QCS - Orientation Year 2

1 EC

Semester 2, period 4, 5

53942QOY1Y

Owner Master Quantum Computer Science
Coordinator drs. A.L. van Pappelendam
Part of Master Quantum Computer Science,

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

In Year 2 of the MSc Quantum Computer Science programme, students will work on their compulsory Master Thesis & Seminar Research Project (30 EC) and have a number of additional study-related options available to them. These options are: an extended master thesis (18 EC), an internship, extra restricted-choice courses or electives.

To prepare students for the decisions they will need to make regarding their second year of study, this course will have students looking into the various pathways that may interest them as future quantum computer scientists. Students will reflect on their personal learning goals, fields of interests and professional ambitions throughout the course and submit a final proposal specifying their study-related choices and the corresponding timeline.

Students will be supported in finding thesis projects that align with their curiosities and ambitions in study and career. 

Study materials

Other

  • Canvas 

Objectives

  • Reflect on the student's personal learning goals, fields of interest and professional ambitions in order to make informed choices on how they will utilise the remainder of their studies.

Teaching methods

  • Self-study
  • Seminar
  • Presentation/symposium


Self-study

Self-study will allow students to reflect on the information acquired and provided throughout the course in the pursuit of a study plan proposal for Year 2. 

Seminars

One plenary session will be geared towards introducing students to the course objectives and activities and another to wrapping up student activities in the course.

Presentation
Students will work independently on preparing short 'Orientation Talks' (15-20 minutes) on topics and questions that are relevant to study and career options for future quantum computer scientists. These talks will be given amongst fellow students during two seminars, so-called 'Peer Tutorials', and are intended to be informative as well as nudge students to reflect on their personal learning goals, curiosities and ambitions. 

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

 

Actively participate in  two plenary sessions

3

 

Actively participate in two Peer Tutorials

5

 

Prepare for own Orientation Talks #1 and #2

8

 

Reflect on fellow students' Orientation Talks # 1 and #2 

4

 

Prepare for & draft study plan proposal Year 2

8

 

Total

28

(1 EC x 28 hours)

Attendance

Additional requirements for this course:

If they cannot participate in one or more of the plenary sessions or Peer Tutorials due to timetable clashes or comparable circumstances, students are required to inform the course coordinator at the start of the course. 

If they are not able to participate in a plenary session or Peer Tutorial due to illness or comparable circumstances, students are required to inform the course coordinator beforehand. 

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

This is a pass/fail course.

Course activities in orientation and reflection require active participation from students. Therefore, the student's final grade is based on their participation during the plenary sessions and Peer Tutorials and the effort they put into their assignments. 

Inspection of assessed work

The assesed components of the course require active participation from students. If students do not pass a particular component, an appropriate solution or repair will be agreed on with the course coordinator. 

Several assessed components are provided with either written or in-class feedback. 

Assignments

Students pass the course, if they meet the following requirements: 

  • Actively participated in both plenary sessions (February, May)
  • Actively participated in Peer Tutorials #1 (March) and #2 (April)
  • Presented well-prepared Orientation Talks #1 (March) and #2 (April)
  • Submitted reflections on Orientation Talks #1 (March) and #2 (April) presented by fellow students
  • Submitted study plan proposal Year 2 (May)

Please check the course page in Canvas for further details. 

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Please check the course page in Canvas for further details. 

Contact information

Coordinator

  • drs. A.L. van Pappelendam