FAU receives funding for teaching in quantum technologies
140,000 euros to develop experimental and practical courses.
With the intention of promoting and attracting young researchers in quantum technologies, FAU is one of seven universities in Bavaria set to receive funding of around 144,000 euros from the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria in a quantum leap in teaching.
Practical and experimental courses in all areas of quantum research
At FAU, the funding will be used to set up four practical courses for students at the Department of Physics and purchase the necessary equipment. Together the courses will cover the three main areas of quantum research: quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication.
Through experiments in quantum communication, for example, students will learn how to understand an encryption protocol. “Quantum technology can be used for secure communications, and already partly helps to protect sensitive communication between banks and government authorities,” explains Prof. Dr Joachim von Zanthier, Professorship for Experimental Physics, who was involved in the call for applications.
In a further practical course in physics education the aim is to use virtual reality glasses to teach quantum technology in schools.
The experiments and practical courses are aimed at physics students and will be introduced in the coming winter semester.
Quantum research at FAU
“Funding and support for quantum research in Bavaria is the best available in Germany,” says Prof. von Zanthier. “This is of great benefit to FAU, as quantum research is widely represented at the university and continues to expand at a rapid pace.” A research center for applied quantum technology is already being planned. FAU is also the only research institution outside Munich that is part of the Munich Quantum Valley network.
Promoting quantum research in Bavaria
“All physics faculties across Bavaria are to receive a total of one million euros in funding to develop practical training with industrial applications in the fields of quantum research to ensure a broad educational offer in these areas,” explains Bavarian science minister Markus Blume in Munich on the intention of the funding.
Physics faculties in Bavaria should use the funding particularly to invest in technical equipment for experimental courses and practical exercises at an advanced level. Students will benefit from this investment through practical teaching that is directly relevant to industrial applications.
Further information
Prof. Dr. Joachim von Zanthier
Professorship for Experimental Physics
joachim.vonzanthier@physik.uni-erlangen.de
https://www.qoqi.physik.uni-erlangen.de/
Funding from the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria will partly be used to introduce an experimental course in physics education. In this course, students will use virtual reality glasses to help teach quantum technology in schools. (Image: Colourbox)