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A basic understanding of analytical tools is a gateway to business analytics studies, training you to build advanced analytical capabilities and deep managerial insights. The preparatory laboratory will help you gain the fundamental knowledge of data modeling, business analytics, and decision-support tools necessary to build analytical skills for Business Analytics Foundations (MET AD 571) and subsequent courses. In addition to presentations and discussions, students will apply new concepts directly in an interactive, web-based learning environment incorporating Microsoft M365 & Copilot, SQL for Business, Python Programming for Business, R Programming for Business, and Data Visualization for Business. [0 cr.]

This non-credit, hands-on laboratory is offered in an online self-paced delivery format. All knowledge areas are structured in units and modules. Exercises, self-administered tests, links to instructional videos narrated by course developers, and recorded unit-based classroom sessions are offered for each unit and module.

The estimated time for preparation and successful completion of all unit tests with an AD100 PAL badge is 15 hours. After completing the instruction period, all registered students for the Applied Business Analytics programs will have full access to the lab’s interactive working environment to review or deepen their knowledge and skills.

How AD100 PAL will help you succeed:

After completing this laboratory, students will be able to:

  • Identify and formulate data analytics problems,
  • Work with data models and perform introductory data analysis in Microsoft M365 Excel and Copilot, SQL, Python & R programming,
  • Use data visualization techniques to wrangle, transform, share, and combine data, to implement advanced relationships and understand data analysis expressions, and construct rich and effective graphics and dashboards,
  • Apply essential concepts for querying, creating, and updating tables and data models by working with MySQL and PostgreSQL.

AD100 PAL Resources

All laboratory-related resources are available for review and preparation for the unit tests within the Blackboard-based website “AD 100 Pre-Analytics Laboratory” https://learn.bu.edu/

Teaching Materials per Unit

The teaching materials in this laboratory are organized by units. Every unit offers a video lecture, slide deck, lecture notes, and exercises.

Test per Unit

There are five tests – one per unit 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Tests are open books and notes. AD100 PAL is graded on a pass/fail basis and requires a grade of 60% or better on each unit and an overall score of 70% or better.

Each test will cover material from the related unit of the laboratory

  • There is no time limit for each test
  • Each test will consist of one question per module in the unit
  • To answer a question, select the appropriate choice from the list below the question
  • You will be given two attempts for each question.
  • Do not use your browser’s back or forward buttons at any time during the exam. Limit yourself to the Blackboard navigation tools.
  • When you have completed a question, click the “Save” button.

Still have questions?

  • For more information about the graduate program Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics, visit: http://www.bu.edu/met/programs/graduate/applied-business-analytics/
  • For more information about the graduate certificate in Applied Business Analytics, visit: http://www.bu.edu/met/programs/graduate/applied-business-analytics-certificate/

How to Register and Access AD100 PAL

The Self-Paced and Instructor-led laboratories are only available if you have a BU identification number and email address.

AD100 Curriculum

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