CMSC457

Introduction to Quantum Computing

Prerequisite: 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (MATH240, PHYS274); and 1 course with a minimum grade of C- from (CMSC351, PHYS373). Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Computer Science department. Additional information: No previous background in quantum mechanics is required. An introduction to the concept of a quantum computer, including algorithms that outperform classical computation and methods for performing quantum computation reliably in the presence of noise. As this is a multidisciplinary subject, the course will cover basic concepts in theoretical computer science and physics in addition to introducing core quantum computing topics. Cross-listed with PHYS457. Credit only granted for CMSC457 or PHYS457.

Spring 2026

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

Spring 2025

1 review
Average rating: 3.00

Past Semesters

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

2 reviews
Average rating: 4.00

0 reviews
Average rating: N/A

During the Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, students could choose to take some of their courses pass-fail mid-semester which skews grade data aggregated across multiple semesters.

Average GPA of 2.67 between 257 students*

CMSC457 Grade Distribution+-0510152025303540% of studentsABCDFWother
A-: 13.23%
A: 15.56%
A+: 8.95%
B-: 6.61%
B: 9.34%
B+: 11.67%
C-: 4.28%
C: 5.84%
C+: 5.84%
D-: 0.78%
D: 1.17%
D+: 1.17%
F: 1.56%
W: 14.01%
* "W"s are considered to be 0.0 quality points. "Other" grades are not factored into GPA calculation. Grade data not guaranteed to be correct.