UR Quantum Curriculum

Courses in quantum information processing and applications of quantum mechanics are available in many departments and at all levels at the University of Rochester. Courses currently available include:

  • PHY 265: Introduction to Quantum Computing and Quantum Information
  • CSC 295: Quantum Computing Seminar
  • ECE 454: Quantum Information Processing
  • ECE 420: Quantum Electronic Devices and Materials
  • OPT 453/PHY 434: Quantum and Nano Optics Lab
  • CHE 452: Quantum Dynamics
  • OPT 531/PHY 551: Quantum Optics 1
  • OPT 532/PHY 552: Quantum Optics 2
  • ME 450-1: Introduction to Quantum Theory of Materials
  • ME 433/MSC 433/CHE 433: Nanoscale Energy Transport

Research Opportunities

The University of Rochester supports quantum research experience for undergraduates (REU) through our multiple REU programs. Myriad research opportunities for graduate students in QISE exist in the departments of chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, optics, and physics and astronomy.

Center for Coherence and Quantum Optics

The Rochester Center for Coherence and Quantum Optics (CCQO), internationally recognized for its excellence, offers education opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral research associates and helps facilitate research coordination across the domestic quantum community network by organizing summer schools and workshops, building on its experience hosting the Rochester Conference on Coherence and Quantum Optics—the longest running conference in quantum science.

Industrial Engagement

Today, Rochester is home to more than 150 leading businesses focused on optics, photonics, and imaging—forward-looking companies that capitalize on the area's educated workforce and industry expertise. Rochester's $3.4 billion yearly optics industry is diverse, including remote-sensing companies such as L3 Harris and ON Semiconductor, sophisticated supply-chain firms such as Corning Tropel, JML Optical, Rochester Precision Optics, Melles-Griot, and smaller ventures such as Lumetrics, and Logical Images.

Approximately 17,000 people in Rochester are employed in the optics industry. The Test Assembly and Packaging (TAP) division of AIM Photonics is based right here in Rochester. The American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) program is an industry-driven, public-private partnership that has established an ecosystem that provides complete access across the entire photonics product cycle.

The Institute of Optics Industrial Associates (IA) program engages over 50 member companies, companies ranging from Apple to Zygo, from local success stories like RPC Photonics, to international giants like Microsoft. Through the IA program Rochester provides short-course training, curated recruiting events, and networking at our twice-yearly IA meetings that brings together all our local partners.