Taking the Quantum Leap: Adopting and Teaching Quantum Computing

John R. Wetsch, Ph.D., Program Director for Cloud Computing, Wake Technical Community College

Through this article, John R. Wetsch, Program Director for Cloud Computing at Wake Technical Community College, explains how community colleges can address the quantum computing skills gap by implementing a targeted curriculum, leveraging cloud platforms, and partnering with industry to develop a future-ready workforce.

Is quantum computing hype or reality? Can we transcend our current applications of AI, computing resources, and modeling? The answer is yes to both, but the industry needs assurance that it can adopt quantum computing into its current arsenal with minimal risk and access the necessary technical resources. How can this be accomplished?

First, let’s understand that quantum computing is both available and emerging—it has real applications alongside the hype. It's already seen as transformative for finance, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals. A key driver will be further adaptation to business needs, especially in modeling using large datasets. The need for a diverse, skilled workforce becomes urgent as quantum technologies mature. While businesses can trial the technology at low risk, developing broadly beneficial programs remains challenging. This challenge requires quantum thinking applied to quantum technologies, delivering applications supported by quantum computers. Higher education, especially community colleges, can be a vital resource for supplying skilled quantum technologists.

A common problem is that colleges often react to workforce demand rather than anticipating it, leaving businesses waiting for qualified candidates. Quantum computing presents an opportunity to get ahead of this curve. It can catalyse business innovation, expanding the need for its utilization. It enables leadership towards next-level business modeling, enhancing data analytics, and providing countermeasures against quantum cyberattacks.

“As quantum technologies continue to evolve, community colleges that embrace this change will be pivotal in crafting a future where technology and opportunity will be further advanced”

The quantum sector desperately needs technicians, analysts, and engineers fluent in practical quantum computing. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to offer the necessary hands-on vocational training. While classical computing isn't disappearing, community college programs can easily adapt to develop quantum computing technologists prepared for immediate entry into research labs, tech startups, and innovative industries, establishing vital partnerships with local businesses to create job pipelines.

To lay the groundwork, businesses can adopt quantum initiatives at low risk using available cloud services. Providers like IBM Quantum, Google Quantum AI, Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and D-Wave Leap already offer quantum resources. This allows students and businesses to engage without investing in physical quantum computers. Companies can leverage these existing services now.

However, the proof of use for quantum applications needs further development, and training technologists is key. This can be achieved as a STEM initiative without requiring graduate-level coursework. The approach must be interdisciplinary, using innovative teaching and available cloud services. The goal is to create real-world applications and provide personnel capable of utilizing extensive data sources for working models.

A proposed curriculum can create reliable quantum application developers, as a supplement or parallel track for computer science and data analytics students. Such a study requires a solid math foundation—equivalent to intro calculus, statistics, and linear algebra—giving students the abstraction skills for quantum thinking. These math courses are typically available at community colleges.

Next, specific quantum computing courses need development:

1. Quantum Thinking: This course introduces the basics of quantum theory and the applications of real-life quantum mechanics. Understanding key terms like qubits, superposition, and entanglement is essential.

2. Quantum Programming I: Students learn to create quantum algorithms, apply gates, and work with languages (like Python, C++, Java) and cloud resources to build quantum applications.

3. Quantum Programming II: Students apply their learning, using large data models to develop quantum computing applications with real-world outcomes.

This proposed curriculum might require math prerequisites, but the core quantum study is equivalent to an undergraduate certificate, assuming prior traditional programming experience. Perhaps six required courses could equip students with the needed background to become quantum computing developers while also opening doors for further education.

The future is now. Quantum computing is poised to redefine the technological landscape, augmenting classical computing, which is here to stay. Community colleges have a unique opportunity to lead this transformation. By integrating quantum computing into their curricula, they can deliver advanced technology education, empower a skilled workforce, and advance quantum development. However, this progress hinges on business support and adoption.

The future of quantum computing isn't confined to elite labs; it will become ubiquitous. Incorporating quantum education in community colleges prepares students for the next innovation wave and empowers communities to solve local problems with global impact. Both business and science have vast amounts of data; quantum computing offers a way to utilize it quickly, purposefully, and advantageously. As quantum technologies evolve, community colleges embracing this change will be pivotal in crafting a future where technology and opportunity are further advanced.

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