Introductory quantum information science coursework at US institutions: Content coverage

Abstract

Despite rapid growth of quantum information science and engineering (QIS/QISE) workforce development initiatives, perceived lack of agreement among faculty on core content has made prior research-based curriculum and assessment development initiatives difficult to scale. To identify areas if consensus on content coverage, we report findings from a survey of N=63 instructors teaching introductory QISE courses at US institutions of higher learning. We identify a subset of content items common across a large fraction (>=80%) of introductory QISE courses that are potentially amenable to research-based curriculum development, with an emphasis on foundational skills in mathematics, physics, and engineering. As a further guide for curriculum development, we also examine differences in content coverage by level (undergraduate/graduate) and discipline. Finally, we briefly discuss the implications of our findings for the development of a research-based QISE assessment at the postsecondary level.

arXiv commentSubmitted to EPJ Quantum Technology, special section on quantum education

References in corpus (22)

• Preparing for the quantum revolution -- what is the role of higher education?
• The Design and Validation of the Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Survey
• Achieving a quantum smart workforce
• From Cbits to Qbits: Teaching computer scientists quantum mechanics
• Resource Letter: RBAI-1: Research-based Assessment Instruments in Physics and Astronomy
• The challenge and opportunities of quantum literacy for future education and transdisciplinary problem-solving
• A Computer Science-Oriented Approach to Introduce Quantum Computing to a New Audience
• The interdisciplinary quantum information classroom: Themes from a survey of quantum information science instructors
• Validation and Administration of a Conceptual Survey on the Formalism and Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
• Helping Students Learn Quantum Mechanics for Quantum Computing
• Interactive Learning Tutorial on Quantum Key Distribution
• Disparities in access to US quantum information education
• Development of an Undergraduate Quantum Engineering Degree
• Interactive simulations for quantum key distribution
• Preparing Pre-College Students for the Second Quantum Revolution with Core Concepts in Quantum Information Science
• Development and Uses of Upper-division Conceptual Assessment
• Quantum Undergraduate Education and Scientific Training
• How media hype affects our physics teaching: A case study on quantum computing
• A Framework for Curriculum Transformation in Quantum Information Science and Technology Education
• Contributions from Pilot Projects in Quantum Technology Education as Support Action to Quantum Flagship
• Surveying Students' Understanding of Quantum Mechanics
• Investigating student interpretations of the differences between classical and quantum computers: Are quantum computers just analog classical computers?

Cited by in corpus (7)

• Disparities in access to US quantum information education
• Preparing students for the quantum information revolution: Interdisciplinary teaching, curriculum development, and advising in quantum information science and engineering
• Landscape of Quantum Information Science and Engineering Education: From Physics Foundations to Interdisciplinary Frontiers
• Insights from Educators on Building a More Cohesive Quantum Information Science and Engineering Education Ecosystem
• Do we have a quantum computer? Expert perspectives on current status and future prospects
• Building Bridges in Quantum Information Science Education: Expert Insights to Guide Framework Development for Interdisciplinary Teaching and Evolution of Common Language
• Investigating High School and Pre-High School Teachers' Perceptions and Experiences Introducing Quantum Concepts: A Survey of QuanTime and other Quantum-related Activities