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
Black Opal
Start your quantum journey
Frequently asked questions
What is Black Opal?
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.
Who should use Black Opal?
Black Opal’s educational tools are designed to help anyone begin their quantum journey - from students to developers entering or curious about the field, as well as businesses looking to build a quantum-ready workforce or empower customers seeking quantum advantage.
What is the Black Opal community?
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.
How much does it cost?
You can access two individual “Pro” plans; a) $9.99 USD a month billed annually or b) $19.99 USD a month billed monthly. Organizations with multiple users can also secure enterprise plans enabling full user management.
Can I try Black Opal for free?
Yes, you can try our industry-leading interactive content for free and start learning fundamental quantum computing concepts. If you would like to take your quantum journey to the next level, you can unlock the full course with a Pro subscription
Is Black Opal available for businesses?
Yes, your business can access an enterprise plan. Please contact us for a consultation.