Scope The Brain & Behavioral Sciences (576) teaching program deals with functions of the nervous system from the molecular and cellular levels, through neural systems and the brain as an integrated whole, to perception, cognition and behavior. Research methods include molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, electrophysiology, computational techniques, psychophysics and behavioral analysis.
Admission requirements: Holders of a BSc degree from HUJI or any other recognized institution of higher learning in Israel with a minimum grade average of 85 is eligible for admission to the MSc program in Brain and Behavioral Sciences hug. Grades of applicants from academic institutions outside of Israel are evaluated for equivalency by a dedicated HUJI process . Exceptions to this standard may be made in special cases, such as holders of a BSc degree without a significant biology component, or degrees other than BSc. In such cases a program of supplemental courses may be required as a condition for admittance to the hug. In all cases, even when formal standards are met, final admission is subject to the discretion of the hug director (“rosh hug”).
All applicants must find a principal investigator (PI, faculty mentor, supervisor) who is willing to accept them as research trainees (apprentices) in their laboratory until the completion of the MSc degree. PIs whose research touches on the subject of Brain & Behavioral Sciences, who direct laboratories on the Givat Ram campus of the University, and who are qualified to serve as mentors, are listed here . This list may change from time to time. In cases of uncertainty contact the rosh hug. It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange appropriate mentorship. The name of the mentor must be declared at the time of application. Applicants are advised to “do their homework” before interviewing with a potential mentor. Use resources such as PubMed, Google, the mentor’s website and his/her department website to determine if this is the right lab for you and to help convince the prospective mentor that he/she would do well to offer you a position.
Scope of studies: for the MSc degree is 30 credit points (“nazim”). Except for the required MSc seminar course (course #78844, 2 nazim) the remainder of the course curriculum is chosen by the student, from a very large pool of elective courses, with the advice of the mentor. The proposed course list is subject to approval by the rosh hug. All MSc level courses may be taken in English. The most important component of studies is the MSc research project. This is designed by the student and mentor, and culminates in formal submission of the MSc thesis in written form (English or Hebrew). The duration of studies is 2 years with extensions granted on a case-by-case basis.
Financial support:
Financial support is provided by the Life Sciences Institute and the mentor. The amount of the stipend is decided by the mentor, but cannot be less than 200% or more than 340%, as defined by the Hebrew University.
In addition, support can also be obtained through:
- Position as teaching assistant
- Prizes for outstanding students from the Hebrew University
Grants and stipends through external benefactors
Conditions for graduation: The students’ final grade for the MSc. degree is based on: 1) the overall weighted grade in the courses approved (40%), the final thesis grade (30%) and the grade on the MSc oral exam (30%). Faculty-wide guidelines for examinations and assessment of the student’s achievements are described here . The structure of the MSc exam as implemented by the Brain and Behavioral Sciences hug is described here .
M.Sc final exam (thesis & oral exam) - the attached document describes the procedure and the guidelines.
Direct track to PhD: The hug allows outstanding students to transfer to the direct PhD track. Students who transfer to this track do not submit an MSc thesis and may apply research results obtained during MSc studies towards their PhD degree.Transfer is subject to a screening process and approval by the supervisor(s) and the rosh hug. .
The total scope of a research master's degree including courses and thesis is at least 36 credits.
Contact names:
Hug secretariat (Silberman Institute of Life Sciences):
Sharon Berger sharonb@savion.huji.ac.il (02) 658-5337
Keren Daniel kerend@savion.huji.ac.il
Faculty curriculum office (Levy Building):
Shuli Cohen shulic@savion.huji.ac.il (02) 658-6722
Rosh hug:
Dr. Michael London
Office: Goodman Building 2103A
Tel: 02-6586337
email: mickey.london@mail.huji.ac.il