Understanding the natural environment and the processes that take place in it requires extensive scientific knowledge in many fields. The aim of the Department of Environmental Sciences is to provide its graduates with a strong scientific foundation, which is essential for the creation of informed solutions to the challenges that arise in mankind's relationship with the Earth's environment. The Department of Environmental Sciences offers a unique variety of study tracks for a bachelor's degree that combines environmental science studies with studies in another department.
The rising rate of population growth brings with it many environmental problems in all areas of life. The modern way of life requires increased utilization of natural resources and causes epidemics to spread. At the beginning of the 21st century, society is still consuming enormous amounts of energy, most of which is obtained from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and pollutants into the atmosphere. The rate of carbon emissions into the atmosphere leads to atmospheric warming and extreme climate change. These changes can be seen already today.
The changes that are taking place in our environment are at the forefront of scientific research and the focus of public interest in Israel and around the world. The recognition and understanding of the processes that shape the atmosphere, the oceans, and the continents, and the various environments within them, and the interrelationships between these processes and the organisms that exist in them, including humans, constitutes a cornerstone on the way to jumping and finding solutions to environmental problems. Scientific research in the field of the environment is necessary and essential in order to enable sustainable growth as well as the continued development of human society while reducing its ecological footprint.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences has unique research and teaching centers for training the professionals needed to address the applied aspects of these challenges. The purpose of the program is to provide students with tools for understanding the natural environment and dealing with the problems exacerbating environmental issues. The department equips researchers and practitioners who can deal with the challenges of understanding the processes that take place in our environment and how to deal with them.
Program of Study
Bachelor's degree studies are offered in the scope of a regular major, but must be completed in a two-course track in combination with another department (see the university course catalog). We recommend combining the environmental sciences with earth sciences or with life sciences, but it can also be combined with chemistry, physics, computer science. The following departments from other faculties of the university allow for combination as well: communication and journalism, geography, education, international relations, political science, economics, statistics, business administration, accounting, sociology and anthropology, psychology, philosophy, history of the Jewish people, archeology or law. Integration with other faculties is more difficult, and is recommended only for honors students.
Over the course of the program of study you will acquire basic knowledge in the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics), take introductory courses in environmental sciences, and receive a broad and strong foundation in life sciences and earth sciences. In the advanced years of the degree, unique courses from the Department of Environmental Sciences will link the scientific fields studied to environmental challenges.
Please note - We recommend participating in the integrated and abbreviated preparation course for the introductory courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics. This course is especially recommended for students tested for 3 matriculation units in mathematics, or 4 units with a grade of less than 85, or 5 units with a grade of less than 80.
For more information on the Geology combined track with Environmental Sciences
Translation: Alie Naor
