Quantum computing, quantum supremacy, and quantum cryptography have become familiar headlines, yet the science behind these terms often remains elusive. This six-week course offers an accessible, equation-free introduction to quantum mechanics and its growing influence on technology, society, and public policy. Beginning with the early twentieth-century revolution that upended classical physics, we will examine the intellectual debate between Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr over the nature of reality and trace how that debate continues to shape our understanding of the quantum world.
Through engaging thought experiments, including Schrödinger’s famous cat, participants will develop an intuitive understanding of core concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and uncertainty. Along the way, we will explore how quantum mechanics already underlies familiar technologies, from smartphones and lasers to MRI machines, before examining the global race to develop practical quantum computers.
The course concludes by considering the broader implications of emerging quantum technologies. What problems are quantum computers genuinely poised to solve, and what claims are driven more by marketing than reality? How might quantum cryptography transform privacy and cybersecurity? Who will shape the future of these powerful technologies, and what ethical questions accompany their development? Combining illustrated lectures, guided discussion, and hands-on demonstrations, this course requires no background in physics or mathematics. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of one of the defining scientific revolutions of our time and the confidence to engage thoughtfully with the quantum future.
