University of Madras Launches Innovative BSc Program with Research in Quantum Computing and Advanced Physics

Chennai: The University of Madras has launched a new undergraduate program that allows students to conduct research in advanced topics such as quantum computing, quantum gravity, and computational condensed matter. This BSc (Blended) Science program began in 2022-23 in partnership with the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Students in this program will choose their research topics, conduct the research, and publish their findings in reputable journals during their final year. Rita John, head of the department of theoretical physics at the University of Madras, noted that these students will have knowledge comparable to postgraduate students due to the high-quality curriculum designed by the University of Melbourne. Currently, 15 students are enrolled, with 11 continuing and four switching to medicine.

Faculty from both universities will mentor the students in their research. Recently, four students traveled to Melbourne to interact with prominent scientists and visit research labs, including the IBM Quantum Network Hub. Student Poopathysankar P expressed that the trip was beneficial for learning about cutting-edge research and mentioned that a professor there is keen to mentor him in quantum gravity.

Another student, S Aishwarya Lakshmi, is focused on quantum machine learning, a field blending quantum computing and machine learning. In the program’s first two years, students study physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology. In their third year, they can specialize in physics, chemistry, or mathematics.