B.Sc. in Computational Biology (Single Major)

עברית

Computational Biology is a groundbreaking field that combines advanced technology and biology, enabling researchers to unravel the secrets of living systems using computers and sophisticated mathematical tools – offering an opportunity to impact medicine, genetics, and future technologies.

Computational Biology focuses on processing large-scale biological data using tools from computer science, mathematics, statistics, and information theory. The program is a joint effort between the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Department of Computer Science. Graduates of the program gain in-depth training in both biology and computer science, along with expertise in interdisciplinary fields such as bioinformatics, biomathematics, and data science. This program is designed for students who wish to combine biology and computer science and specialize in the rapidly evolving field of computational biology.

Computational Biology – Unlocking Opportunities!

The collaboration between the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Department of Computer Science provides students with a top-tier multidisciplinary education, exposing them to cutting-edge technologies, advanced research methods, and a faculty of leading experts. The program trains students to become biologists with computational, algorithmic, and data science expertise. Additionally, as the curriculum offers comprehensive training in both biology and computer science, graduates can pursue careers in either field independently or excel in the interdisciplinary domain of computational biology.

Practical Activities and Experiences Conducted in the Faculty

During the third year of the program, students participate in a research project in computational biology. This project allows them to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout their studies. Projects are supervised by leading researchers from the university, including faculty from the Life Sciences department and other departments. In some cases, projects are conducted in collaboration with hospitals, enriching the students' research and practical experience.

Curriculum Structure

A three-year program (6 semesters), comprising a total of 158 credit points (CP), divided as follows: 
Life Sciences Core Courses: 55 CP

  • Computer Science and Mathematics Core Courses: 69 CP
  • Interdisciplinary Courses (Life Sciences & Computer Science): 24 CP
  • Elective Courses in Life Sciences and/or Computer Science: 10 CP

Yearly Breakdown

  • Year 1 : Total: 53 CP (core courses)
  • Year 2: Total: 58 CP (core courses), including hands-on experience in biology teaching laboratories.
  • Year 3: 37 CP (core courses) + 10 CP (electives)

Note: 1 CP equals a semester-long course with one weekly lecture hour.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the program pursue diverse career paths, including:

  • Companies specializing in bioinformatics
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
  • High-tech companies developing innovative products and technologies
  • Firms specializing in data analysis and AI/Deep Learning
  • Research institutes and academia
  • Advanced studies in various fields, such as four-year medical programs, computer science, and biology (some programs may require adjustments to elective courses).

Admission Requirements

This is a challenging program designed for high-achieving students ready to commit to intensive studies. 

  • Admission details are Available on the Admissions Information Page 
  • Calculation of Chances of Acceptance: Use the online tool to assess your chances of acceptance 
  • Admission Criteria Based on High School GPA (No Psychometric Test)
  • Special Admission Criteria for Reservists, Military Personnel, and Security Forces. Please note: Changes have been made to the required number of reserve service days for eligibility under the Reserve Service Framework: Candidates who have completed 60 or more reserve days since October 1, 2024, or Candidates who have completed 250 reserve days or more since the beginning of the war.
  • Admission Requirements for Applicants with International Diplomas: Documents must be translated into English.

Curriculum Highlights

Students in the program take core courses across two key disciplines:

Core Courses in Life Sciences

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Core Courses in Computer Science

  • Introduction to Computing
  • Data Structures
  • Algorithms
  • Machine Learning

Interdisciplinary Courses
Students also take specialized courses that integrate biology and computer science, such as bioinformatics, mathematical and systems biology, and computational genomics.
Another course that bridges these fields is Machine Learning and its Applications for Biological Data Analysis. In this course, students learn to apply machine learning algorithms to clean, analyze, and derive insights from large biological and medical data sets (Big Data). The course covers programming in R, familiarization with various algorithms and statistical methods, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm. At the end of the course, students present a project in which they analyze biological data using the tools and techniques learned throughout the course.

Principal Investigators of Computational Biology in the Faculty

 

Program Contact Information

 

For detailed information regarding registration instructions for the next school year, the Life Science study program, the Faculty's courses, specific course and "Psagot" program check  out the general information  for undergraduate study.