New Approach Aims to Make Quantum Computing More Accessible

Programming-first method introduces concepts through familiar coding frameworks before linear algebra.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:22am

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A new teaching approach developed by Aws Albarghouthi is gaining traction as a way to make quantum computing more accessible by prioritizing coding concepts over advanced mathematics. The method introduces quantum concepts through familiar programming frameworks before transitioning to linear algebra, allowing students to engage with the material more effectively without requiring extensive math backgrounds.

Why it matters

As quantum computing continues to advance, ensuring the field is accessible to a wider range of students is crucial for growing the talent pipeline and maintaining the region's leadership in this emerging technology. The programming-first approach aims to demystify quantum computing and lower barriers to entry.

The details

Albarghouthi's method shifts the focus of quantum computing education toward the language of programming that computer science students are most familiar with, allowing them to explore quantum concepts through hands-on coding exercises before delving into the underlying linear algebra. This approach is already being implemented in new courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Louisiana State University, where instructors report that it enables 'all students to meaningfully engage with early course content' without requiring advanced math backgrounds.

  • Last year, Albarghouthi created a publicly accessible computer programming package that allows users to simulate and experiment with quantum computing.
  • This semester, Albarghouthi's approach is being used in a new undergraduate course, CS 639 Systems Architecture for Quantum Computers, at UW-Madison.
  • Last fall, instructors at Louisiana State University adopted the programming-first approach proposed by Albarghouthi as the entry point for a new undergraduate and graduate quantum computing course.

The players

Aws Albarghouthi

An associate professor of computer sciences who developed the programming-first approach to teaching quantum computing.

Swamit Tannu

An assistant professor of computer sciences at UW-Madison who is teaching the new CS 639 course using Albarghouthi's approach.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

A university that is implementing the programming-first approach to quantum computing education and offering a Master of Science in Quantum Computing, the first graduate degree of its kind in the United States.

Louisiana State University

A university that has adopted the programming-first approach proposed by Albarghouthi as the entry point for a new undergraduate and graduate quantum computing course.

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What they’re saying

“Quantum computing inherits a lot of the mechanics from physics, even when there is a simpler way to describe what's happening using computer programming.”

— Aws Albarghouthi, Associate Professor of Computer Sciences

“The key pedagogical difference from many standard quantum computing courses is the sequence in which we introduce the ideas. A typical course starts with heavy linear algebra...and leans quickly into abstract theory. That approach is valuable, but it can be hard to access — especially for undergraduate students.”

— Swamit Tannu, Assistant Professor of Computer Sciences

“Without requiring advanced mathematics, this approach allowed all students to meaningfully engage with early course content.”

— Louisiana State University Instructors

What’s next

As quantum computing continues to advance, innovations in teaching methods like Albarghouthi's programming-first approach will be crucial for ensuring the field remains accessible and that the region maintains its leadership in this emerging technology.

The takeaway

By prioritizing coding concepts over advanced mathematics, the programming-first approach to teaching quantum computing has the potential to open the door to the field for a wider range of students, helping to build a more diverse talent pipeline for this rapidly growing industry.