Building Student Understanding of Quantum Information Science and Engineering through Projects on Applications to Medical Technologies

TL;DR

This paper explores how research projects on quantum applications in medical technologies can enhance student understanding of quantum information science across educational levels, addressing curriculum integration challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a project-based approach to teaching quantum information science through medical technology applications, highlighting educational benefits and implementation challenges.

Findings

Students gained understanding of quantum technology and its limitations.

The project approach increased engagement with quantum concepts.

Challenges in curriculum integration were identified.

Abstract

Medical technologies, including quantum machine learning (QML) and quantum sensing, represent transformative tools for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare and drug discovery today. We discuss the ways that these topics engage the interest of high-school, undergraduate, and graduate students in understanding quantum information science and engineering. We describe how students built their understanding of these areas through a research project that allowed them to gain an understanding of the technology, its limitations, and the associated ethical considerations. We also consider the challenges of building this kind of work into the curriculum and of bringing students with interests in the biological and medical areas into quantum science and engineering.