M.Sc.

Graduate Studies at the University (M.Sc.) (Master's degree) in Medicine with Thesis

Curriculum

Research work and courses are spread over two academic years.

Four academic tracks are offered as part of the master's degree (MSc):

1. Genetics and molecular biology

2. Immunology and infectious diseases

3. Development of medications

4. Cell and developmental biology

The genetics and molecular biology track focuses on genomic research, methods of identification of genetic defects, identification of genetic factors leading to diseases, and analysis of genomic sequences.

The immunology and infectious diseases track includes research on the biological causes of infection, their mechanisms of spreading, the identification of factors related to functioning of the immune system, and the development of active and passive immunization.

The medication development track includes computer design, test-tube (laboratory) development, and pre-clinical trials on animals.

The cellular and developmental biology track focuses on the study of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis to better understand biological processes such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The track also includes research on stem cells and their use for regeneration. 

Students are referred to the various tracks by their advisers, based on the fields in which the students specialize in their research. Their coursework is determined accordingly.

Research paper

1. At the end of the first academic year, students submit a research proposal (after it has been approved by their adviser) to the faculty committee for research students.

After the proposal is approved by the committee, it is submitted to the university committee for research students for final approval.

1. After completion of the research and its approval by the adviser, a written thesis is submitted to the faculty committee for research students for determining the reviewers and the date of defense.

The defense committee includes two reviewers and the adviser. Students present the main findings in a demonstration and answer the questions of the examiners.

Courses:

Students who are enrolled in a given track must attend an array of courses totaling 12 credits.

The number of credits per year depends on the track. In every track, every student is required to take the following courses:

1. Mandatory courses common to all tracks:

Course No. 81-900 – "New horizons in molecular and cellular biology" – one semester, 1 credit.

Course No. 81-901– "Research methods and principles of the use of scientific equipment and technology" – one year, 3 credits.

1. As part of the array of courses in each track, two seminar papers must be submitted, each one worth 0.5 credit. Students must also attend approximately six electives (6 credits) in each track.
2. Students can select up to two elective courses from another track (2 credits).

In addition, students who have not previously studied at Bar-Ilan University must take basic courses in the amount of 4 credits.

MSc courses are selected with the guidance of advisers in the students’ areas of research specialization, from the list of graduate courses.

Students are also required to attend the “faculty colloquium" (lectures on research): course No. 81-898.

Students working with laboratory animals are required to take a crash course, "Using animals in experiments," before starting their work in the laboratory: course No. 81-899.

 

Scholarship

Students will receive a living stipend, exemption from tuition, and a housing grant for living in the Galilee.