Life Sciences - Botany Track (.M.Sc)

עברית

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

.M.Sc

Plant research impacts key areas of science and society, from advanced agriculture and ensuring long-term availability of high-quality food, to medicine and drug development, and to understanding complex ecological processes. How can crops be developed to resist fungal pathogens? What biological mechanisms drive the progression of severe diseases, and how can basic research lead to innovative therapies, including for metastatic cancer? How can it advance our understanding of large-scale biological processes in natural and marine systems, such as coral development?

These and other questions are at the heart of the research conducted within the Botany track of the thesis-track Master’s degree in Life Sciences.

The Botany track is designed to train researchers with a strong research foundation, capable of leading scientific projects in agricultural, medical, and ecological fields. Throughout the program, students engage with current research questions and advanced scientific work, demonstrating how tools and methods in plant and life sciences are applied in both basic and applied research.

Research training in the Botany track equips graduates with deep scientific knowledge and advanced research skills, applicable to a wide range of professional fields, including:

  • Research institutes and academic institutions – basic and applied research in plant sciences and life sciences

  • Agriculture and agricultural industries – crop development, disease resistance improvement, and optimization of biological processes

  • Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics companies – research and development roles

  • Food and industrial companies – research, process control, and product development

  • Medical institutions and hospital research laboratories

  • Environmental organizations and public bodies

  • Life sciences startups

  • Doctoral studies – continuation to a PhD and integration into an academic research track

The duration of the thesis-track Master’s degree in Life Sciences is two years, during which students complete their research project and write their thesis (excluding any prerequisite completion year, if required). Studies begin in Semester A, and the research phase officially starts on October 1 each year.

The total program comprises 40 credit points, including:

  • 24 credits in courses

  • 16 credits for the research project (thesis)

The final grade is determined according to university regulations and is based on a weighted average of the research project grade (75%) and course grades (25%).

The course requirements include:

  • 22 credits in Life Sciences courses

  • 2 credits in two Master’s seminars

Students may also take up to 4 credits of research-relevant courses in other departments, subject to approval. The research proposal is submitted at the end of the first year and constitutes a key stage in shaping the thesis project. Changes in the research topic or supervisor may require additional courses, in accordance with faculty requirements.

The Botany track is a fully research-oriented program, centered on a supervised research project guided by senior faculty members in the Life Sciences Department. From the very beginning, students engage in active research, working closely with researchers and gaining exposure to current research questions, such as plant disease resistance mechanisms, growth and developmental processes, and biological applications relevant to agriculture, medicine, and ecology.

The research experience combines theoretical study with hands-on laboratory work, using a variety of methods and advanced technologies, including molecular biology, genetics, microscopy, and imaging techniques. Throughout the program, students acquire essential research skills, including experimental design, working with complex biological systems, data analysis, and presenting findings in departmental seminars.

  • A minimum average of 80 in a relevant Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • Applicants with an average below 85 will be required to attend an interview with the admissions committee.
  • At the time of application, students must identify a supervisor from among the faculty researchers.
  • Admission to the program is contingent on official approval from the supervisor, confirming their willingness to supervise the candidate.

It is recommended to contact potential supervisors before applying, review the faculty’s research areas, and follow announcements regarding supervisors seeking Master’s students.

Want to learn more about the M.Sc. in Life Sciences - Botany Track?

Last Updated Date : 27/01/2026