ECE 405AQuantum Information Processing Devices

Units: 0.50
Faculty: Engineering
Subject: Electrical and Computer Engineering

When it runs

Ran in 4 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course introduces physical implementations of quantum computers with an emphasis on common and connecting themes. The course topics include the review of quantum mechanics, criteria to build quantum computers, quantum circuit models, and four quantum hardware platforms (nuclear magnetic resonance, optical photons, trapped ions, and superconducting systems) in terms of qubit definition, universal gate sets, initialization, measurement strategies, and decoherence processes.

Prerequisites

Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - AMATH373 - Quantum Theory 1 (0.50)
  - CHEM356 - Introductory Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
  - ECE305 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
  - NE332 - Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
  - PHYS233 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
  - PHYS234 - Quantum Physics 1 (0.50)
- Enrolled in Quantum Engineering Option, CE-Quantum Engineering Specialization, or EE-Quantum Engineering Specialization

Antirequisites

Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- PHYS468 - Physics of Quantum Computing (0.50)

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
Section	Class	Enrolled	Meets
LEC 001	5389	18 / 40	WF 14:30–15:50

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it0% easy75% useful

From 1 rating and 1 comment on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

Lots of algebra. I'm not good at math so I struggled with that, but it ended up being okay. Assignments take a very long time to work through. It was a fair course, Hauer does a good job of teaching it.

Dec 2025 · liked itOn UW Flow Remove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

2 posts and comments in 2 threads mention ECE 405A, December 2023 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2024

Sep 15, 2024 How are ECE 305 and ECE 405A this term? 5 points, 2 comments

u/moriakyu: “I was wondering how ECE 305 and 405A are this term and what the % breakdown is? Thanks!”

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Fall 2023

Dec 4, 2023 Quantum Computing from Engineering 1 point, 14 comments

“Hello everyone. I still currently attend highschool, and I am conflicted to whether I should go into Computer Eng or Electrical Eng. …”

u/batson2002: “the ece department is actually looking to add 5 new quantum courses for fall 2024, so when you start there will be some more option in engineering. …”

u/batson2002: “yup, you can check out the senate undergrad council agenda from november 21st. head here and go to page 13 for a full outline of the courses (ECE305/405A/405B/405C/405D)”