Academic Chair of the International MSc Program in Plant Sciences

Alon Samach, Associate Professor
The Robert H. Smith Institute for Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture
Academic Program Head, International MSc in Plant Sciences

The achievements of Israeli agriculture are renown worldwide. At its inception, the country was largely arid, rocky, and overgrown with weeds, bare mountains, barren fields, infested marshes, and an undeveloped water supply. Some of the most basic foods were imported. Today, Israel is a fertile and blooming land that exports its own agricultural products and has become a leader in irrigation systems, groundwater management, crop production, horticulture, biotechnology, biological and integrated pest control, and more. Israel's agriculture is a showcase demonstrating the ability to work with nature in order to create a friendlier environment. 

One of the key factors in Israel's agricultural success has been the close relationship between growers in the fields, research and development teams in industry, and the academic community. Constant mutual feedback makes research more responsive to real-life needs and gives those in the field the advantage of immediate access to new developments in the laboratories of academic institutions.

At the heart of this academic community is the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The Hebrew University has the only Faculty of Agriculture in Israel, enjoying a unique status in the country. The Faculty acts as Israel's main source for the training of teachers, extension officers and researchers. 

The international Master of Science in Plant Sciences prepares students to become leading professionals in present and future agriculture and adapt their new knowledge to local conditions in their home countries. Students will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the scientific basis and principles of crop plant production, environmental impact of agricultural activity, analysis of specific cropping systems, seeking solutions to practical problems, either in scientific literature or by experimental approach, and adapting appropriate solutions to various situations.

The one-year program leads to a non-thesis M.Sc. Agri in the field of Plant Sciences specializing in field and vegetable crops. After successful completion of the first year, qualified graduates can be reviewed for admission to the thesis track for a second year of studies to earn a thesis degree, and continue for a PhD degree either in Israel or elsewhere. Upon completion of their studies, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where they hold key positions in industry, education, academics, research, NGOs and government organizations. 

• B.Sc. degree or equivalent from a recognized university in the field of agriculture, plant sciences, crop sciences, plant production, plant protection, agronomy, horticulture, etc.
• Undergraduate level biochemistry.
• GPA of 80 or above (B- on the letter scale).
• High level of proficiency in all English skills, documented by one of the following:
  • At least 89 on the TOEFL internet-based test
  • At least 6.0 on the IELTS
  • Documentation of previous academic studies conducted in English.
• Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be academic (not from family members).
• Relevant experience is recommended but not mandatory.

• Biochemistry
• Plant Biochemistry
• Introduction to Molecular Biology 
• Contemporary Approaches to Plant Physiology
• Experimental Design and Statistical Analyses + Practice
• Basic Irrigation Systems
• Scientific Writing and Presentation
• Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants (Elective)
• Research Methods (three semesters)

• Seed Production
• Current Greenhouse Crop Production
• Fruit Set and Development (Elective)
• Genetic Engineering (Elective)
• Postharvest Physiology (Elective)
• Biological Pest Control (Elective)
• Weed Management (Elective)
• Environmental Microbiology (Elective) 
• Biotechnology Agriculture (Elective) 
• Topics in Epigenetics (Elective) 
• Behavioral Ecology of Pollination (Elective) 
• Aging and Programmed Cell Death in Plants (Elective) 
• Developmental Biology of Grapevines (Elective) 
• Biomimetics Problem Solving Learned from Nature (Elective) 
• Genotypes (G) Environments (E) And Management (M) Interaction in Cereals Breeding (Elective)

• Practical Workshop in Crop Management (two semesters)

• Research Methods in Plant Sciences

Plants and Environment Application deadlines:

• Admission with a scholarship request: December 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
• Admission for self-funding students: December 1, 2023 - July 1, 2025

Link to registration: will be posted before the registration period begins

The 12-month program in Environmental Quality Sciences offers both theoretical and practical knowledge, alongside hands-on experience, to address key global environmental issues. These issues encompass food security under climate change, the development of efficient and sustainable green cities, improving outdoor and indoor air quality through the use of vegetation, exploration of alternative water and energy resources, treatment of water and soil pollution, waste recycling, agricultural intensification and precision agriculture, implementation of environmentally-sustainable pest control and plant protection, and economics of natural resources.

In addition to the required core courses, students are encouraged to select elective courses from two main clusters: i) Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum Physics; ii) Environmental Biology.

Throughout the 12-month program, students are required to complete a research project under the supervision of a researcher from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University.

The courses offered in the program are taught by leading scientists in environmental quality sciences in Israel. Students benefit from an international atmosphere, site visits, field trips, and cultural events.

• B.Sc. degree in the sciences from a recognized university in a relevant field: agriculture, biology, chemistry, land and water resources, engineering, agricultural engineering, chemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, soil science, etc. 
• GPA of 80 or above (B- on the letter scale).
• High level of proficiency in all English skills, documented by one of the following:
  • At least 89 on the TOEFL internet-based test
  • At least 6.0 on the IELTS
  • Documentation of previous academic studies conducted in English.
• Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be academic (not from family members).
• Relevant experience is recommended but not mandatory.

Semester A

• Experimental Design and Statistical Analyses + Practice
• Scientific Writing and Presentation
• Environmental Pollution and Risk Assessment
• Water and Environment 
• Introduction to Economics of Natural Resources (Elective)
• Basic Irrigation Systems (Elective) 
• Remote Sensing of Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Processes (Elective) 
• Time Series Analysis for Environmental Sciences (Elective)
• Research Methods (three semesters)

Semester B

• Financing Impact and Sustainable Development
• Environmental Microbiology (Elective)
• Workshop from Theory to field
• Biological Pest Control (Elective)
• Weed Management (Elective)
• Economics of Growth and Development (Elective) 
• Plant-Atmosphere Gas Exchange Investigation (Elective) 
• Contemporary Approaches to Plant Physiology (Elective) 
• Environmental Friendly Weed Management- Principles And Application (Elective)

Semester A+B+C

• Research Methods

Semester C

• Seminar

The curriculum is subject to change.

Plants and Environment Application deadlines:

• dmission with a scholarship request: December 3, 2023 - May 1, 2024
• Admission for self-funding students: December 3, 2023 - July 1, 2024

Link to registration: http://hsr.huji.ac.il  

Online registration step-by-step guide (EKMD portal)

Academic Co-Chairs of the International MSc in Nutritional Sciences 

Dr. Aliza Stark Senior Faculty

About the Program

Nutritional and Food Sciences are rapidly expanding areas of research that are making major contributions to health promotion. As the relationship between diet and disease is better understood, advancements are being made to improve the nutritional value of foods and to increase the variety of products on the market that have added health and nutritional benefits. 

The international Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (non-clinical) prepares students to become leading professionals in the field of nutritional sciences and to apply their newly acquired knowledge to nutritional challenges in their home countries. Students learn the fundamentals of nutrition based on the most recent scientific findings. The program also prepares students for research and doctoral level programs.  Please note: this is not a clinical degree; it does not qualify a student to become a licensed dietitian*. 

The one-year program leads to a non-thesis M.Sc. Nutr degree (Master of Science in Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition). After successful completion of the first year, qualified graduates may submit a request to be reviewed for admission to the thesis track for a second year of studies to earn a thesis degree, and continue for a PhD degree either in Israel or elsewhere. Following graduation, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where they hold key positions in health and nutrition promotion, education, academics, research, NGOs and government organizations. Several of our alumni have chosen to continue their studies towards a PhD degree in programs around the world including leading universities in Canada, Switzerland, Denmark and Japan.  

One of the key factors of the success of the program is the close relationship between the Faculty of Agriculture and clinical and public health nutritionists, along with research and development teams in the food industry and the academic community. On-going collaboration allows for access to state-of-the-art research developments in the field and innovative approaches to address practical needs. At the heart of this academic community is the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The Hebrew University is one of the most prominent and respected institutions in the world. As the leading Israeli institution awarding academic degrees in Nutritional and Food Sciences, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment has a unique status in the country. Our graduates include executives in the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and leading members of the food industry. Within the Faculty, the Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences is comprised of the School of Nutritional Sciences and the Department of Food Sciences. Institute staff include many of the principal Israeli researchers in these fields. 

*To become a registered dietitian in Israel (RD), one must earn a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food, nutrition or a related area, complete a 6-12 month internship through the Ministry of Health, and pass a written exam which will lead to a license to practice.

Academic Requirements for MSc in Nutritional Sciences

• B.Sc. degree or equivalent from a recognized university in a relevant field: nutrition, food science, dietetics, biochemistry, chemistry, medicine, etc.
• Degrees in other science fields will be considered.  
• Undergraduate level biochemistry and molecular biology. 
• GPA of 80 or above (B- on the letter scale).
• High level of proficiency in all English skills, documented by one of the following:
  • At least 89 on the TOEFL internet-based test
  • At least 6.0 on the IELTS
  • Documentation of previous academic studies conducted in English.
• Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be academic (not from family members). 
• Relevant experience is recommended but not mandatory.

• Introduction to Molecular Biology
• Nutrition in Health and Disease
• Biochemistry 
• Advanced Biochemistry
• Maternal and Child Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Experimental Design and Statistical Analyses + Practice
• Scientific Writing and Presentation
• Basic Immunology (Elective)

• Food Safety
• Vitamins and Minerals
• International Public Health
• Malnutrition and its Management
• Nutrition Insecurity and its Prevention
• Nutrient Gene Interactions
• Topics in Clinical Nutrition
• Modifying Nutritional Behavior: From theory to practice (Elective)

• Research Methods

• Seminar

The curriculum is subject to change.

Academic Chair of the International MSc Program in Animal Sciences

Prof. Sameer J. Mabjeesh
Professor, Ruminants Nutrition and Lactation Physiology

About the Program

The Master of Science in Animal Sciences aims to prepare students to become leading professionals in modern agriculture and contribute newly-acquired skills and knowledge for the benefit of agriculture in their home countries. Students will learn the fundamentals of Animal Sciences based on the most recent scientific findings and understand the “science” behind animal sciences, animal physiology, farm animal production and the environmental impact of agricultural activity. The program also prepares students for participation in doctoral-level programs.

Following graduation, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where many of them hold key positions in the area of governmental administration of animal production, management of farm animals, farm animal husbandry, and consultation and research in these fields in universities or private institutes. Several of our alumni have chosen to continue their studies towards a PhD degree in leading universities around the world.

The one-year program leads to a non-thesis Master of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal Sciences. Qualified students may apply to the thesis track for a second year of studies after completing the first year of the program.   

Israel's advanced agriculture is most evident in the field of farm animal production. Israeli animal husbandry and management is among the most productive in the world, thanks to its sophisticated infrastructure based on the integration of science-based production methods with efficient extension services and an advanced health supporting veterinary service. The Robert H. Smith Faculty's teaching and research activities continue to play a central role in advancing agriculture to strengthen the Israeli economy while training tomorrow's scientists and agriculturists; protecting and rehabilitating the environment while increasing food production and reducing world hunger; mobilizing agriculture to meet human health needs and improving the quality and purity of agricultural products; and sharing the benefits of Israeli research and innovation with other nations.

The Smith Faculty's Department of Animal Sciences is engaged in research at levels of the molecule, cell and organ, while maintaining a clear perspective of the farm animal as a whole. The department activities include the following thematic areas: 

• Physiology of reproduction (ruminants, poultry and fish); 
• Stress physiology: adaptation of farm animals to environmental and other sorts of stress (ruminants and poultry); 
• Physiology of lactation; 
• Growth and development as affected by environmental impact; 
• Aquaculture: reproduction, genetics and aquatic microbiology,
• Physiology of the digestive tract: digestive processes and their control, improvement of digestive tract development and function via embryonic manipulation, improvement of the digestive tract immune system.

• B.Sc. degree or equivalent from a recognized university in a relevant field: agriculture, animal health, animal husbandry, animal production, animal science, veterinary science, etc.
• Undergraduate level biochemistry.
• GPA of 80 or above (B- on the letter scale).
• High level of proficiency in all English skills, documented by one of the following:
  • At least 89 on the TOEFL internet-based test
  • At least 7.0 on the IELTS
  • Documentation of previous academic studies conducted in English.
• Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be academic (not from family members).
• Relevant experience is recommended but not mandatory.

• Selected Topics in Animal Reproduction
• Selected Topics in Animal Physiology
• Introduction to Molecular Biology
• Basic Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Advanced Biochemistry
• Experimental Design & Statistical Analyses + Practice
• Scientific Writing and Presentation
• General Endocrinology (Elective)
• Advanced Ruminant Nutrition & Feeding (Elective) + Ruminant Feed Analysis Workshop

• Animal Health - Bovine, Avian, Aqua 
• Genetics & Breeding of Farm Animals
• Nutrient Gene Interactions (Elective)
• Interaction Between Microorganisms And Arthropods (Elective)

• Research Methods

• Seminar

The curriculum is subject to change.

The next Nutritional Sciences and Animal Sciences programs will be held in the October 2023 - September 2024 academic year.

Applications will be accepted from November 1, 2022 - March 9, 2023.

Please visit this page in May 2022 for updated application instructions.

Contact us for more information:

Ms. Nurit Ben-Aharon, International MSc Programs Coordinator: nuritbe@savion.huji.ac.il

Ms. Miriam Elbaz, International MSc Programs Coordinator: miriamelb@savion.huji.ac.il

Scholarships for the International MSc Programs
 

Thanks to the generous support of our scholarship sponsors, we are able to grant a limited number of full and partial scholarships to candidates who have been selected during a competitive review.

The vision of our scholarship sponsors is for scholars to be instruments of positive and just change by applying the knowledge and skills acquired at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment to benefit their home countries. 

Types of scholarships

Scholarships are granted only to candidates from economically-developing countries. 

• Full scholarships cover tuition, student dormitory housing on campus, medical insurance, monthly living stipend and student visa.
  The scholarship does not cover the application fee, round-trip airfare, initial living expenses (1.5 months), and a tuition deposit ($500 which will be refunded upon graduation and return to your home country). Candidates are required to fund these expenses.
   
• Partial scholarships are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarship offers may be withdrawn and offered to applicants on the waiting list if the candidate does not meet the necessary requirements. 

How to apply for a scholarship

Scholarships are granted to candidates who have been accepted to one of the international MSc programs offered by the International School.
To apply for a scholarship, submit a completed scholarship application form together with your full online application during the application period of the program you are applying to. 

There are a limited number of scholarships and scholarship selection is very competitive.

We strongly urge applicants to seek funding from other sources early in the application process. Other scholarship sources can be found at the link below.

Other scholarship sources