Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology (without thesis)

The biotechnology industry is a diverse field that operates across a wide spectrum of areas, including the development and production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic tests, food quality improvement, environmental protection, and more. It is a dynamic industry characterized by complex product development processes and stringent regulatory requirements.
The objective of the program is to provide up-to-date knowledge in biotechnology to professionals from the field and related disciplines, and to equip them with practical tools and understanding in two main areas:

• Product Development in the Biotechnology Industry
  In the Israeli biotechnology industry, there is a noticeable shortage of mid-level managers, which limits the full realization of scientific knowledge and its translation into commercial products. The program provides students with management tools, organizational practices, and work methodologies unique to the biotechnology industry. These enable an integrated, industry-oriented perspective encompassing all factors involved in product development and manufacturing
• Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Management
  Israel is an approved and preferred site for conducting clinical trials, and many companies developing new products operate within it. The MSc program in Biotechnology is unique in Israel in offering an academic specialization in this area. The studies contribute both to expanding the scientific foundation and to acquiring the practical knowledge required for managing clinical trials. Graduates of the program can integrate into the establishment and operation of clinical research systems within monitoring and support companies serving the biotechnology industry, or within biotechnology companies themselves.

The program is intended for holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology Engineering, or closely related fields. It addresses the need for biotechnology professionals to broaden and deepen their education and to gain exposure to advanced topics and innovative technologies in the field.
The program is designed for individuals working in industry, companies, hospital laboratories or other biotechnology-related positions. The study format enables students to pursue their studies alongside full-time employment.
The duration of the program is two years. Classes are held twice a week on Thursdays in the afternoon and on Fridays over four semesters. In addition, intensive workshops are held during the summer semester.

Core (Mandatory) Courses
Mandatory courses provide broadening and in-depth knowledge in biotechnology fields (genetic engineering, protein technologies, cells and tissues); foundational courses covering the planning, execution, and regulation of medical research, clinical research, and biotechnology product development; and workshops focusing on commercial, legal, and ethical aspects of biotechnology.

Elective Courses
Elective courses expand the scientific foundation and allow specialization in one of two tracks:

• Product development in the biotechnology industry
• Clinical research and clinical trial management

Final Project
The final project is based on a multidisciplinary work model, as commonly practiced in the biotechnology industry. Students apply the knowledge and tools acquired during the program to develop a biotechnology concept, addressing its scientific, clinical, regulatory, and managerial aspects.
Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a Master of Science degree (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology. To receive the degree, students must complete 45 academic credits.

The courses with numbers are mandatory courses.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Summer Semester (Workshops)

Elective Courses

Elective Courses – Cluster A: Quantitative Courses

• Biostatistics
• Drug Design and Development
• Epidemiology
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Elective Courses – Cluster B: Non-Quantitative Courses

• Biotechnology and the Environment
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Economics of Biotechnological Products
• Marketing of Biotechnological Products
• Planning, and Management of Clinical Trials

Total required credits:
Mandatory courses and workshops: 19 credits
Elective Courses: 20 credits
Final project: 6 credits
Total : 45 credits

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a weighted average grade of 78 or higher, or a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Sciences (Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Biotechnology) with a weighted average grade of 80 or higher
• Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic faculty member
• For non-Hebrew speaking candidates:
  Completion of all of the prerequisite courses listed below, except for the courses marked with * which, if missing, can be completed before or during the first year of the MSc studies
• For Hebrew speaking candidates:
  Completion of all of the prerequisite courses listed below or completion of missing courses before or during the first year of the MSc studies
• The required average grade in prerequisite (bridging) courses is 70 or higher

The list includes courses and course numbers from the Bachelor’s program in Biotechnology Engineering at the College.
Admission to the MSc program is conditional upon prior completion of these courses or equivalent courses at a comparable academic level from recognized academic institutions.
The candidate must send syllabi of the equivalent courses.
Missing courses may be completed in the Department of Biotechnology Engineering.

Chemistry:
41014 – General and Analytical Chemistry 1
41016 – General and Analytical Chemistry 2
41050 – Organic Chemistry 1
41060 – Organic Chemistry 2
51701 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics
41231 – Microbiology
41113 – Cell Biology

Molecular Biology /Genetics and Genetic Engineering:
41163 – Molecular Biology and Introduction to Genetic Engineering
41162 – Molecular Biology Laboratory

Biochemistry:
41305 – Biochemistry
41335 – Metabolism and Enzymology
41180 – Immunology*
51728 – Quality Assurance*
51605 – Introduction to Economics for Engineers*

English Requirement
11058 (43001) – Technical English for Biotechnology, with a grade of 70 or higher

Notes:

1. Courses marked with * : for non-Hebrew speakers, only these courses, if missing, can be completed before or during the first year of the MSc studies.
2. Some MSc elective courses require additional prior knowledge, as detailed in the course syllabi and prerequisite requirements.

List of documents required for registration:

1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) certificate.
2. Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic faculty member.
3.  An up-to-date CV
4. List of courses and grades in the undergraduate degree
5. Syllabi of the completed courses required for admission (listed above) or equivalent courses

Contact person:
Prof. Marei Sammar, Head of the MSc program in Biotechnology