The University of Tartu will launch a Quantum Computing Micro-Degree program in February, aimed at providing a broader audience with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in quantum computing.
According to Dr. Dirk Oliver Theis, associate professor of Computer Science at the University of Tartu, the micro-degree offers participants a substantive and practical introduction ranging from the fundamental principles of quantum information to the creation of simple quantum programs in the Python programming language.
“With Estonia’s strength in “classical” digital computing and the vibrant startup ecosystem, we can still enter the field of quantum computing as a player, but the window is closing. The time to skill-up is now,” said Dr. Theis.
According to Nataly Dubbelman, Coordinator of the Quantum Technology field at Metrosert, the micro-degree program represents an important milestone in shaping Estonia’s quantum technology ecosystem and supports the goal of developing the necessary skills in the field ahead of the wider adoption of quantum technologies.
“As a driving force behind the development of Estonia’s quantum community, we recognise that education in quantum computing is one of the key foundations that will enable Estonian companies and research institutions to meaningfully apply quantum technologies in the future,” said Dubbelman.
In her view, the interest in and need for structured education was also clearly confirmed by the quantum computing hackathon organised in Estonia for the first time last year.
“QEst Hack demonstrated very clearly that interest in quantum technologies is growing and that both young people and companies understand that to benefit fully from the arrival of the quantum era, preparation must begin today. The micro-degree provides the foundation needed for this – it equips today’s learners with knowledge on which they can later build both research-based and applied projects,” Dubbelman added.
The quantum computing micro-degree is targeted at learners with a background in natural or technical sciences who wish to enter the field of quantum computing. The studies take place in English together with Bachelor’s students from the University of Tartu. It consists of two courses: Introduction to Quantum Information (6 ECTS) and Fundamentals of Quantum Computing: Theory and Practice (6 ECTS).
The micro-degree program runs from 9 February to the end of January next year, and registration is open until 25 January. Graduates of the program will receive a University of Tartu Certificate of Completion.
Learn more about the program: https://cs.ut.ee/en/content/quantum-computing
