Assess the need
Quantum is an expertise at UdeS which has been built up over the past forty years thanks to its physics department, which has recruited researchers specializing in the field.
“Over the years, other quantum specialists in computer science, engineering and mathematics have arrived,” explains Christine Hudon, vice-rector of studies at UdeS.
This small group of professor-researchers saw the interest in creating an undergraduate program in this rapidly growing field that will allow the design of applications in several fields, from data analysis to sensors, including cryptography and materials. The federal government is in the process of preparing its national quantum strategy.
You always have to make sure that a program project is relevant with the socioeconomic context, and this is evident with quantum. Institutionally, it is also a niche that we want to develop.
Christine Hudon, vice-rector of studies at the University of Sherbrooke
Before embarking on such an adventure, the university also looked at the competition. “Undergraduate training in French to train generalists in quantum sciences capable of developing applications does not exist in the world,” she says. The only one that can come close to it is given in English in Finland. ”
Develop the program
UdeS then worked with internal experts and consulted with industry to ensure that the training needs were real. It was also necessary to understand its nature.
“As quantum sciences are a particularly new and developing field, it emerged that graduates had to be self-sufficient in order to have the capacity to continue to evolve with the field,” says Mme Hudon.
Current and future students were also consulted to see what types of content and pedagogical strategies appealed to them.
The cooperative system, with three compulsory internships and one optional, was chosen. “Thus, graduates will have 12 to 16 months of work or research experience,” adds Mr.me Hudon.
Even though the discipline is developing, employers are already very present in the country with companies like Anyon Systems, 1QBit, Nord Quantique and giants like Google and IBM.
Have the program evaluated
The draft program is then evaluated by various university bodies to ensure its scientific and pedagogical quality. Then, this quality is evaluated by the Commission for the evaluation of program projects of the Interuniversity Cooperation Office. It produces an opinion which usually contains conditions and suggestions, specifies Mr.me Hudon.
Then, the project is submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education, which will analyze the relevance of the program from a socio-economic and institutional point of view. “Ultimately, the minister will decide whether or not to fund the program,” she adds.
The Université de Sherbrooke hopes that the evaluation will be completed in time to launch the program next fall. It aims to attract around thirty students to offer them very practical training and good support so that they can integrate well into the job market.