Studying Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University: Frequently Asked Questions

The B.Sc. in Life Sciences provides a broad foundation for understanding the living world – from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. The program combines theoretical knowledge of biological principles with hands-on laboratory experience, allowing students to gain expertise in diverse areas such as genetics, physiology, ecology, immunology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Even during the undergraduate program, students have the opportunity to join advanced research laboratories within the faculty.

The program is completed over three years (144 credit points).
In the first year, students take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
In the second year, students study core life-science subjects such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, physiology, immunology, and ecology, including laboratory courses.
In the third year, students complete required courses alongside advanced electives in diverse areas, including memory and learning, cancer immunology, human–computer interaction, aging, reproduction, the microbiome, and more.

Yes. Students gain hands-on experience in teaching laboratories during their first and second years as part of the curriculum. Beginning in the second year, students may join research laboratories within faculty research groups, subject to eligibility requirements and availability.

Details on the different admission tracks can be found on the University website.

The Biotechnology track prepares students to apply biological knowledge to developments in medicine, industry, and agriculture.
Students take courses in areas such as molecular biology and genetic engineering, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property.
The faculty is home to approximately 50 research groups working in fields including cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, fertility, vaccines, microbiology, and ecology.

Details on the different admission tracks can be found on the University website.

Computational Biology is a joint program between the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Department of Computer Science.
It provides training in bioinformatics, biomathematics, and data science. Students gain exposure to advanced research techniques and algorithmic analysis methods, preparing them for research and development in medicine and biotechnology, as well as careers in the high-tech industry.

The program is completed over three years and comprises 158 credit points:

• 55 credits of core life sciences courses
• 69 credits of computer science and mathematics courses
• 24 credits of interdisciplinary courses
• 10 credits of electives

In the third year, students complete a Computational Biology research project under the supervision of faculty researchers.

Core life sciences courses include cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Core computer science courses include introduction to computing, data structures, algorithms, and machine learning.
In addition, students take interdisciplinary courses such as bioinformatics, computational genomics, and machine learning for biological data analysis.

Details on the different admission tracks can be found on the University website.

The Life Sciences and Chemistry double-major combines an in-depth understanding of biological and chemical processes. 
Students take chemistry courses alongside Chemistry majors and biology courses alongside Life Sciences majors, building a strong foundation in both fields. The program includes biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories, as well as additional chemistry labs.

The degree is completed over three years (six semesters) and comprises 135 credit points: 56 in Life Sciences and 79 in Chemistry.

• In the first year, students take foundational courses in biology, physics, and mathematics.

• In the second year, they study biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

• In the third year, students complete advanced required courses and a seminar.

Graduates of the program pursue careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and research, and may continue to advanced studies.

The Life Sciences and Psychology double-major combines an understanding of biological mechanisms with the study of human behavior and cognition.
Psychology courses are taken alongside Psychology majors, while Life Sciences courses are taken alongside Life Sciences students.

The program includes 79 credits in Life Sciences (71 required, 8 elective) and 54 credits in Psychology.

The Life Sciences curriculum is structured as follows:

• First year: foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics (37 credits)
• Second year: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (24 credits)
• Third year: required courses, a seminar, and electives (18 credits)

Students gain hands-on experience in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories and may join research labs in their third year.
Graduates of the program can pursue advanced studies or careers in research, industry, and healthcare.

In addition to core courses such as genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, students in the Life Sciences and Psychology program take advanced courses in neurophysiology, including “Window into the Brain”, cellular neurophysiology, and systems neurophysiology. These courses provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between brain processes and behavior and consciousness.

The Life Sciences and Brain Science double-major combines the study of the brain with the study of cells, genes, and biological systems. Students take both theoretical and practical courses in brain science and life sciences, including hands-on work in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories, as well as specialized neuroscience labs. 

The program is completed over three years and comprises 151 credit points: 57 in Life Sciences and 94 in Brain Science. In the first year, students primarily take introductory courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. In the second year, within the Life Sciences program, students take core courses such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology, and in the third year, they study genetics, microbiology, and systems physiology alongside electives and a seminar. 

Graduates can pursue advanced studies in neuroscience and biology and pursue careers in research and industry.

In the Life Sciences and Brain Science program, students gain hands-on experience in teaching laboratories in biochemistry and molecular biology. In addition, they participate in specialized brain science laboratories and a research practicum in neurobiology. This combination strengthens laboratory skills and provides tools for studying the brain.

The unstructured Life Sciences double-major allows students to combine Life Sciences with another major of their choice. The program is completed over three years and includes 76 credits in Life Sciences. In the first and second years, students take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In the third year, they may select clusters of courses and hands-on laboratories according to their interests. Students are responsible for ensuring that there are no scheduling conflicts between the two majors.

Graduates of the Life Sciences double-major programs are well prepared for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, tech startups, the food and agriculture sectors, research institutes, hospitals, and clinics. Many go on to pursue advanced degrees in Life Sciences or in their second major, while others continue on to four-year medical programs.

The “PSAGOT” program is a unique, research-focused track designed for outstanding students. It allows students to complete both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree within four years. The program includes specialized courses, benefits, accommodations, and personalized guidance. Students are selected after three semesters of their undergraduate studies, join a research laboratory, begin their research, and submit a research proposal at the end of the third year. Upon completing the third year, they are awarded their Bachelor’s degree. During the fourth year, students advance their research, complete coursework, and submit a Master’s thesis. Upon successful submission of the thesis at the end of the fourth year, the M.Sc. degree is awarded.

More about PSAGOT-Combined B.Sc.-M.Sc. Honors Track

The faculty offers a wide range of research areas, including botany, biochemistry, zoology, microbiology, ecology, computational biology, cell biology and genetics, animal physiology, neurobiology, marine biology, immunology, and environmental biology. The student’s final specialization is determined in consultation with their advisor and approved by the Graduate School. Available fields include immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, genetics and genetic engineering, medical microbiology, neurobiology, physiology, ecology, biophysics, the biology of aging, and more.

Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biology, or Biotechnology with a minimum average of 80. Graduates of related fields, such as Chemistry or Physics, may be admitted subject to completing a preparatory year of courses, which do not count toward degree credits. Applicants must secure an advisor and register through the INBAR system. The Master’s program lasts two years (not including the preparatory year) and requires full-time commitment to research and staying current with scientific developments. Academic-level proficiency in English is required; a waiver is granted to applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from an Israeli institution or an English-speaking country.

The faculty admits applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Biotechnology with a minimum average of 80. Applicants from related fields, such as Chemistry or Physics, as well as graduates from other majors with a minor in Life Sciences, may also be admitted, but they must complete a personalized one-year preparatory program. During this preparatory year, students must achieve an average of 80 in the courses; however, these courses do not count toward the degree credits. Admission decisions are made by the Degree Committee based on the applicant’s profile and after a suitable advisor has been identified.

Applicants from related fields are required to complete a 12‑credit preparatory program, which includes foundational biology courses: Biochemistry I (2.5 credits), Biochemistry II (2 credits), General Microbiology (1 credit), Introduction to Immunology (1 credit), General Genetics (2 credits), Introduction to Virology (0.5 credits), Cell Biology (1 credit), and Molecular Biology I (2 credits). These courses provide a solid foundation for advanced studies and are completed before beginning research. Different preparatory requirements apply for the Computational Biology M.Sc. program.

Preparatory Requirements for the Computational Biology M.Sc. program.

Registration for the M.Sc. program is completed through the INBAR system. Each applicant must secure an advisor during the registration process, and studies begin in the fall semester. A minimum average of 80 in the Bachelor’s degree is required, and students must dedicate full-time effort to research. The program lasts two years (not including any preparatory year) and concludes with the submission of a research proposal and thesis.

The “PSAGOT” program is a flagship, research-focused track designed for outstanding students. It allows students to complete both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in just four years. Students are admitted to the program after three semesters of undergraduate study and begin their research in a faculty laboratory by the end of the second year, submitting a research proposal at the end of the third year. The program includes specialized courses, benefits, accommodations, and personalized guidance. Upon completing the third year, students are awarded their Bachelor’s degree. During the fourth year, they focus on research, complete coursework, and submit their thesis. Upon successful completion of the fourth year and submission of the thesis, the M.Sc. degree is awarded.

PSAGOT-Combined B.Sc.-M.Sc. Honors Trackמסלול פסגות

In the thesis-track, students are required to earn 12 annual credits (24 semester credits), consisting of 11 credits in Life Sciences courses and 1 credit (2 semester credits) in seminars. Up to 2 additional credits may be taken in relevant courses from other departments. A research proposal must be submitted by the end of the first year. The final grade is calculated based on a weighted average of course grades (25%) and the thesis grade (75%).

The thesis-track includes conducting scientific research, writing a thesis, and participating in seminars. Students in this track are required to complete 12 annual credits. The non-thesis track does not include a thesis; students are required to complete 20 annual credits, including a faculty‑supervised seminar, a seminar paper, and elective courses. The non-thesis track lasts one to two years.

At the end of the first-year spring semester, students must submit a research proposal to the Graduate Studies Office in the faculty, following approval by their advisor. The proposal includes an introduction, objectives, an experimental plan, and preliminary results. Upon completing their research, students submit their thesis to the Degree Committee, which evaluates the thesis and conducts an oral examination based on the work and its accompanying bibliography.

Applicants for the Ph.D. program who continue from a Master’s degree will be enrolled and admitted following a recommendation from the Graduate School Office. Applicants from outside Bar‑Ilan University are required to attend an interview with the Admissions Committee. Minimum requirements include a grade average of 85 or higher in the M.Sc. program and a completed thesis. Admission is granted once a suitable advisor has been identified.

The Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Life Sciences allow students to specialize in a wide range of approved tracks, including biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, botany, computational biology, ecology, human biology, microbiology, and zoology. Within each track, students can select a specific research area such as immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental biology, cell biology (including cancer cells), clinical biology, molecular biology, genetics and genetic engineering, general and medical microbiology, molecular parasitology, neurobiology, animal and plant physiology, botany, zoology, ecology, marine biology, fertility, computational biology, structural biology, pharmacology, and the biology of aging.

At the end of the first year of the Ph.D. program, students submit a research proposal that includes supporting preliminary results. They then undergo an oral examination on the proposal and related topics before a Supervisory Committee. This committee guides the student throughout the Ph.D. program and requires annual progress reports. Once the final report is approved, the student may begin writing the dissertation. An integrated Ph.D. program is also available for outstanding M.Sc. students, allowing them to continue directly to the Ph.D., with their Master’s thesis serving as the basis for the doctoral research proposal.