Climate, Atmosphere and Oceanography

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About the Program

Have you ever wondered how different types of clouds form or how global warming affects the oceans?

In the Climate, Atmosphere and Oceanography program at the Hebrew University, you will discover the answers to these and many other questions such as: How will a change in the water temperature near Australia affect the amount of precipitation in the North Atlantic Ocean? What are the common weather systems in Israel? How are they affected by climate change? Can we reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

 

What will you learn in the program?

  • Physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere such as: atmospheric pressure, temperature, winds, rains, lightning and more;

  • The development of clouds and the fall of precipitation: factors that affect the amount of precipitation, condensation processes, cooling, water droplets, glaciers

  • Air movement in the atmosphere and movement of currents in the oceans - factors that create winds, and their effect  on the weather and the climate, cold and warm currents in the oceans, and more;

  • Use of numerical models for weather forecasting;

  • Practical courses, research cruises and field trips in Israel and abroad - laboratory experiments, field work, observations, data analysis, marine research and more.

 

 

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What kind of opportunities exist after graduation?

Our graduates are employed in a variety of fields including:

  • Development of advanced technologies in startups and hi-tech companies;

  • Forecasting the weather in the meteorological service or in the private sector;

  • Planning in governmental bodies to develop policies for Israel in a world of changing climate;

  • Academic research - continuation to advanced degrees in Israel and abroad;

  • Employment options as a research assistant and also a research project during the first degree.

 

 

 

Curriculum

  • First year - Earth science studies in a single or a double major (6014) and introductory and basic courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics;

  • Second year - Choosing a specialization: climate-atmosphere-oceanography, geology, or environmental sciences and choosing a course of study from among the following tracks:

  • Single Major in combination with different divisions such as geology division, oceanography, or other divisions from the faculty;

  • Expanded Single Major (no divisions);

  • Double Major, in combination with another department, or with the “Amirim” program;

  • Enrichment courses - Enrichment courses need to be taken as part of the “Avnei Pina” program.

  

For all study programs:

Single Major - with sections: 

Track Earth Sciences, Single Major, specialization in C.O.A with section (5961)

Track Minor in Marine Sciences (6033)

Track Minor in Climate-Atmosphere-Oceanography (6058)

Track Minor in Geology (6053)

 

Single major - extended program without sections:

Track Earth Sciences, Single Major, specialization in Climate, Atmosphere and Oceanography (5957)

Track Earth Sciences, Single Major, specialization in Geology and C.O.A (6019)

 

Dual major:

Track Earth Sciences, Dual Major, specialization in C.O.A combined with Environmental Sci (6017)

Track Physics, Dual Major, combined with Earth Sciences, specialization in C.O.A (6020)

Track Computer Science, Dual Major, combined with Earth Sciences, specialization in C.O.A (8011)

Track Life Sciences, Dual Major, combined with Earth Sciences specialization in C.O.A (8030)

 

In order to familiarize yourself with the material studied in the first year and facilitate the transition to the first degree, it is recommended to already register for the pre-academic preparatory program. For more details and registration

 

Why study specifically with us?

With us, you will discover a whole world of possibilities:

  • In-depth training: you will acquire extensive knowledge and advanced research skills in the field of climate, atmosphere and oceanography;

  • Practical experience: You will participate in courses at the Inter-University Institute in Eilat, research cruises, participation in weather forecasting workshops and building models;

  • Personal treatment: you will enjoy small study groups, a social atmosphere, making meaningful connections with classmates, support throughout the degree from the senior academic staff;

  • The department is located on the Safra campus in the heart of Jerusalem, close to cultural, recreation and leisure sites, convenient public transportation, a green environment, state-of-the-art and modern facilities, and a large sports center, which guarantee a unique and advanced learning experience;

  • Collaborations with research institutes;

  • Diverse employment options as a student, such as: working in government offices (such as the Water Authority and the Ministry of Energy);

  • Preparation for advanced degrees that will open to you up additional employment options and a deepening in the field.

     

Preparatory program in chemistry and mathematics

The studies in 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 fields which are essential for success in the field.

Therefore, we strongly recommend to any student interested in studying in the Department of Geology to participate 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:

  • 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 is:

  • To teach basic tools in chemistry and mathematics;

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

  • To facilitate the study process and provide a significant advantage for what is to come.

The course 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 for a master's degree already during the third year of their studies. 

 

Advisors in the department

Prof. Carynelisa Haspel | carynelisa.haspel@mail.huji.ac.il

 

  

Common Questions

What is the difference between a single major and a double major in terms of the scope of studies?

In a single major track, you will study all the compulsory courses of the department you have chosen, and you can also choose elective courses from the same department. The scope of studies in this track ranges from 144 to 155 credits, depending on the specific track. 

In a double major track, you may be required to study fewer compulsory courses in each department and you can take elective courses from the two majors you have chosen. The scope of studies in this track varies between 144 and 165 credits, depending on the program of studies that you have chosen.

For more details on all the tracks and the scope of studies, you can visit the website of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Faculty of Natural Sciences

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.