Non-Thesis Master’s in Life Sciences (.M.Sc)

עברית

What will you study, and why should you study at Bar-Ilan?

.M.Sc

Advances in 21st-century life sciences are revealing a deeper understanding of how biological systems function—from cellular metabolism and genetic regulatory mechanisms to complex immune responses and the effects of environmental changes on human health, ecosystem stability, and agricultural systems. This growing body of knowledge raises new professional questions: Which mechanisms maintain proper function? How do systems respond to stress? And how can the latest biological insights be translated into practical applications in laboratories, healthcare, education, and biotech industries?

The Non-Thesis Master’s in Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University offers a dynamic, applied framework for exploring these questions without the requirement of independent research. The program provides students with access to the most current knowledge in life sciences, advanced tools for understanding biological processes, and the flexibility to tailor their studies to individual professional interests and career goals.

This program is ideal for students seeking to expand their scientific expertise, biology teachers looking to deepen and update their knowledge, clinical and applied laboratory professionals, and graduates from related fields aiming to strengthen their biological foundation for career advancement. Its flexible structure also allows completion of the degree in as little as one year.

The Non-Thesis Master’s in Life Sciences provides a broad knowledge base that prepares graduates for a variety of applied and scientific roles:

  • Clinical, research, and applied laboratories: Expand knowledge and gain hands-on experience in laboratory work

  • Healthcare system: Operational roles, support professions, and positions in research and applied units

  • Biotechnology, genetics, and agritech industries: Solid foundation in biological mechanisms and scientific innovation

  • Science education and teaching: Enrich knowledge for curriculum development and advanced teaching

  • Environmental science, water quality, conservation, and agriculture: Systematic understanding of ecological and biological processes

The program also provides a foundation for advanced studies, including transition to a thesis-based track or continuation to a Ph.D. program (subject to meeting admission requirements).

The program can be completed in one to two years, depending on the course schedule chosen by the student. Studies may begin in Semester A (October) or Semester B (March).

Program Credits – Total 40:

  • Non-Thesis Seminar – 2 credits: Oral presentation of a scientific article

  • Seminar Paper – 2 credits: Written paper with oral presentation

  • Elective Courses – 36 credits: Selected from a wide range of courses across the life sciences

Sample Elective Courses

The selection of elective courses varies from year to year and may include advanced molecular biology, cell and gene therapy, the RNA world, bioinformatics and biological data analysis, genetics and genetic engineering, systems neurobiology, ecology and evolution, cell biology and advanced imaging, and studies on environmental effects on organism function. In addition, students may take inter-university courses at the Marine Science Institute in Eilat, subject to registration and prior approval.

General and humanities courses are required according to university regulations, with Bar-Ilan graduates completing 4 credits and graduates of other institutions completing 8 credits. These courses do not count toward the total degree credits.

General / Humanities Courses

In accordance with university requirements: 4 credits for Bar-Ilan graduates; 8 credits for graduates of other institutions. These courses do not count toward the degree credit total.

The Non-Thesis Master’s in Life Sciences combines in-depth learning with practical skills used by professionals in the life sciences:

  • Participation in advanced seminars, including presenting research articles, engaging in critical discussion, and practicing analytical skills.

  • Completion of seminar papers, developing the ability to review scientific literature, analyze findings, and present conclusions professionally.

  • Selection of up-to-date courses in fields such as neurobiology, biochemistry, genetics, computational biology, immunology, and ecology.

  • Exposure to advanced research methods and biological technologies, according to the chosen course track.

  • Opportunity to take courses outside the faculty, including offerings from the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat.

Although the program does not include hands-on laboratory research, it provides essential skills: precise scientific reading, critical thinking, familiarity with advanced technologies, and a systemic understanding of biological processes — all tools required for professional work in the life sciences.

  • A minimum average of 80 in a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Life Sciences or in a relevant field (subject to committee approval).

  • English proficiency at the “exemption” level.

  • Students without a background in Life Sciences are required to complete 24 credits of foundational courses (one year), including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, and more, with a minimum average of 80. Completion courses do not count toward the degree credits.

Want to learn more about the Non-Thesis Master’s in Life Sciences?

Last Updated Date : 18/01/2026