Course Catalog

Earth Sciences study the processes that are active in and shape the solid earth, the seas and oceans and the atmosphere. Earth Sciences research at the Hebrew University combines basic research at the forefront of world science with applications of national importance. The teaching program offers a program unique in its scope and quality that enables specialization in Geology, Climate and Atmosphere Sciences and Marine Sciences and Oceanography. The studies are held in small classes and include mapping camps and trips, as well as study cruises in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Eilat. The Institute of Earth Sciences is equipped with state-of-the art laboratory equipment which is at the forefront of existing scientific technology and competes in this field with the best universities in the world. The Institute of Earth Sciences offers a creative study environment in a hospitable academic home that offers diverse learning experiences while striving for excellence. The teachers of the teaching program are first-class active scientists and researchers, whose researches focus on key aspects at the forefront of Earth Sciences. All MSc and PhD students take part and participate in these researches.

Some of the study programs in the Earth Sciences teaching program are able to be combined with studies in another teaching program in a dual teaching program track, such as with Environmental studies, Life Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, the “Amirim” program and various teaching programs in the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students who choose a combination with other teaching programs should be aware that hours may overlap so that their degree studies may extend beyond three years.

Every program offered by the Earth Sciences teaching program has been structures with a view to ensuring a high academic standard and aims to train graduates with comprehensive and high-quality knowledge, and to prepare them for a wide range of occupations in research and application subjects. The holders of BSc, MSc and PhD degrees who complete their studies at the Earth Sciences teaching program comprise the backbone of Earth Sciences research in all the research universities in Israel, and leading research institutions such as the Geological and Geophysical Institute, the Meteorological Service, the Hydrological Service, the Oceanographical and Limnological Research Institute, and more. They are integrated in companies searching for water, minerals, oil and gas; companies engaged in issues of environment, weather forecasting and engineering geology, the IDF and in teaching in combination with teaching certificate studies.

The Institute of Earth Sciences also awards excellence prizes to deserving students.

First-year studies are common to all students. The study program includes introductory studies of the teaching program and basic studies (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) in the faculty. In years 2 and 3 students must choose one of two specializations: specialization in Geology or in Climate, Atmosphere and Oceanography. These specializations can be taken in an extended single teaching program framework, a single teaching program framework, and in a divisions framework. A division in Oceanography is also offered.

The studies are held in small classes and a friendly environment and include trips and camps for recognition of the diverse rock formations and bodies of water in Israel and application of the theoretical studies to the “real” world. For example, some of the courses are given at the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat and include sailing in a research ship and diving, and there are geological trips to the French Alps and Cyprus. The fieldwork contributes to openness in teacher-student relations and the studies take place in in pleasant “academic home.”

The teaching program trains its graduates for a broad range of occupations in many research and application subjects that require a systemic approach. Possible applied fields are: human impact on the environment, recycling of earth materials and weather forecasting. Graduates of the stream comprise the backbone of research of the Earth in its various specializations in universities and research institutions in Israel, such as the Geological Institute, the Meteorological Service, the Hydrological Service, the Oceanographical and Limnological Research Institute, and more. Graduates of the Institute have also been integrated in companies searching for water, minerals, oil and gas; commercial companies dealing with issues of environment, weather forecasting and engineering geology; the IDF and the police; and in the national education system (for holders of a teaching certificate).

The BSc degree studies are offered in various scopes and combinations (extended single teaching program, single teaching program, dual teaching program and division). The minimum scope of studies required for a BSc degree is 144 credits, but in different combinations the scope is greater. Students must fulfill the requirements of the faculty regarding the study of languages, computer programming and English. In the first year emphasis is placed on basic studies in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry that are common to students in all tracks. Field trips and study camps: Compulsory and elective courses that include field trips and study camps require the appropriate physical fitness. Safety goggles should be brought on all trips and all safety requirements must be fulfilled.

Pursuant to the resolutions of the Maltz Committee, the cost of accommodation in compulsory trips and camps is borne by the teaching program, which determines its locations. Students who cancel their registration for a trip after the determining date will be required to pay the costs. In accordance with the University’s directions, the cost of meals is borne by students. The cost of elective trips (cost of accommodation, travel and meals) is borne by students.

Registration for trips concludes at the end of the second week of the first semester. After that, registration will be allowed in special cases (if space remains). The overall logistical organization of field trips and study camps, funding of administration and transport are borne by the teaching program.

Institute of Earth Sciences website