Course description
Boltzmann Law: Physics to Computing
A unique course that connects three diverse fields using the unifying concept of a state-space with 2^N dimensions defined by N binary bits. We start from the seminal concepts of statistical mechanics like entropy, free energy and the law of equilibrium that have been developed with the purpose of describing interacting systems occurring in nature. We then move to the concept of Boltzmann machines (BM) which are interacting systems cleverly engineered to solve important problems in machine learning. Finally, we move to engineered quantum systems stressing the phenomenon of quantum interference which can lead to awesome computing power.
Who should attend?
Prerequisites
This course is designed for students in engineering or the physical sciences and have knowledge of differential equations and linear algebra.
Training content
Week 1: Boltzmann Law
- 1.1 State Space
- 1.2 Boltzmann Law
- 1.3 Shannon Entropy
- 1.4 Free Energy
- 1.5 Self-consistent Field
- 1.6 Summary for Exam 1
Week 2: Boltzmann Machines
- 2.1. Sampling
- 2.2. Orchestrating Interactions
- 2.3. Optimization
- 2.4. Inference
- 2.5. Learning
Week 3: Transition Matrix
- 3.1. Markov Chain Monte Carlo
- 3.2. Gibbs Sampling
- 3.3. Sequential versus Simultaneous
- 3.4. Bayesian Networks
- 3.5. Feynman Paths
- 3.6 Summary for Exam 2
Week 4: Quantum Boltzmann Law
- 4.1. Quantum Spins
- 4.2. One q-bit Systems
- 4.3. Spin-spin Interactions
- 4.4. Two q-bit Systems
- 4.5. Quantum Annealing
Week 5: Quantum Transition Matrix
- 5.1. Adiabatic to Gated Computing
- 5.2. Hadamard Gates
- 5.3. Grover Search
- 5.4. Shor's Algorithm
- 5.5. Feynman Paths
- 5.6 Summary for Exam 3
- Epilogue
Course delivery details
This course is offered through Purdue University, a partner institute of EdX.
5-6 hours per week
Costs
- Verified Track -$750
- Audit Track - Free
Certification / Credits
What you'll learn
- Boltzmann Law
- Boltzmann Machines
- Transition Matrix
- Quantum Boltzmann Law
- Quantum Gates
Contact this provider
edX
edX For Business helps leading companies upskill their labor forces by making the world’s greatest educational resources available to learners across a wide variety of in-demand fields. edX For Business delivers high-quality corporate eLearning to train and engage your employees...