Quantum computation, one of the latest joint ventures between physics and the theory of computation, is a scientific field whose main goals include the development of hardware and algorithms based on the quantum mechanical properties of those physical systems used to implement such algorithms. Solving difficult tasks (for example, the Satisfiability Problem and other NP-complete problems) requires the development of sophisticated algorithms, many ofwhich employ stochastic processes as their mathematical basis. Discrete random walks are a popular choice among those stochastic processes. Inspired on the success of discrete random walks in algorithm development, quantum walks, an emerging field of quantum computation, is a generalization of random walks into the quantum mechanical world. The purpose of this lecture is to provide a concise yet comprehensive introduction to quantum walks. Table of Contents: Introduction / Quantum Mechanics / Theory of Computation / Classical Random Walks / Quantum Walks / Computer Science and Quantum Walks / Conclusions

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Salvador E. Venegas-Andraca is an assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, and head of the Quantum Information Processing group at Tecnologico de Monterrey Campus Estado de Mexico. Dr Venegas-Andraca's research interests include the algorithmic properties of quantum walks, the development of quantum algorithms for solving classical problems and simulating quantum systems, as well as the understanding and application of non-conventional models of computation. Dr Venegas-Andraca is particularly interested in understanding how to develop quantum and classical strategies for solving problems from the field of molecular biology, particularly protein folding. Dr Venegas-Andraca holds a BSc in Computer Science and Digital Electronics from Tecnologico de Monterrey, as well as MSc and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Quantum Computation respectively, both degrees from the University of Oxford. He is a true devotee of science, computer technology, history, philosophy and politics.