Dear Students,
This page is intended to provide you with relevant information about the unique inter-university courses held at the institute.

Inter-University Academic Courses in Marine Sciences

Each year, the institute offers inter-university academic courses in marine sciences, primarily intended for graduate students from all institutions of higher education in Israel and from various faculties (depending on the course topic). These are intensive courses lasting 6 to 10 days, including accommodations at the institute. All courses include a practical component, such as fieldwork at sea—sampling, surveys, etc.

Course Format

Courses are held in Eilat over a period of 6 to 10 days. Some courses include a preliminary and/or concluding meeting at one of the central universities in Israel. Courses include lectures, observations, experiments, and material collection in the field (cruises, snorkeling, diving) and in the lab, as well as seminars, data analysis, and discussions.
Final grades are determined based on a multiple-choice exam and/or a research project carried out by the students and/or participation assessment. In courses where the final grade is based on a final exam, no alternative exam date (“Moed B”) will be offered. Final grades are submitted to the department office of the student's home institution, conditional on full participation in all course components (lectures, labs, pre-seminars, etc.) from start to finish.

Teaching Staff

The teaching staff of the inter-university courses includes lecturers who are researchers from various institutions of higher education in Israel. Occasionally, expert researchers from Israeli research institutes and foreign universities also participate. The integration of lecturers from different institutions in one course is unique in Israel.
The teaching assistants are graduate students conducting their research at the Eilat institute and are considered resident students. These students also belong to various higher education institutions in Israel.

Academic Credit for Courses

The academic credit granted for participation in the courses is determined solely by the students’ home universities. The table below outlines the credit granted by each university. Students are advised to verify the credit allocation with their institution before the course begins.

Teaching Facilities

Courses are conducted in the Education Building at the institute, which contains several labs equipped with modern research equipment including microscopes, stereoscopes, various field instruments for environmental measurements, analytical tools for chemical and biological measurements, and internet-connected computers for data processing. Wireless internet is also available.
The institute has a library containing professional marine science journals.
A research vessel equipped with advanced oceanographic tools is available for use in the courses. The institute also has a diving center with professional diving gear.

Diving in Courses

Student dives during the courses will only take place as required by the course.
All dives will be conducted according to the institute’s diving regulations.
Authorization to dive at the institute requires:

  1. Certified diver (according to level) with valid diving insurance.

  2. Completion of a refresher dive before the course, if necessary – the institute does not offer refresher dives!

  3. Successful completion of the institute’s diving exam, including basic diving skills assessment.

  4. Signing a health declaration and liability waiver form.

To participate in diving as part of the course, students must provide:

  1. Diving certification

  2. Valid diving insurance

  3. Dive logbook

  4. Copies of diving certification and insurance

Note: Diving insurance may be purchased at the institute (credit card only).

Safety and Conduct Guidelines

All students participating in activities at the inter-university institute must comply with its safety guidelines and course conduct rules. By participating in the course, students agree to abide by these rules.

Accommodation and Living Conditions

"Beit Dor," located on the institute’s premises, serves as accommodation for instructors and students participating in the courses. The facility includes shared rooms with 4–5 beds, a bathroom, and a shower. There are several equipped kitchens (with prior coordination, kosher kitchenware sets can be provided).
Room keys and bedding are provided upon arrival at the institute, either through Karen Madmoni, the housing coordinator, or through the security guard (available 24/7).
Food is not available for purchase at the institute. The institute arranges transportation for student representatives to purchase groceries in the city according to the course schedule.
Students may dine at the nearby Underwater Observatory at reasonable prices.

What to Bring to the Course

Students must bring food for the first day of the course.
It is mandatory to bring long pants and closed-toe shoes for work in the labs and on the research vessel.
Additionally, students should bring towels, swimwear, shoes suitable for walking and swimming in the sea, a hat, and sunscreen. If possible, bring snorkeling/diving gear.

Useful Links

  • Information on course registration and admission

  • Credit points by institution

  • Course registration system

  • FAQs about courses at the institute

  • Safety guidelines and conduct rules

  • Diving regulations at the institute

For More Information and Inquiries:

Ms. Sivan Yakar
Teaching Department Secretariat
Phone: +972-8-6360177
Fax: +972-8-6360193
Email: sivan.yakar@mail.huji.ac.il
P.O. Box 469, Eilat, 8810302, Israel