The NQCC's online quantum skills course
For students and professionals to gain an understanding of key concepts of quantum computing, and an NQCC-accredited certificate on completion.
Learn how to make quantum technology useful with Black Opal
Black Opal is a revolutionary interactive online learning platform designed to make quantum computing accessible to everyone. Whether you're a student, a developer curious about the field, or represent a business looking to empower your workforce, Black Opal offers an intuitive and engaging learning experience.
Get started with over 400 lessons
Begin with the basics - discover the fundamental physics principles that make quantum computers work in a simple and intuitive way. Then progress to quantum circuits, key algorithms, and even how to program real quantum computers!
Introduction
So you’ve heard of quantum technology and how it’s going to revolutionize, well, everything. How do we know that and how does it work?
What is quantum computing?
How do quantum computers work?
Will quantum computers break the internet?
How to build a quantum computer
Analogy toolbox
Superposition
This skill introduces the superposition principle. You'll gain insight into where this principle comes from, why it is necessary, and what you can do with it.
What is quantum computing?
Superposition in a jump rope
Superposition in the quantum world
Superposition in the abstract
Superposition in quantum computing
Qubits
Start with some fundamentals in how we represent information and by the end of this skill you'll understand how we can encode and process information using quantum physics!
It from bit
Qubit from bit
The Bloch circle
Do you |ket⟩ it?
The Bloch sphere
Measurement
Measurement the destructor. What does it mean to measure something in general? What does it mean to measure something in quantum physics? Discover the dirty secrets about measurement in quantum computing.
Bloch party
Randomness rules
Get real
What’s the problem?
Circuits
How do we represent the programs to be run on quantum computers? After this skill you'll be able to decipher some of the cool diagrams you see in the field.
Single qubit warm-up
Double the fun
More, more, more!
You, quantum mechanic
Quantum search
Entanglement
Einstein called it "spooky action at a distance." It's not so spooky, but it may be extremely useful! Discover the most quintessential concept in quantum physics.
Bird’s eye view
Correlations and kets
Creating entanglement
Entanglement in the wild
Variables in hiding
Visualizing entanglement in quantum computers
Noise
Why don't we have useful quantum computers yet? Learn what's holding us back through an understanding of how noise and interference affect quantum computers.
NISQy business
Bloching noise
Controlling noise
Error correction
Speedup
An introduction to the prototypical quantum algorithms that exhibit known speedup over the best classical algorithms.
What is complexity?
Deutsch-Jozsa
Shor’s algorithm
Grover speedups
Control
Learn all about quantum control and how it is used to create quantum gates and combat noise.
Paradigm shifts
Making gates
Noise be gone
Quantum optimization
Programming
Are you ready for the trenches? This skill pits you against the challenges of programming a real quantum computer — assembly code, compiling, qubit topology, and more!
Gate, set, match
Compiling
Code
Quantum optimization
Frequently asked questions
Black Opal is the first interactive online learning platform for anyone interested in learning quantum computing. With Black Opal’s intuitive design featuring visualization, interactivity and animation, you can learn quantum computing in just minutes per day.
The NQCC's Online Quantum Skills Course Based on Black Opal is aimed at familiarizing students in higher education as well as professionals in industry and business with key concepts in quantum computing without the requirement for formal training in a related field (such as PhD-level physics, maths, or computer science).
The Black Opal community is a forum for existing Black Opal users that offers community members the chance to engage with fellow learners and Q-CTRL experts.
If your application is successful, NQCC might sponsor your Black Opal access.
The platform gives users a sufficient grounding in key concepts of quantum computing to provide a pathway into quantum programming, as well as an understanding of quantum circuit design.
NQCC will review your application, and if successful, you will receive an email inviting you to join.
You reside in the UK. You must also agree to Q-CTRL and NQCC accessing your registration details and your Black Opal usage analytics.
Please submit a request through our contact form.