Introduction to Quantum Computing
CSE 190 / Math 152 - Fall 2026

Place and Time:	FAH 1450, TTh 11:00pm-12:20pm
Instructor:	Daniel Grier (dgrier@ucsd.edu)
Course staff:	Daniel Du (d7du@ucsd.edu)
Resources:	Canvas, Gradescope, Piazza, Podcast Request Form
Daniel Grier's office hours:	Th 1pm-2pm
Daniel Du's office hours:	TBD

• Homework 1 - due October 1st at 11:59pm

These lecture notes cover all material for this class. They will be updated throughout the quarter (last updated: 9/23/26). I have also included links to these excellent notes by John Watrous for a different perspective on many of the topics.

Lecture 1

Introduction to quantum bits and quantum operations

1.1, pg 1-5

This is an advanced undergraduate course focusing on the mathematical theory of quantum computers. The course will start with a general introduction to quantum computers: How do we mathematically specify a quantum state? What kinds of operations can we apply to a quantum state? How can we measure quantum states to solve computational problems? After having developed these basics, we will learn how to construct and analyze quantum algorithms, including those that have generated some of the most excitement about the future of quantum computing.

Prerequisites: A previous course in linear algebra is required (Math 18, Math 20F, or Math 31AH). All previous math experience will be very helpful, especially discrete math (Math 15A, CSE 20), probability (Math 11, CSE 21), and complex numbers. No prerequisite knowledge of physics or quantum computation is required.

• Foundations: states, operations, measurements
• Quantum information: entanglement, no-cloning theorem
• Circuits: gates, universality, measures of complexity, programming
• Algorithms: Deutsch-Jozsa, Simon, Grover, quantum Fourier transform, integer factorization

• Homework (15%): There will be 6 homework assignments throughout the quarter. Your homework score is the sum of two equally weighted parts: one written part which is only graded for completion; and one Gradescope quiz which is graded for correctness. No late homework assignments will be accepted.
• Participation (10%): Participation is based entirely on online quizzes on Gradescope given in class. Your lowest 3 quiz scores will be dropped.
• Midterms (50%): There will be two in-class midterms: October 22nd and November 19th.
• Final (25%): The final exam will be December 9th at 11:30am. If it improves you score, your final exam grade will replace the lowest of the two midterm grades.

• A range (A-,A,A+): 90% - 100%
• B range (B-,B,B+): 80% - 89.9%
• C range (C-,C,C+): 65.0% - 79.9%
• D: 50.0% - 64.9%
• F: below 50.0%

The designation of +/- inside a grade range will be determined at the end of the term. The above scale is guaranteed for this quarter: for example, if your cumulative average is 82, your final grade will be at least B-. These are the guaranteed thresholds. The thresholds may be adjusted downward, so that a lower percentage corresponds to a higher letter grade, if deemed appropriate. Students requesting accommodations for this course due to a disability must provide a current Authorization for Accommodation (AFA) letter issued by the Office for Students with Disabilities. Students are required to discuss accommodation arrangements with instructors and OSD liaisons in the department in advance of any exams or assignments.

Following UCSD (and common) practice recommended by the Academic Integrity Office, assessments, especially those given at non-overlapping times, will be comparable, but may not be identical. This practice is meant to maintain course integrity, avoiding non-allowed collaboration (either intentional or accidental).