Quantitative Biology
Members of the Silberman Institute of Life Sciences faculty, together with the Center for Bioengineering, and the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are proud to announce a new International Program in Quantitative Biology. This program is intended for study-abroad students in their second or third year of University, who wish to spend a semester or an academic year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel.
The exponential growth in scientific, biotechnological and medical knowledge over the last decade has shown the power of integrated multidisciplinary approaches to solve emerging challenges in biology and medicine. This new paradigm transcends traditional boundaries between classical disciplines, such as biology, physics, engineering and computer science, offering an integrated approach to the study of biology and the translation of basic biology to biotechnological and medical applications.
The program offers a unique hands-on guided laboratory research experience that is integrated with bleeding edge courses in three sub-fields: Molecular Neuroscience, Bioengineering, and Systems Biology. Research projects and courses will focus on the fundamental understanding of cellular decision-making in health and disease. Research projects range from the mapping of transcriptional networks, innovative human-on-a-chip devices, high-speed 3-dimensional and super-resolution imaging, to developmental biology and micro-environmental control of bacterial populations.
In addition to the academic program, participants benefit from a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, cultural and social events, lectures and more. Students are housed in the modern Scopus Student Village, adjacent to the Mount Scopus campus.
For students who are set to graduate, or have already completed their undergraduate study, we offer an additional year-long research-only QuantitativeBio Research program. This program is extremely competitive, and there are usually only a few spots available. Students are expected to have at least a B+ GPA and to have some basic research experience in a lab setting. Admission is based on transcripts and letters of recommendation. To inquire about availability please contact the Academic Director of the Quantitative Biology international program.
The exponential growth in scientific, biotechnological and medical knowledge over the last decade has shown the power of integrated multidisciplinary approaches to solve emerging challenges in biology and medicine. This new paradigm transcends traditional boundaries between classical disciplines, such as biology, physics, engineering and computer science, offering an integrated approach to the study of biology and the translation of basic biology to biotechnological and medical applications.
The program offers a unique hands-on guided laboratory research experience that is integrated with bleeding edge courses in three sub-fields: Molecular Neuroscience, Bioengineering, and Systems Biology. Research projects and courses will focus on the fundamental understanding of cellular decision-making in health and disease. Research projects range from the mapping of transcriptional networks, innovative human-on-a-chip devices, high-speed 3-dimensional and super-resolution imaging, to developmental biology and micro-environmental control of bacterial populations.
In addition to the academic program, participants benefit from a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, cultural and social events, lectures and more. Students are housed in the modern Scopus Student Village, adjacent to the Mount Scopus campus.
For students who are set to graduate, or have already completed their undergraduate study, we offer an additional year-long research-only QuantitativeBio Research program. This program is extremely competitive, and there are usually only a few spots available. Students are expected to have at least a B+ GPA and to have some basic research experience in a lab setting. Admission is based on transcripts and letters of recommendation. To inquire about availability please contact the Academic Director of the Quantitative Biology international program.
Admission Requirements
Typical applicants will have completed two or three years of coursework at their home institution. Candidates must have at least a 3.2 ("B") grade-point average and are strongly encouraged to complete the following courses, or their equivalent, at their home institutions:
· Intro to Molecular Biology
· Intro to Cell Biology
· Physics: Mechanics or Electricity and Magnetism
· Calculus
· Computer Programming
Candidates who have not completed these or similar courses are encouraged to get in touch with the QBio program head for consultation.
Knowledge of English: Candidates who did not previously study at an educational institution where the language of instruction was English must submit official TOEFL scores or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score required is 573 on the paper-based test, 230 on the computer-based test or 89 on the Internet-based test. The minimum IELTS score required is 7. Only applicants who have completed a full course of study at an institution where the language of instruction is English, or who completed a degree program in English Language and/or Literature are, are exempt from submitting the TOEFL or IELTS.
Application Process
Application deadline: November, 15 2015 for Spring Semester 2016
April 15, 2016 for Fall Semester 2016
Admission will be based on academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. When applying, please indicate the names of 3 faculty of interest for the guided research project. Application for the program is done online, and decisions will only be finalized after all required documents have been received. The admissions decision-making process takes approximately three weeks after all documentation is received by the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Please contact the Academic Director of the QBio program with questions. For additional information on the application process, see: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/applynow or e-mail:[email protected]
Typical applicants will have completed two or three years of coursework at their home institution. Candidates must have at least a 3.2 ("B") grade-point average and are strongly encouraged to complete the following courses, or their equivalent, at their home institutions:
· Intro to Molecular Biology
· Intro to Cell Biology
· Physics: Mechanics or Electricity and Magnetism
· Calculus
· Computer Programming
Candidates who have not completed these or similar courses are encouraged to get in touch with the QBio program head for consultation.
Knowledge of English: Candidates who did not previously study at an educational institution where the language of instruction was English must submit official TOEFL scores or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score required is 573 on the paper-based test, 230 on the computer-based test or 89 on the Internet-based test. The minimum IELTS score required is 7. Only applicants who have completed a full course of study at an institution where the language of instruction is English, or who completed a degree program in English Language and/or Literature are, are exempt from submitting the TOEFL or IELTS.
Application Process
Application deadline: November, 15 2015 for Spring Semester 2016
April 15, 2016 for Fall Semester 2016
Admission will be based on academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. When applying, please indicate the names of 3 faculty of interest for the guided research project. Application for the program is done online, and decisions will only be finalized after all required documents have been received. The admissions decision-making process takes approximately three weeks after all documentation is received by the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Please contact the Academic Director of the QBio program with questions. For additional information on the application process, see: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/applynow or e-mail:[email protected]
Q&A
Program of Study
The program of study includes a mandatory Guided Research Project as well as a course requirement. The courses are organized into 3 sub-fields: Molecular Neuroscience, Bioengineering, and Systems Biology. Students will be required to take one core course and one course of their choosing (either a core course or an elective).
Pre-Semester Intensive Hebrew Language Ulpan (required) (5 credits)
For information regarding the optional pre-semester Summer/Winter Ulpan, tuition and housing fees please check http://overseas.huji.ac.il/hebrew
Guided Project
Research in Quantitative Biology For the duration of study-abroad stay 76131 (10 credits)
The program includes guided research projects in the laboratory of the core faculty. Students will be expected to devote at least 8 hours a week to a research project in bioengineering, systems biology, neuroscience, or biophysics. Students will present their research project in a symposium at the end of the semester.
Core Courses
Molecular Neuroscience
72678 Life and Death of Proteins Spring Semester, Given in 2015 and 2016 (4 credits)
Instructors: Daniel Kaganovich and Dana Reichmann
The course covers protein folding and aggregation from the molecular level to the aging organism. Topics include: chaperone and protein folding, proteomics, quality control pathways, stress response, protein misfolding and aggregation in aging and disease. The class covers several model systems and emerging methodologies.
88805 Biology of Non-coding RNAs Spring Semester, Given in 2015 and 2016 (3 credits)
Instructor: Sebastian Kadener
The course examines these non-coding RNAs and their biological roles from structural, molecular, evolutionary, genomic and quantitative perspectives. The students will become familiar with various types of non-coding RNAs and methods used for the study of these RNAs. They will develop critical reading of scientific publications in the field and the ability to design and perform research of non-coding RNAs.
Systems Biology
76555 Introduction to Systems Biology Spring Semester, Given in 2015 and 2016 (4 credits)
Instructors: Michal Linial, Nir Friedman, and Tommy Kaplan
Introduction to the development and scope of systems biology. Structure, function and control of networks including transcription factor networks, signaling networks and metabolic networks. Elucidating mechanism, pathways and complexes from combinations of high-throughput approaches. Analysis of genetic interactions.
76557 High-Throughput Approaches in Systems Biology Fall Semester, Given in 2015 and 2016 (4 credits)
Instructors: Nir Friedman and Tommy Kaplan
This course focuses on genomic, proteomic and metabolomic technologies, on the resulting databases and on the computational and analytical tools to analyze the data. The essence of the class is to develop a critical view on the gap from the technological part to the interpretation of biological processes.
Bioengineering
76107 From Cells to Artificial Organs Spring Semester, Given in Spring 2017 (3 credits)
Instructor: Yaakov Nahmias
The course covers basic cell culture techniques, structure function relationships, cellular communication, natural and artificial biomaterials, and the basic equations governing cell survival and tissue organization.
76105 Biodesign Innovation Full Year Course, Given in 2017 (13 credits)
Instructor: Yaakov Nahmias
Biodesign innovation is a “real world” course in creating successful medical devices. The course is given over two semesters of one academic year and is composed of frontal lectures, practical trainings, and a guided project. The autumn semester (A) is focused on identifying clinical needs, brainstorming and concept creation, while the spring semester (B) is focused on concept development, and business implementation. Teams of students from medical, engineering, business, and law disciplines will conceive and design an innovative medical device taking it through all steps of development. The teams will create an engineering prototype of their invention, file a provisional patent application, and compose a details business plan. Biodesign innovation is taught by a combination of Hebrew University faculty and medical device entrepreneurs, corporate executives, intellectual property attorneys, and venture capitalists. As such, it provides a unique opportunity to gain real world experience while still in an academic environment.
This course is usually reserved for graduate students. Participation is only possible pending approval of the instructor.
Electives
86896 The Biology of Aging Spring Semester, Given in 2016 and 2017 (2 credits)
Instructors: Daniel Kaganovich and guest lecturers
This class will familiarize students with the current views on the molecular and cellular pathways involved in aging, rejuvenation, and aging-related diseases.
76937 The Biological Basis of Neurodegenerative Disease Spring Semester, Given in 2014 and 2015 (2 credits)
Instructors: Hermona Soreq and Sebastian Kadener
This class will familiarize students with the current views on the molecular and cellular pathways involved in Neurodegenerative Diseases and on their
impact and relevance in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
76949 The Degenerating Brain: From Research to Hope Spring Semester, Given in 2014 and 2015 (2 credits)
Instructors: Hermona Soreq and Sebastian Kadener
This class will familiarize students with the current views on the molecular and cellular pathways involved in Neurodegenerative Diseases and on their
impact and relevance in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
88839 Biology of the Nucleus Spring Semester, Given in 2014, not given in 2015 (2 credits)
Instructor: Yosef Gruenbaum and Eran Meshorer
The aim of this course is to present exciting examples of recent studies, to offer perspectives on future developments and highlight the existing conceptual and technical problems. The topics covered include: nuclear organization and chromatin structure, epigenetic regulation of chromatin, chromatin organization during meiosis, chromatin and the nuclear envelope, nuclear bodies, RNA dynamics and distribution, the nucleolus and bioinformatics in the genome era.
76106 Introduction of BioMEMS Fall Semester, Given in Fall 2014 (2 credits)
Instructor: Yaakov Nahmias
Introduction to nanotechnology, microfabrication and microfluidics. The course will cover human-on-chip devices, lab-on-chip devices, sensors and cellular micro-patterning, with specific focus on applications in system biology, cell biology and medicine.
77874 Analysis of Biological Systems Fall Semester, Given in Fall 2014 (4 credits)
Instructor: Nathalie Balaban
The course focuses on experiments and models in biological physics from the molecular to the network levels. Topics include: reactions kinetics, diffusion, gene regulation, feedback mechanism, noise reduction and oscillations. The course includes a laboratory module.
76550 Seminar in Computer Science and Computational Biology Fall Semester, Given in Fall 2014 and 2016 (2 credits)
Instructors: Michal Linial, Nir Friedman, and Tommy Kaplan
General overview of Computational Biology, Systems Biology, and Genomics. The course will give students the tools to approach current state-of-the-art topics, understand scientific literature, and develop critical evaluation skills.
92703 The road to successful publications Spring Semester, Given in 2014 and 2015 (4 credits)
Instructors: Hermona Soreq and Guest lecturers
This class will guide students through the process of preparing and writing scientific articles, based on critical reading of exemplary papers in the different disciplines of life sciences research. In addition, the class will discuss other aspects of preparing a scientific publication, such as preparing appropriate items of presentation (Figures, tables), selecting supplementary materials, preparing thoughtful letters to the editor, selecting appropriate journals for submission and dealing with reviewers’ critique. To enrich the class and its relevance to diverse life sciences fields, invited leading researchers will present several different approaches of scientific writing in specific sub-disciplines and inter-disciplinary topics. In addition to lectures, this course will include tutorials where the various aspects of article writing will be taught.
Additional Electives
Students may choose courses in Religious, Israel and Middle Eastern Studies, Brain and Behavioral Sciences and Business, as well as Hebrew or Arabic languages. For course options see course catalogue. For further information on social activities, the sports center and health insurance click here
Faculty
Nathalie Balaban is the head of the Hebrew University Biophysics program and the winner of an ERC starting grant. Her work elucidates the basics of bacterial response to antibiotics, using advanced microdevices and automated imaging.
Amnon Buxboim is a member of the Cell and Developmental Biology and Bioengineering program at the Hebrew University. His work pioneers the study of nano-mechanics in cells and the effect of physical forces of cellular regulation.
Ami Citri is a member of the Genetics program of the Hebrew University. His work studies the neural circuitry of addiction in mice.
Nir Friedman is the winner of the Bruno award and a prestigious ERC advanced grant, and is the founder of the Hebrew University Systems Biology program. His state-of-the-art robotic facility uncovers the fundamentals of DNA regulatory networks in yeast.
Daniel Kaganovich is the academic director of the international program for Quantitative Biology. He is a member of the Cell and Developmental Biology program at the Hebrew University and the winner of an ERC starting grant. His work studies protein folding and dynamics in living cells using 4D imaging and super resolution microscopy.
Sebastian Kadener is a member of the systems biology program at the Hebrew University and the winner of a Human Frontiers career development award and an ERC consolidator grant. His work elucidates the molecular mechanism of circadian rhythms in flies and embryonic stem cells.
Tommy Kaplan is a member of the Systems Biology program of the Hebrew University, and a winner of the 2009 GE & Science Prize for young life scientists. His work uses advanced computational tools to elucidate the role of chromatin packaging in transcriptional regulation during early development and in disease.
Michal Linial is the director of the Hebrew University Center for Computational Biology and the Israeli Institute of Advanced Studies. Her work is focused on proteomic and genomic approaches in the study of nerve development and plasticity.
Eran Meshorer is a member of the Genetics program of the Hebrew University and the winner of an ERC starting grant. His work explores chromatin regulation in pluripotent and differentiating human cells.
Yaakov Nahmias is the director of the Hebrew University Center for Bioengineering and is the recipient of a prestigious NIH career award as well as an ERC starting grant. His work weaves together advanced tissue engineering with micro technology in the study of the liver.
Dana Reichmann is a member of the Biochemistry program of the Hebrew University. Her work explores protein folding quality control and stress.
Elion Sherman is a member of the Biophysics program of the Hebrew University, and the winner of NCI director innovation award 2010 and 2011. His work is focused on super-resolution microscopy, aiming to unravel protein-protein interactions and cellular communication.
Hermona Soreq is a member of the Biological Chemistry program and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, at the Hebrew University. She is the winner of an ERC advanced grant, and a Humboldt Foundation Award. The work of the Soreq lab is focused on understanding the role of microRNAs in stress response in the brain. The lab is also a pioneer in biomedical interventions in neurodegenerative disease and brain trauma.
Ady Vaknin is a member of the Biophysics program of the Hebrew University. His work spans quantitative analysis of signal processes in bacteria using advanced live cell imaging.
Alon Zaslaver is a member of the Genetics program of the Hebrew University and the winner of an ERC starting grant. His work explores the function of neuronal circuitry in C. elegans.
Additional Programs
Candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education are eligible for admission to a post-graduation research-only program. Admission is competitive and is based on transcripts and letters of recommendation. Students who have completed their undergraduate degree may come for one semester but are encouraged to come for a full year and to focus on a serious research project.