MSC in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences includes 5 sub-teaching tracks: Biochemistry, Metabolism, and Endocrinology; Cellular Biology, Immunology, and Cancer Research; Human Genetics (and Human genetics – genetic counseling); Microbiology and Neurobiology.

A Course towards an M.Sc degree is offered in this program. The course includes academic courses (28 credits) + lab research concluded by a written thesis.

Details of Academic Program

The Teaching Division of Biomedical Sciences offers a wide range of specialization tracks, combining research and studies in medical and life sciences with emphasis on understanding the functioning of the human body in situations of health and disease. The program prepares its graduates for teaching and research positions in academic institutions, and research and works in knowledge-intensive industries, hospitals, and healthcare systems.

Areas of expertise include the understanding and translation of the genetic code into development processes, from the molecular-cellular stage to the creation of a complete body, and understanding the functioning of a single cell and systems of the body. Specialization tracks offered in the Teaching Division of Biomedical Sciences are as detailed below.

Biochemistry, Metabolism and Endocrinology Track (6029)

This track brings together researchers from fields of research dealing with a wide range of clinical and basic topics, who study the control of normal and pathological processes. The track provides students with knowledge of genetic, molecular, and cellular control of processes of development, metabolic processes, clinical nutrition, hormonal control, neural migration, and malignant transformation.

Cell Biology, Immunology, and Cancer Research Track (6028)

The objective of the track is to instruct students in the fields of cell biology, tissue organization control, immunology, and cancer research. The track includes three main areas of research from which students can choose courses: 1. Cell biology. 2. Immunology 3. Cancer research

Human Genetics - research track; genetic counseling track (6026)

The research track trains students in the following areas of study and research:

• Gene structure and genome structure (DNA, chromatin, chromosomes, and nucleus)
• Genetic modification (mutation, recombination, transposition)
• Gene expression and control over it (including the control of cell cycle and differentiation)
• Genetics of development processes
• Population genetics
• Human genetics
• Application of genetics in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology

The Genetic counseling track (taught in Hebrew only) (applicable as research or non-research track). Students acquire knowledge in the fields of molecular and human genetics, in clinical aspects of hereditary diseases, and in psychology. In addition, the program includes practical training in genetic counseling.

The genetic counseling track opens every other year, and the number of places offered is limited. Candidates with high academic achievements in their undergraduate studies are eligible to submit candidacy and those found suitable will be invited to an admission interview panel.

Students complete the general program in genetics, with an emphasis in the areas of molecular human genetics, human cytogenetics, embryology, and psychology.

In addition, completion of the following courses is required: a seminar in genetic counseling, a laboratory course in laboratory diagnosis and human genetics, and four months of practical genetic counseling. Training in genetic counseling requires clinical experience and training takes place at the Hadassah University Hospital and at affiliated hospitals. Upon completing successfully the 2 years of academic courses and receiving the MSc degree, the students in this track are required to do a two-year internship through the Ministry of Health, and after completing successfully the internship and board exams, they are eligible for a genetic counselor license.

Microbiology Track (6027)

This track aims to train students in research and teaching in fields of science involving medical microbiology, bacteriology, molecular cell biology, virology, parasitology, applied microbiology and biotechnology, genetic engineering, structural microbiology, computer analysis, and bioinformatics. The track offers a curriculum based on a combination of the biological and medical professions. The program provides graduates with a broad knowledge of issues that are at the forefront of basic research, both applied and medical.

Neurobiology Track (6020)

This track is engaged in integrative multi-disciplinary research of the brain and nervous system. Participating teachers specialize in the research of the brain and nervous system in normal situations and in situations of injury and disease.

The objective is to train students in the basic and medical aspects of research of the human brain and nervous system. Multidisciplinary studies allow a choice of several specialization tracks:

1. Development of the brain and nervous system
2. Cellular and molecular processes in the brain and nervous system
3. Higher functions and neural networks in the brain and nervous system
4. Disease, degeneration, injury, and dysfunction in the brain and nervous system

The Teaching Division of Biomedical Sciences has two main programs for graduate studies towards Masters and Ph.D. degrees.