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Environment Sciences

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About the program

Are you concerned about climate change? How does human activity affect our environment?  How can we reduce pollution in our air and water?

The Environmental Sciences program aims to give you the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle these questions, and prepare you to be professionals who can face the environmental challenges of the 21st century.   

 

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What will you study in the program?

Earth shaping processes - the study of the oceans, the atmosphere, the continents and their influence on each other;

Foremost current environmental issues and what comes after them: climate change, the spread of epidemics, natural resource management and more;

Experiential learning - an essential part of the studies in the Environmental Sciences program is carried out during field trips that allow for hands-on learning and an in-depth understanding of the topics studied in class.

 

 

 

What kind of opportunities exist after graduation?

As graduates of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Hebrew University, you will receive the necessary tools to face environmental challenges and lead to positive change. Upon graduation, you can join a wide variety of fields

  • Environmental consulting companies: advice to companies and organizations on sustainability issues

  • Startups and high-tech companies: development of innovative technologies in the field of the environment, data analysis and programming

  • Government companies and government ministries: work in the Ministries of Energy, Environmental Protection, Agriculture and more, while promoting environmental policy and developing innovative solutions

  •  Companies working in the fields of energy storage, renewable energies, carbon fixation and other green technologies to promote innovation in the energy field

  • The Food Security field

  • Waste recycling, water purification and desalination

  • Teaching and training of environmental scientific knowledge in different setting

  • Advanced degree studies: continuation to Master's and PhD studies at the Hebrew University, development of research abilities and specialization in a specific field.

 

Curriculum

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers unique tracks for a Bachelor's degree, which combine environmental sciences with another department (see the university yearbook). The studies are in a double-major track, combining environmental sciences with another field. It is recommended to combine with another department from the same faculty (for example: Earth Sciences, Computer Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics).

In order to familiarize yourself with the material studied in the first year and facilitate the transition to the Bachelor’s degree, it is recommended to already register for the pre-academic preparatory program. For more details and registration: https://chemistry.huji.ac.il/chemistry-math-for-new-students

Please note: some of the classes you can combine are located at the Mount Scopus campus, while the Environmental Sciences department is at the Edmond Y. Safra campus. Therefore, planning a smart time system is important for your success. You must make sure that there is no overlap in the times of your courses, and also take into account the travel time between the campuses.

Dual Major tracks:

 

8037 Earth Sciences in the specialization of Earth and Environmental Sciences, dual major, Year 1 (compulsory studies in year 1)

8032 Environmental Studies and Life Sciences in a dual major track

8033 Environmental Studies and Chemistry in a dual major track

8034 Environmental Studies and Physics in a dual major track

8035 Environmental Studies and Computer Science in a dual major track

8036 Environmental Studies and Mathematics in a dual major track

6017 Environmental Science studies specializing in climate, atmosphere and oceanography in a dual major track

6018 Environmental Science studies with a specialization in Geology in a dual major track

8038 Environmental Science studies in a dual major track for non-natural science students

8039 Environmental Science and Law studies

8040 Studies in Environmental Sciences, Geography and Geo-informatics in a dual major track

8041 Studies of Environmental Sciences and Geography in a dual major track


 

 

Why study specifically with us?

  • The perfect place to acquire in-depth scientific knowledge in the field of the environment.

  • An excellent academic staff, consisting of experts with rich international research experience.

  • A personal approach - learning in small groups, and making friends that will become colleagues throughout the degree and thereafter.

  • Fascinating tours of environmental sites such as: desalination plants, power plants, pumped storage plants, Dead Sea factories and more.

  • Focus on environmental processes and tools to deal with challenges.

  • Only with us do the students experience organizing and guiding study days that include an expert panel open to the general public.

 

Preparatory program in chemistry and mathematics

The studies at the Department of Earth Sciences combine extensive theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Many courses in the program are based on a thorough understanding of chemistry and mathematics, two areas that are essential for success in the field. Therefore, we strongly recommend to any student interested in studying in the department to take part in the preparatory program in chemistry and mathematics.

The preparatory program is intended for those who did not study chemistry in high school, as well as for those who took the matriculation exam in mathematics:

  • 3 study units in mathematics and received a grade below 85.

  • 4 study units in mathematics and received a grade below 80.

  • 5 study units in mathematics and received a grade below 80.

The purpose of the preparatory program:

  • To teach basic tools in chemistry and mathematics;

  • To prepare the students for advanced courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics studied in the first year of the degree;

  • Facilitate the study process and provide a significant advantage for further study.

The program takes place during the summer, before the start of the school year. The number of places is limited, so it is recommended to register in advance as soon as possible. For more details and registration: 

(https://chemistry.huji.ac.il/chemistry-math-for-new-students)

 

Accelerated track for a master's degree

Students who wish to pursue advanced degrees at the Institute of Earth Sciences can apply for an accelerated track to a Master's degree already during the third year of their studies. For further details

 

 

Advisors in the department

Prof. Simon Emmanuel | simon.emmanuel@mail.huji.ac.il  

 

Common Questions

Is it possible to study for a bachelor's degree in the Department of Environmental Sciences without another department?

No. The curriculum is structured as a dual major track. In other words, the students are required to choose another main department, alongside their studies in the Environmental Sciences department. The other department allows you to deepen your knowledge in a specific field, while receiving tools and insights relevant to the world of the environment.

Will I be able to learn in the class applied methods for waste treatment, sewage treatment, etc.?

The Department of Environmental Sciences emphasizes the understanding of natural systems (oceans, forests, etc.) and the processes that occur in them. In addition, the department offers several applied courses. However, it is important to note that this is not an Environmental Engineering degree.

Is it possible to study remotely in case I can't make it to class?

The studies take place face-to-face, in the classroom, in the laboratory or on a field trip. There may be specific courses that will be delivered online or hybrid, depending on the lecturer's decision. We are aware that students may be absent due to reserve military service or illness, so some courses are recorded and available for later viewing. Please note that in the geology department there are mandatory field trip courses.

Are all courses taught in Hebrew?

Most undergraduate courses are taught in Hebrew. Bachelor's degree students are also required to take two courses in the English language from the classes in which they study. The language of instruction for each course is specified in the syllabus.