University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2020/21 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Physics > Quantum Engineering PhD > Specification
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Programme code | 2PHYS030R |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Research Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Mark Thompson
|
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Physics |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in, and knowledge and understanding of, quantum information science, in particular its manifestation in the emerging field of quantum technologies. It is a highly interdisciplinary one-year training programme, lying at the intersection of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering. It aims to transition students from undergraduates (BSc or MSci) in one of the above areas to independent scientists ready to pursue research in Quantum Engineering at the graduate level, or alternatively to work outside academia with high level expertise in the field. This is accomplished through a balance of taught courses, seminars, workshops, and group and independent research projects, with both theoretical and practical aspects. As a new and rapidly developing field, students will also engage with industry in order to appreciate its role in research, identify opportunities, and help shape the direction of quantum information science and technology.
Unlike other graduate programmes that are designed to meet the needs of an existing field, this programme is essentially inventing and shaping an entirely new field. The programme will therefore necessarily evolve, and so flexibility must be maintained in the ability to alter topics, deliver training, and assess performance.
The units are the intensive training for the first year of a four-year Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training programme at the University of Bristol. Successful completion of the programme is required in order for students to move on to the three year PhD project. The MRes is an exit route award from the PhD in Quantum Engineering and may be awarded to students who successfully complete the first year but do not continue to the PhD. The programme will accept a cohort of approximately ten students each year.
The early months of the programme will be biased toward taught courses and group projects, transitioning into more independent projects as the year goes on. Apart from the units, the programme will also encourage the cohort to participate in other activities such as outreach. Importantly, the students will be expected to take “ownership” of their programme, insofar as providing feedback and ideas, as well as participating in its improvement.
Students will have access not only to CDT resources, but also the resources of the newly created Bristol Doctoral College, which aims to provide services required similarly by graduate students in other CDTs and graduate schools across the University. Examples of such services include transferable skills training, online tools, and career development.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Lectures, seminars, workshops, cohort learning modules, practical modules, group research projects, individual research projects. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Written examinations, written assignments, written reports, written proposals, oral presentations, interviews, group presentations, peer assessment, formal scientific reports for individual research projects. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Lectures, seminars, workshops, cohort learning modules, practical modules, group research projects, individual research projects, Bristol Doctoral College resources. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Written examinations, written assignments, written reports, written proposals, oral presentations, interviews, group presentations, peer assessment, formal scientific reports for individual research projects. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Seminars, workshops, cohort learning modules, practical modules, group research projects, individual research projects, Bristol Doctoral College resources. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Written reports, written proposals, oral presentations, interviews, group presentations, peer assessment, formal scientific reports for individual research projects. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Students are expected to understand the basic concepts of quantum information theory and its realisation in quantum optics, at a level above that of a typical undergraduate course. They are expected to be able to write and speak intelligently about quantum information science, communicating in a way that is scientifically sound. They should have an appreciation for the field at large, as well as their own place within it. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In addition to satisfying the level M Postgraduate Certificate criteria, students are expected to have an advanced understanding of the theory and practice of quantum information science, well above the undergraduate level. Expertise in quantum optics is expected, as well as detailed knowledge of competing quantum technologies. They are expected to have engaged with primary sources of research and demonstrated their own research potential. They should be able to formulate their own opinions that they can defend in a sound scientific manner. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
In addition to satisfying the level M Postgraduate Diploma criteria, students are expected to have accomplished work at the level of current research in quantum information science, working independently under the supervision of an expert. Students at this level will appreciate the demands of modern research and have demonstrated the ability to engage. They are expected to be mature graduate students capable of planning and managing a research project, including conveying results to the international research community. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
In addition to the units listed above, there will be suggested reading and online activities, as well as opportunities to attend workshops (possibly with other CDT students) during the summer before officially entering the programme. Upon arrival in September, students will complete primer courses in both theoretical as well as practical aspects of the course in order to prepare them for the programme. They will also participate in team-building exercises and welcoming events. None of these activities will be for credit, however they are considered mandatory in order to get the cohort up to speed and working well together.
Students will have the opportunity to choose two independent projects during the programme, which may include a placement in industry or another academic institution – this will depend on the supervisor of the project that was chosen. There can also be opportunities and resources available to attend relevant workshops elsewhere in the UK or abroad.
Students who have already taken the existing quantum information theory unit (MATHM5610) will be required to choose another 10cp unit from the University calendar, subject to approval by the QE-CDT. Students must choose one of their optional units from the four offered by the CDT (Quantum computation, Quantum device engineering, nanofabrication, Applied quantum theory), while their second choice may also be from these four, or any other 10cp unit from the University calendar, subject to approval by the CE-CDT. Passing all eight mandatory units (140cps) and two optional units (20cps) in year one is a requirement for progression into the PhD research portion in subsequent years of the programme. Assessment of the taught component will be conducted in line with the Regulations and Code of Practise for Taught Programmes, as required by sections 4.2 and 6.1.1 of the PGR code. In cases where a student does not progress beyond the first year, they may exit with a postgraduate certificate (60cps), a postgraduate diploma (120cps), or a Masters (180cps). In the latter case additional cps may be made up by taking extra optional courses, including the 20cps quantum engineering MRes report. Note that this programme is designed specifically for the cohort paradigm, as well as for preparing students specifically to move directly into a PhD project in Quantum Engineering. Any changes to these criteria (e.g. opening units to non-cohort students) would require significant restructuring.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/quantum-engineering/
or please contact us at 01179540019
The maximum period of study for full-time students is 4 years. This catalogue only shows the taught units on the programme and may not show all years of study.
The MRes is an exit point from the PhD in Quantum Engineering and may be awarded to students who leave the PhD following successful completion of the first year of study, comprising the mandatory units outlined below.
Students who have previously taken the units Quantum Information Theory (MATHM5610) and/or Quantum Computation (MATHM0023) will be required to choose alternative units. Students who have covered the same material elsewhere may choose to take alternative units, subject to approval by the QE-CDT.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Quantum Information Theory | MATHM5610 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1A |
Topics in Quantum Engineering | PHYSM0043 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Quantum Engineering Team Project | PHYSM0021 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Quantum Engineering Cohort Project | PHYSM0016 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Quantum Light and Matter | PHYSM0042 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Quantum System Engineering | EENGM0025 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Quantum Engineering Individual Project A | PHYSM0017 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Quantum Engineering Individual Project B | PHYSM0018 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Select 20 credit points from: | ||||
Quantum Device Engineering | EENGM0027 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Nanofabrication for Quantum Engineering | EENGM0026 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Applied Quantum Theory | PHYSM0041 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Quantum Computation | MATHM0023 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Students who are exiting with the MRes award must take the following unit: | ||||
Quantum Engineering MRes Report | PHYSM0044 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Quantum Engineering (MRes) | 180 |
The assessment of the taught component of a doctoral degree is governed by the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and is assessed separately from the research project. Progression to the research project may be dependent on the successful completion of the taught component - please refer to the relevant handbook for the structure of the particular programme.
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
It may be possible to exit the programme with a taught award. For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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