BSc in Life Sciences - General Information
A Life-Changing Degree in Life Sciences
The Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University
Leading the Way in Scientific and Biological Innovation
Life Sciences explore biological processes at all levels of life, from cells and molecules to entire organisms and ecosystems. This field aims to understand how life is created, functions, and evolves, as well as the mechanisms that sustain its existence.
Dream of revolutionizing science and technology?
Join the next generation of biologists, researchers, developers, and biotechnology experts driving groundbreaking discoveries. The Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University offers diverse and advanced study programs that integrate theoretical knowledge, in-depth research, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
With a Life Sciences degree from Bar-Ilan, you can build a career in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, tech startups, food and agriculture sectors, medical laboratories, research institutes, and educational institutions. You can also pursue an advanced degree or enroll in an accelerated medical track (4-year program), shaping the future of research and innovation.
Grow with Us
- Great minds by your side – world-renowned researchers pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
- Advanced technology at your fingertips – state-of-the-art labs, cutting-edge equipment, and VR stations you won’t find everywhere.
- Not just sitting in class – learn, research, experiment, and engage from day one, with access to a rich library and cutting-edge teaching labs.
- True international connections – collaborating with top researchers and doctors from around the world.
- Be at the forefront – lectures that bring you directly into the heart of scientific research.
- Here, you don’t learn alone – a professional, supportive, and engaged community that will guide you every step of the way.
- True personal attention – professors who see you, not just your grades.
Come lead the change and shape your future with us at the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan!
Our Study Programs
All programs offer pathways to advanced research degrees and teaching certification.
BSc in Life Sciences (Biology) Single Major Exploring the biological processes that make life possible – from the structure and function of cells, through entire organisms, to complex ecosystems. Highly recommended for those planning to pursue medical studies. | BSc in Biotechnology (Single Major) In-depth understanding of biological processes combined with advanced technologies to develop solutions in medicine, agriculture, and energy. A unique combination that opens doors to careers in research, technological innovation, and medical applications. | BSc in Computational Biology (Single Major) A combination of biology, computational methods, and statistics to understand and analyze complex biological data. This field enables solving biological problems using advanced tools and drives progress in genetics, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine. |
BSc in Life Science and Chemistry (Double Major) Understanding life processes from the molecular level to cells and entire organisms. An ideal foundation for careers in research, medicine, biotechnology, and scientific innovation. | B.Sc. in Life Sciences and Psychology (Double Major) A biological understanding of the body and brain, combined with the study of behavior, thought, and emotion. This unique combination leads to careers in research, neuropsychology, mental health, and the medical field. | BSc in Life Sciences and Brain Science (Double Major) An in-depth understanding of life systems alongside a focus on neural and cognitive processes. This powerful combination provides an excellent foundation for careers in research, neurobiology, medicine, and innovation in brain and behavior sciences. |
BSc in Life Sciences with an Additional Major A combination of life sciences with a personal interest from a wide range of fields. This track encourages interdisciplinary thinking, intellectual curiosity, and opens the door to a diverse and unique career path. | Life Sciences - First Year in English program (International Students and Olim) In the first year, studies are conducted in English; in the following years, students join a Hebrew-speaking study group. A perfect blend of top-tier academics and smooth integration into life in Israel. | B.Sc. in Optometry Single Major Understanding visual processes and the health of the visual system, combined with advanced technologies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing vision problems. |
Undergraduate Programs in Life Sciences Teaching Certification (In Hebrew)
Psagot Program – Direct Path to a Master's Degree
The Pessagot program is a direct path to a Master's degree designed for outstanding students who complete the first three semesters of their Bachelor's degree in the Faculty of Life Sciences. It allows participants to finish both their Bachelor's and Master's degrees within four years, while receiving exemptions and scholarships throughout their undergraduate studies.
Psagot Program - Direct Path to M.Sc.
Curriculum Structure
Duration: 3 years
Optometry: 4 years
In the first year, students take foundational courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. In the second year, the focus shifts to core biology courses, complemented by both mandatory and elective labs. In the third year, students dive deeper into lab work and choose elective courses based on their personal interests.
*Curriculum structure may vary depending on the selected program.
* For curriculum structure in Optometry, see School of Optometry and Vision Science's)
Academic Schedule Tuition (In Hebrew)
What is the study load for each year of the program? The study load varies from year to year and between tracks. You can find the updated class schedule on the website. |
Where can I find a list of the courses offered? |
Does the curriculum include all the required core courses for medical studies? In the single-major Life Sciences and Biotechnology tracks, all core medical courses are mandatory. Syllabi for Core Courses for Four-Year Medical Program - Undergraduate |
Admission Requirements
All tracks require:
- English Proficiency: Minimum required score of 85 or higher on the AMIR/AMIRAM exam.
- For students who did not complete the Hebrew matriculation exam, a minimum score of 105 on the Yael test.
- Mathematics matriculation: Minimum score of 320 (score multiplied by the number of units).
Psychometric and matriculation (Bagrut) scores vary by program:
- Life Sciences (Single Major) and Flexible Dual-Major Programs: Psychometric exam: Minimum score of 530, Overall score: Minimum of 58.5.
- Biotechnology: Minimum score of 580, Overall score: Minimum of 63.
- Computational Biology: Minimum score of 660, Overall score: Minimum of 73.
- Optometry and Vision Sciences: Minimum score of 550, A minimum matriculation (Bagrut) average of at least 100.
- Structured Dual-Major Programs: Admission is based on the requirements of the other major.
Admissions Information Page (In Hebrew) or via International School
Calculation of Chances of Acceptance (In Hebrew)
Admission Criteria Based on High School GPA (No Psychometric Test) (In Hebrew)
Special Admission Criteria for Reservists, Military Personnel, and Security Forces (In Hebrew)
Admission Requirements for Applicants with International Diplomas
Is there a transfer pathway from another university? A transfer pathway exists only from the Open University, based on the list of courses outlined in the equivalency table (In Hebrew). |
Can I take academic courses before the academic year begins? As part of the "Akadima (In Hebrew)" program, students may take the Challenges in Modern Biology course, which is a first-year core requirement in the single-major Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and Computational Biology tracks. |
Are there scholarships for undergraduate students? Information about available scholarships can be found on the Student Information – Scholarships page. |
Register Now
Contact Us
For further information: Life-Sciences.Dept@biu.ac.il
Student Recruitment and Services Coordinators (Building 212, Rooms 211A, 211C):
Mr. Dor Arami 03-5317646 dor.aramy@biu.ac.il
Ms. Sham Khatib 03-5317019 khatibsb@biu.ac.il
Academic Advisor and Certificate Programs Developer in Biology (Building 207):
Dr. Sarit Shalev-Itzhaki 03-5317124 sarit.shalev@biu.ac.il
Academic Advisor for Biotechnology, Computational Biology and Double Major Tracks (Building 207):
Dr. Ilana Loinger 03-5317970 ilana.loinger@biu.ac.il
Coordinator at the School of Optometry and Vision Science (Buiding 304, Room 8):
Advisor: Dr. Lahmi Roxane 972-77-3063915 roxane.lahmi@biu.ac.il
Coordinator: Ms. Vaknin Lital 03-5317268 optometry.dept@biu.ac.il
Virtual Office Hours via Zoom (In Hebrew)
