Ecology & Environmental Studies

The long-term destruction of ecological systems has brought ecology, nature conservation, and the study of biodiversity to the top of the scientific and public agenda around the world. Today there is an understanding of the role of biodiversity in maintaining the systems that support life on Earth, as well as the provision of services - economic, agricultural, health, environmental and social - to human society. In order to protect ecological systems in an age of global change, we have to understand the ecology and evolution of living beings, from the gene level to the level of the ecosystem.

Ecologists work in the laboratory and in the field, at universities and in nature and environmental conservation organizations, in government ministries, in education, and in industry. They are involved in a wide range of issues from different disciplines, and aim to understand the set of biological processes that build the components of diversity at the level of the ecosystem. 

At the scientific level, the study of biodiversity is one of the most challenging fields in the science of complexity. The scientists of Tel Aviv University are at the forefront of research of these processes in Israel. The Faculty of Life Sciences has a long tradition of natural history research using research tools from the fields of evolution, genetics, ecology, bio-geography, behavior and physiology, and a unique infrastructure that includes the zoological research gardens, the botanical gardens, and the national natural history collections. In addition, the scientists teaching this program have a long tradition of contributing to society in the fields of nature conservation and environmental protection.

The master's degree track in ecology and environmental studies is appropriate for students wishing to specialize in nature conservation, ecology, and the environment. The program covers a range of issues in ecology, evolution, and nature conservation, and provides students with the advanced tools that are used in these fields, as well as an understanding of the challenges involved in preserving a green world in a situation of global changes. Graduates of the program will be able to continue their studies towards a PhD, or turn to practical work in the relevant fields. The study program includes courses, field trips and workshops.

Employment possibilities for graduates include:

> Research institutes and environmental organizations > The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Nature and Parks Authority > Medical institutes > Drug companies > Agriculture and food companies > Biotechnology industries > Institutes of higher education > The education system, and more.

The Graduate School's basket of required courses (6 semester hours - see details in the Graduate School regulations)

 Basket of required courses of the track:

In addition, students must choose three out of the following six courses:

Basket of elective courses (from among the Graduate School courses and third-year undergraduate courses)

To make up the number of hours required (30 semester hours), students must take courses on ecological issues given in the Faculty from among the Graduate School courses (at least 8 s/h) and third-year undergraduate courses, as well as courses from other faculties.

It is recommended to take at least one course relevant to the track from the following faculties / departments: Geography, Sociology and Anthropology, Engineering, Law, Philosophy of Science, Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.

Thesis program

Students in the track from the departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences must submit a thesis as is customary in these departments.

Graduation procedures

Final paper and final exam - in accordance with the Graduate School regulations and the regulations of the department in which the student is studying.