As a graduate student in BU Metropolitan College\u2019s computer science programs, you have access to free, hands-on preparatory labs designed to equip you with the foundation to excel in graduate-level coursework. Depending on your academic background, you may be assigned specific labs to complete, while other labs will be available as optional resources to help you refresh key concepts or reinforce technical skills. Through case studies and practical applications, preparatory labs establish a framework of knowledge and terminology you\u2019ll use throughout your program. Each lab consists of several units, each with a test at the end. Most labs are self-paced, allowing you to work through them on your own schedule, with some instructor-led options offered at select times.<\/p>\n
See below the labs to which students are automatically enrolled based on their degree or certificate program, or course registration.<\/strong><\/p>\n MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts<\/strong> MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability<\/strong> MET LB 115 Database Fundamentals<\/strong> MET CY 100 Foundations of Cybersecurity<\/strong> MET LB 102 Foundations of Computer Information Systems<\/strong> MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts<\/strong> MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability<\/strong> MET CY 100 Foundations of Cybersecurity<\/strong> MET HE 100 Medical Terminology<\/strong> MET LB 102 Foundations of Computer Information Systems<\/strong> MET LB 110 Principles of Software, Logic and Hardware<\/strong> MET CY 100 Foundations of Cybersecurity<\/strong> MET LB 103 Core Mathematical Concepts<\/strong> MET LB 104 Foundations of Probability<\/strong> MET HE 100 Medical Terminology<\/strong> MET LB 102 Foundations of Computer Information Systems<\/strong> MET LB 102 Foundations of Computer Information Systems<\/strong> MET HE 100 Medical Terminology<\/strong> MET LB 102 Foundations of Computer Information Systems<\/strong> MET WD 100 Web Application Development<\/strong> MET HE 100 Medical Terminology<\/strong> MET WD 100 Web Application Development<\/strong> MET CY 100 Foundations of Cybersecurity<\/strong> If you have any technical problems, please email eLive Services at elivesvc@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/em>Degree Programs<\/h2>\n
MS Applied Data Analytics<\/h3>
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\nThis 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\u2019s indispensable in the fields of genetics, operation research, pharmacology, and many others. Studying combinatorics develops creativity in problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n
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\nThis lab covers the fundamentals of probability and statistics. The lab begins with a coverage of fundamentals of combinatorics. It\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nMS Computer Information Systems<\/h3>
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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nThis 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\u2019s indispensable in the fields of genetics, operation research, pharmacology, and many others. Studying combinatorics develops creativity in problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n
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\nThis lab covers the fundamentals of probability and statistics. The lab begins with a coverage of fundamentals of combinatorics. It\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\nMS Computer Science<\/h3>
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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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\nMS Health Informatics<\/h3>
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\nA 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.<\/p>\n
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nMS Software Development<\/h3>
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/p>\nGraduate Certificates<\/h2>\n
Computer Networks<\/h3>
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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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\nData Analytics<\/h3>
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\nThis 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\u2019s indispensable in the fields of genetics, operation research, pharmacology, and many others. Studying combinatorics develops creativity in problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n
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\nThis lab covers the fundamentals of probability and statistics. The lab begins with a coverage of fundamentals of combinatorics. It\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\nHealth Informatics<\/h3>
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\nA 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.<\/p>\n
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nInformation Technology<\/h3>
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nMedical Information Security<\/h3>
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\nA 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.<\/p>\n
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nWeb Application Development<\/h3>
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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CS 570 Biomedical Sciences and Health IT<\/h3>
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\nA 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.<\/p>\n
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\nCS 601 Frontend Web Development<\/h3>
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\nThis 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.<\/p>\n
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\nCS 690 Network and Cloud Security<\/h3>
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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/p>\nHow to Access <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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