Protecting Information

the long version

Providing a context in which ideas about mathematics, computer science and physics combine, this undergraduate introduction to quantum computing focuses on error correction and cryptography. By covering such topics as the Shor quantum factoring algorithms, it informs the reader about current thinking in quantum information theory, as well as encouraging an appreciation of the connections between mathematics and science. Unique to the text is its consideration of possible quantum physics impacts. No prior knowledge of quantum mechanics is assumed, but students should be familiar with linear algebra, vectors and matrices.