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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
03 Oct 2026Jun 2027
This module takes you on a journey from the fundamental concepts of quantum physics to contemporary applications in quantum systems and quantum computing. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of quantum mechanics’ core principles, formalisms, and mathematical techniques. Building on this understanding, you’ll discover how quantum mechanics is used to model and control the behaviour of complex physical systems, from atoms to molecules and lattices of atoms. Additionally, you’ll conduct entanglement experiments and critically interpret your results using a quantum computer.
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380) will teach you the core concepts of quantum physics, including:
This module focuses on problem-solving, the ability to reason clearly, and the ability to discuss complex ideas. It will enable you to confidently use the fundamental concepts and mathematical formalism to solve problems relating to simple quantum systems.
You’ll have a unique opportunity to carry out experiments on entanglement, developing distinctive and innovative skills and an understanding of qubits and quantum logic operations – the building blocks of quantum computing.
You’ll learn to tackle problems relating to more complex quantum systems by using approximations and computational approaches.
Finally, you will see how quantum mechanical methods are used to understand the behaviour of matter, from the scale of nuclei and atoms to molecules and lattices.
By the end of your study, you’ll be able to critically discuss fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics (superposition and entanglement), basing the arguments on your experimental data.
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need appropriate knowledge of mathematics and physics obtained through:
Are you ready for SM380?
We recommend that you’ve completed:
The parts relating to matrices and ordinary and partial differential equations are especially relevant.
Plus:
The parts relating to classical and quantum mechanics are especially relevant.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
For this module, we may use an assessment verification process to meet the requirements of relevant accrediting, professional, statutory or regulatory bodies. As part of this process, you may be asked to attend a short post-assessment video discussion, lasting around 15 minutes. During the discussion, you’ll need to show a photo ID and talk through your answers to a small number of questions with a tutor or a member of the module team. The discussion is not graded and is only used to confirm that you completed the assessment yourself.
We regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or a remotely invigilated (proctored) exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying SM380 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
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