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Quantum Engineering

The Program spans the course of four years, from the start of 9th grade until the end of 12th grade. During the initial years, the students will complete their mathematics and physics matriculation exams at a 5-point level (in accordance with the “Academia in High School” guidelines). The guiding principle throughout these years is to create a balance between technical, matriculation-oriented studies, which trains the students to practically implement mathematic and calculation methods, and advanced studies, on an academic level, which provide the students with the ability and tools to think creatively and independently - capabilities based upon their initial training, of course. As such, the courses offered during the first two years of the Program are, for the most part, designed for Odyssey students, with courses offered to physics and engineering BA students gradually entering the syllabus. The studies will also include practical experience in advanced research laboratories. The more talented and Gifted Odyssey students will be able to register for additional academic courses that are not within the framework of the Program, in the fields of engineering and physics, should they wish. The credits they accumulate while participating in the Program will be applicable towards any Bachelor’s degree, within 5 years of their completing their army service.

In addition to the academic studies, the Odyssey Program at Bar-Ilan University includes diverse enrichment studies that enable students to deepen their social value and individual capabilities, such as time management, teamwork, and more. The Program runs intensive study days, workshops, industry tours and joint national activities for alla Odyssey students, during the holidays and summer vacation. The Program is overseen by Professor Moshe Levenstein, Vice President of the university, and is staffed with leading researchers, each possessing vast professional knowledge in the fields of physics, mathematics and engineering.

What is Quantum Engineering?

Quantum mechanics, a revolutionary theory describing nature’s behavior in microscopic dimensions, was developed at the start of the 20th century. quantum theory, which enables us to understand the behavior of the smallest possible particles (among other capabilities) - the electron and the photon, serves as the foundation for the technological revolution that took the world by storm during the middle of the 20th Century. For example, the quantum phenomenon called “tunneling,” which enables the electron to pass through obstacles, without having to go around them. This phenomenon is critical to understanding the behavior of transistors, the basic element of any computer or cellular phone, and is also a fundamental of the semiconductor industry. Similarly, the laser industry is based upon quantum phenomena that explain the influence of electrons on photons. It recently became evident that, under certain conditions, one can identify quantum phenomena within the macroscopic world as well, even from distances as far as hundreds, or even thousands, of kilometers. The implementation of quantum phenomena on macroscopic scales is expected to lead to a second wave of the Quantum-technological revolution during the present century.

One of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics is the “quantum entanglement,” within which two or more electrons or two photons are “interwoven,” with each capable of carrying information about the other. This information remains stored, even when the two particles are very far away from each other. Taking technological advantage of the “quantum entanglement” phenomena will lead to a revolution within the most innovative of technological fields, including secure quantum communications networks, navigation systems, quantum computing systems, biomedical sensors, and more.