Quantum Course Offerings

The University of Pennsylvania offers QUIEST students a variety of quantum-relevant courses taught by QUIEST faculty across departments each semester. Course offerings include those focused specifically on quantum information science and engineering, as well as numerous courses covering the background of quantum physics and other domains. Browse the list below for some examples of the quantum courses offered throughout the year. For specific course offerings per semester, please refer to the 2025-26 Course Catalogue or search for particular courses using the Advanced Course Search.

Quantum Information Science & Engineering Courses

  • CIS 3990:  Special Topics – Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • ESE 3200:  Qubit Lab – A Hands on Introduction to Quantum Devices
  • ESE 5090:  Quantum Circuits and Systems
  • ESE 5130:  Principles of Quantum Technology
  • ESE 5230:  Quantum Engineering
  • CIS 7000:  Topics in Quantum Error Correction

Quantum Background Courses

  • PHYS 4411:  Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHYS 4412:  Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHYS 5531:  Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHYS 5532:  Quantum Mechanics II
  • ENGR 5040:  Fundamental Concepts in Nanotechnology
  • ESE/MSE 5250:  Nanoscale Science and Engineering
  • MSE 2210:  Quantum Physics of Materials
  • MSE 5700:  Physics of Materials
  • CHEM 5230:  Quantum Chemistry I

Degree Programs with Quantum Content

Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Concentration on Photonics and Quantum Technology

Undergraduate students at Penn pursuing an Electrical Engineering Major may choose to declare a Concentration as part of their degree program. Concentrations are focused areas of study that provide students with a critical level of expertise in a particular domain within EE, preparing the student for employment or graduate school in that domain. The Photonics and Quantum Technology Concentration arms students with a broad understanding of optics and device nanofabrication, with options to further specialize in nanophotonics, integrated photonics, and quantum technology. Students completing these courses will be positioned to pursue advanced degrees or engage with industry to develop cutting-edge photonics technologies and quantum devices. 

Close-up of optical equipment in a dark room illuminated by multicolored laser light. A clear blue laser beam travels from the front of the photo to the back right, refracting off of tiny lenses.

Master of Science in Engineering in Nanotechnology – Quantum Engineering Track

As part of the Master’s Degree Program in Nanotechnology offered through Penn Engineering, students have the option to follow a Quantum Engineering Track. This track is designed to cultivate a theoretical understanding of quantum engineering and provide hands-on experience in cleanroom and nanocharacterization facilities.

Quantum Labs & Research Opportunities

QUIEST faculty lead numerous lab groups in cutting-edge research on quantum engineering topics, including the following:

Quantum Engineering Lab
Penn Quantum Hardware Lab
Penn Quantum System Lab

For more information on potential quantum research opportunities within these labs and others, please reach out directly to the affiliated QUIEST faculty members whose research interests you. Check out our Research page for a full list of affiliated QUIEST faculty at the bottom.

Quantum Student Communities

PhD and Postdoc Quantum Seminar Series

During the academic year, the QUIEST Center hosts a biweekly Quantum Seminar Series led by QUIEST PhD students and Postdoc fellows. At the start of each semester, students can sign up to lead a seminar session – whether that involves presenting their own research in an unpolished form, practicing an upcoming defense, leading a journal club-style discussion on a quantum topic of their choice, or facilitating any other quantum-related activity with the group. These sessions are meant to be a space for QUIEST students to engage with their cross-departmental community, exchange ideas, and explore quantum concepts at all levels. Presentation sign-ups are limited to PhDs and Postdocs, but the seminars are open for anyone in the Penn community to attend.

Check out our QUIEST Events Calendar to view upcoming seminars during the academic year.

Penn Quantum Computing Club

For Penn students interested in connecting with other students to dive deeper into quantum computing topics, the Penn Quantum Computing Club is a student-led club that offers undergraduate and graduate students various opportunities to learn and engage with quantum computing lectures, discussions, hackathons, and other events throughout the academic year. The club hosts weekly meetings during the year and is open to any Penn student interested in quantum computing, regardless of prior knowledge or experience level.

For more information on how to get involved with the Penn Quantum Computing Club, you can reach out to PennQuantum@gmail.com.

Relevant Resources

For students and postdocs interested in exploring opportunities to engage in research across Penn, including research on QUIEST topics, check out the resources below!