Applied Quantum Computing III: Algorithm and Software (Purdue)

This is the concluding course in Purdue University’s Applied Quantum Computing series on edX, focused on algorithms and software. It covers domain-specific quantum algorithms and, crucially, how to actually run them on present-day quantum hardware. It is free to audit, with a verified certificate available for a fee.

The course begins with the classic results - the quantum Fourier transform, Grover’s search, and Shor’s algorithm for factorization - and then moves to the more recently developed algorithms for real applications: optimization, quantum simulation, quantum chemistry, machine learning, and data science. A defining feature is the hands-on component: learners get cloud-based access to real quantum computers and software, so they execute algorithms on actual hardware rather than only in theory.

Who is this for?

Learners who have completed the Fundamentals course and want to write and run real quantum algorithms across application domains. It suits aspiring quantum software developers, computational scientists, and researchers evaluating where quantum methods might apply to their problems.

Prerequisites

Applied Quantum Computing I: Fundamentals is the stated prerequisite. Comfort with linear algebra, algorithms, and programming is important, since the course involves implementing and executing quantum algorithms on cloud hardware.