Computer Science Preparatory Labs

The lab is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and cryptography, enabling them to identify common vulnerabilities when protecting information systems, know cryptographic methods to achieve confidentiality and integrity, and prepare for advanced cybersecurity courses. It begins with core principles such as CIA, AAA, common vulnerabilities and malware, and security modeling, followed by essential cryptography concepts including encryption/decryption, cryptanalysis, and computational hardness. Students are introduced to standard symmetric and asymmetric key encryption, hash algorithms, and learn how these techniques are applied to protect data confidentiality and integrity. The lab concludes with topics on user and server authentication, covering password-based methods, digital certificates, PKI, Kerberos, and single sign on (SSO) mechanisms.

A basic understanding of medical terminology is necessary for students to advance in Health Informatics studies. This lab equips students from non-medical backgrounds with foundational knowledge of human anatomy, related pathologies, and essential medical terminology. Upon completing this lab, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of medical imaging and its associated coordinate systems, medical terminology including common prefixes and suffixes, foundational concepts in medical laboratory technology, basic human anatomy and related pathologies, pharmaceutical terminology, and the principles and terminology of clinical trials.

This lab introduces computer information systems concepts and terminology as well as foundational mathematics. It develops analytic and logical thinking and prepares students to take graduate-level courses in computer information systems and health informatics. The lab starts with the fundamentals of computing systems, including hardware and software, and then addresses the processes for designing and building computing systems, including systems analysis and project management. Relational database technology is introduced including beginning SQL. Lastly, students are introduced to software development and receive an introduction to the basics of the Java programming language. The lab reviews the mathematics upon which computing systems are founded including number systems, set theory, algebra, and functions.

This lab covers the fundamentals of calculus and combinatorics. Basic grasp of calculus is essential for understanding how quantities vary, making it indispensable in analytics, engineering, science, and the fields such as finance and medicine. It helps students improve their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also helps students model real-world phenomena. Combinatorics is a branch of mathematics that deals with arrangements and combinations of elements in a set. It provides the tools to solve problems from the fields of probability and statistics. It’s indispensable in the fields of genetics, operation research, pharmacology, and many others. Studying combinatorics develops creativity in problem-solving skills.

This lab covers the fundamentals of probability and statistics. The lab begins with a coverage of fundamentals of combinatorics. It’s a branch of mathematics that deals with arrangements and combinations of elements in a set. It provides the tools to solve problems from the fields of probability and statistics. It’s indispensable in the fields of genetics, operation research, pharmacology, and many others. Studying combinatorics develops creativity in problem-solving skills. Then, we move to the coverage of probability and statistics that are branches of mathematics that deal with uncertainty. Probability is the study of the likelihood of events to occur. It uses concepts like chance and probability distributions. Statistics deals with collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. It helps us make decisions and predictions. Probability and statistics form the foundation for decision-making in various fields such as analytics, engineering, science, finance, etc.

This lab introduces the foundational concepts underlying modern computing systems, including discrete mathematics, computer systems, and programming. It is designed to strengthen analytical and logical reasoning skills while preparing students for graduate-level study in software development. The lab begins with a review of core topics in discrete mathematics, such as logic, sets, functions, relations, and basic combinatorics. It then covers key principles of computer systems, including computer organization, operating system fundamentals, CPU scheduling, memory management, process management, and synchronization. Students are also introduced to programming concepts and problem-solving techniques through the Python programming language.

This lab builds practical, graduate-ready fluency in database fundamentals. Through short modules, you will learn what databases provide for applications and organizations; conceptual and physical schemas with ER diagrams; core SQL to retrieve and modify data; and the essentials of performance, indexing, and transactions. The focus is on understanding and applying standard patterns rather than installing or administering specific software, so no database management system is required. Each unit culminates in an open-book, timed test that checks deeper understanding by asking you to compare options, identify correct patterns, and apply fundamentals to realistic scenarios.

This lab introduces students to the core principles of programming and web development, providing a strong foundation for further study in computer science and information systems. It begins with an overview of web programming concepts and essential development tools. Students then explore version control using Git, a critical skill for collaborative software development. The lab course emphasizes inclusive design through the creation of accessible web pages, ensuring usability for diverse audiences. Key web technologies are introduced, including HTML for structuring content, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for adding interactivity. By the end of the course, students with no background will have a proper understanding of the building blocks of web applications and the tools used to develop them.