Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Sustainable Agriculture Solutions - Summer Program
- Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Sde Boker, Israel
Summer Course
DURATION
26 days
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 2,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* includes accommodation, meals, transportation from/to the airport, and tuition
Key Summary
The course will use an integrated academic perspective to provide students access to cutting-edge knowledge and technology related to agricultural practices for improving food and water use worldwide, particularly in the face of global desertification.
Additionally, it offers selected students exceptional opportunities to pursue a combination of basic and applied research in agricultural and environmental topics. The course is composed of three tracks: soil and irrigation, plants under abiotic stress, and aquaculture, with emphasis on practical aspects and integration among them. Field and laboratory work will provide hands-on experiences to be presented by the students in a concluding seminar.
The Program will include cultural events during which students will have the opportunity to socialize with local students. Weekly tours will expose the students to Israeli culture and history.
Applicants may apply for scholarships:
- Full funding: award of $1700. A non-refundable $300 tuition cost will be paid by the participant.
- Half funding: award of $1000.
- Partial funding: award of $500.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
The Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Summer Course at Ben-Gurion University's Sde Boker campus is an intensive four-week program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in sustainable agriculture. The curriculum is structured around four key areas:
- Soil and Atmosphere: Examining the interactions between soil health and atmospheric conditions to develop sustainable land management practices.
- Plants Under Abiotic and Biotic Stresses: Investigating plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, pests, and diseases, with a focus on enhancing resilience and productivity.
- Aquaculture (Fish and Microalgae): Exploring sustainable fish farming techniques and the utilization of microalgae as a resource for food and bioenergy.
- Precision Agriculture: Applying advanced technologies to optimize agricultural practices, improve resource use efficiency, and increase crop yields.
Students will engage in comprehensive frontal lectures complemented by hands-on field and laboratory work, providing practical experience in each area.
Beyond the academic components, the course includes cultural events and weekly tours, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Israeli culture and history while interacting with local students.
This holistic approach ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and cultural insights, preparing them to contribute effectively to sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.