If you want to improve your skills, why not consider taking part in an online quantum or deep-tech course?

Online STEM courses are not just for students or recent graduates. They are an ideal way for professionals of all abilities and backgrounds to immerse themselves in education and build upon their skills. 

As a rapidly evolving space, jobs in quantum and deep tech are an ideal area of focus for novices, students and professionals looking for an exciting and innovative career, but how can you access the necessary skills and knowledge?

As part of SiliconRepublic.com’s quantum and deep-tech coverage, for the month of October, we have compiled a list of some of the most interesting free and inexpensive courses, so you know exactly what your options and opportunities are.

For those starting right at the beginning of their quantum upskilling journey, career development platform Alison has plenty of opportunities. Students can avail of the free Introduction to Quantum Computing course, which takes around three to four hours to complete, is CPD-accredited and comes with a certificate of achievement at the end. 

Course participants will learn more about quantum computing through key concepts such as qubits, superposition and entanglement. They will explore practical applications in cryptography, optimisation and machine learning, and get hands-on experience with quantum simulators. The course is designed for students, tech enthusiasts and professionals curious about the future of computing and its challenges.

For those looking for a broad deep-tech focused course via Alison, there is also YouAccel Training’s Machine and Deep Learning in Cybersecurity course. 

Online learning platform Coursera has several quantum and deep-tech programmes with free trials so prospective students can explore if a course is right for them.

Currently open courses include Packt’s The Complete Quantum Computing Course for Beginners and Mathematical Foundations and Quantum Mechanics Essentials, along with University of Colorado Boulder’s Quantum Mechanics for Engineers and Advanced Data Structures, RSA and Quantum Algorithms.

Each course has a separate list of requirements, so do your homework and pick one that suits your schedule, budget and long-term goals. 

Online learning resource Exponential Science Academy has several courses open to professionals and students looking to advance their deep-tech knowledge. Registration to the platform is free and once you have signed up you will have access to the platform’s educational materials.

Relevant courses include a DLT Tokenisation course, Introduction to AI, Quantum Computing, Foundations of Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and Quantum Control to Quantum Intelligence: Error Correction, Computation and AI Synergy.

The courses are relatively short, with each lasting under an hour. Upon completion, participants will have earned a certificate in recognition of their efforts. 

For those looking to upskill in a quantum or deep-tech field Great Learning is running a Modern Cryptography and Applications course.

The programme is free, takes around two and a half hours to complete and is aimed at beginners. The course claims to give students a strong foundation in web analytics as it teaches learners how to track, measure and understand data that empowers decision-making. Participants can test their skills with quizzes, utilise in-demand tools and will receive a certificate upon completion of the module. 

The IBM Quantum Platform has a broad range of free and inexpensive courses designed for people who want to improve their skills in quantum. Available programmes include Basics of Quantum Information, Fundamentals of Quantum Algorithms, General Formulation of Quantum Information and Foundations of Quantum Error Correction, among others. 

Courses range in length from a couple of hours to roughly 15 hours and can be engaged with at a pace that is convenient for the student. Because the courses are different, they range in terms of complexity, so read up on the recommended background for each before you make your decision. It is also worth noting that IBM Quantum Platform has a significant library of resources to help develop skills while engaging with the various learning routes. 

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