; where the elements come from and how the expanding universe is accelerating. But how do we know all that? The truth is that astronomy would be impossible without technology, and every advance in astronomy is really an advance in technology. But the technology by itself is not enough. We have to apply it critically with a knowledge of physics to unlock the secrets of the Universe.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Data Science for Business Innovation (Coursera) Coursera
Politecnico di Milano,EIT Digital

Data Science for Business Innovation (Coursera)

The course is a compendium of the must-have expertise in data science for executive and middle-management to foster data-driven innovation. It consists of introductory lectures spanning big data, machine learning, data valorization and communication. Topics cover the essential concepts and intuitions on data needs, data analysis, machine learning methods, respective pros and cons, and practical applicability issues.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
Deep Learning for Business (Coursera) Coursera
Yonsei University

Deep Learning for Business (Coursera)

Your smartphone, smartwatch, and automobile (if it is a newer model) have AI (Artificial Intelligence) inside serving you every day. In the near future, more advanced “self-learning” capable DL (Deep Learning) and ML (Machine Learning) technology will be used in almost every aspect of your business and industry. So now is the right time to learn what DL and ML is and how to use it in advantage of your company. This course has three parts, where the first part focuses on DL and ML technology based future business strategy including details on new state-of-the-art products/services and open source DL software, which are the future enablers.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Preparing for the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer Exam (Coursera) Coursera
Google Cloud

Preparing for the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer Exam (Coursera)

From the course: "The best way to prepare for the exam is to be competent in the skills required of the job." This course uses a top-down approach to recognize knowledge and skills already known, and to surface information and skill areas for additional preparation. You can use this course to help create your own custom preparation plan. It helps you distinguish what you know from what you don't know. And it helps you develop and practice skills required of practitioners who perform this job.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Computer Vision: Image Understanding for Efficient Business and Industry (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Luleå University of Technology

Computer Vision: Image Understanding for Efficient Business and Industry (FutureLearn)

Delve into the foundations of computer vision and explore its potential to transform business and industry as we know it. Discover the basics of computer vision and its role in Industry 4.0. Humans are in the midst of what is referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0: the advent of new technologies that will forever change the face of business, and chief among them is computer vision. This three-week course from the Luleå University of Technology will give you a solid introduction to computer vision and help you explore its effects on industry and business.

May 2nd 2022
3 Weeks
The Discovery of the Higgs Boson (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Edinburgh

The Discovery of the Higgs Boson (FutureLearn)

Should we be excited about the Higgs boson? Find out more about particle physics and understanding the universe. The discovery of a new fundamental particle at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), CERN is the latest step in a long quest seeking to answer one of physics’ most enduring questions: why do particles have mass? The experiments’ much anticipated success confirms predictions made decades earlier by Peter Higgs and others, and offers a glimpse into a universe of physics beyond the Standard Model.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Through Engineers' Eyes: Engineering Mechanics by Experiment, Analysis and Design (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
UNSW Sydney - University of New South Wales

Through Engineers' Eyes: Engineering Mechanics by Experiment, Analysis and Design (FutureLearn)

Learn the techniques of Engineering Mechanics, use them to interpret experiments and apply them to design. When you design anything, how do you know that the design will work? You need Engineering Mechanics - the science-based analysis that engineers use to predict how their designs will perform, so they can meet their responsibilities for performance and safety. It starts with physics - forces, equilibrium, acceleration, gravity - but then engineers adapt it to their own purposes.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks