ECE 405CProgramming of Quantum Computing Algorithms

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

When it runs

Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

The course will teach basic elements to create quantum circuits in quantum computers: qubits, single-qubit gates, two-qubit gates, quantum operators, and measurements. A quantum programming language (one of three: Qiskit, q#, Pennylane) is used to implement representative quantum circuits in quantum simulators or real quantum computers through a cloud service such as IBM Q experience or Microsoft Azure or Xanadu.

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

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Winter 2027 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	5115	0 / 37	MF 13:00–14:20 Jan 25 16:00–17:20 Feb 22 16:00–17:20 Mar 15 16:00–17:20 Apr 5 16:00–17:20
LEC 701	2059	14 / 9999	Online or by arrangement
TUT 101	5116	0 / 37	W 19:00–19:50

Reviewed on UW Flow

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From 1 rating on UW Flow. Read them all on UW Flow.

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

One post or comment in 1 thread mentions ECE 405C, 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 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)”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them