Introduction to Quantum Computing (Qubit by Qubit)

Qubit by Qubit is a program from The Coding School, a nonprofit founded to expand access to quantum computing education. In partnership with Google Quantum AI, the program has trained over 18,000 students in foundational quantum computing across two full semesters of live instruction.

The course is free for students at partner schools that provide academic credit for the program. Individual students can apply for scholarships covering full tuition. This makes it one of the most accessible structured long-format quantum computing programs available.

What you’ll learn

Semester 1 builds foundational knowledge:

• Linear algebra for quantum computing: vectors, matrices, inner products, and tensor products
• Quantum mechanics essentials: superposition, measurement, and the Born rule
• Qubits and quantum gates: single-qubit and multi-qubit gates, circuit diagrams
• Fundamental quantum algorithms: Deutsch-Jozsa, Bernstein-Vazirani, and Grover’s search
• Hands-on programming: writing and running code on a real quantum computer via IBM Quantum

Semester 2 explores near-term and advanced applications:

• Near-term quantum computing and the NISQ era
• Quantum hardware: superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and photonic systems
• Quantum networking and communication protocols
• Quantum sensing and metrology
• Quantum machine learning: classifiers and hybrid algorithms
• Career paths and research frontiers in quantum computing

Course structure

Weekly live lectures taught by instructors with graduate quantum computing backgrounds, accompanied by lab sections and homework assignments. Students attend sessions online from anywhere in the world. The program runs from September through April each year.

Participants run code on IBM Quantum hardware as part of the lab sections, giving genuine hands-on experience with real quantum devices rather than simulation only.

Who is this for?

• High school students interested in quantum computing and STEM careers
• Undergraduates looking for a structured year-long introduction alongside their studies
• Schools wanting to offer quantum computing as a course credit
• Anyone wanting a broad, mentor-supported introduction covering theory through application

Prerequisites

Algebra I is the only formal prerequisite. The course teaches the required linear algebra and quantum mechanics from scratch, making it accessible to students who have not yet studied physics or advanced mathematics.

Why take this course?

The two-semester structure gives depth that short courses cannot match. Students finish with a broad understanding spanning hardware, software, algorithms, and applications, having run code on real quantum computers throughout.

The partnership with Google Quantum AI brings cutting-edge research context into the curriculum. The Coding School’s nonprofit mission means the program prioritizes access: free enrollment for partner schools and scholarships for students who need financial support make this genuinely available beyond well-resourced institutions.