MICROBIOLOGY, one of the fastest growing areas of science, is the study of organisms so small that they must be viewed with a microscope. These organisms are primarily bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses. Many of the most importance scientific discovers of the recent years have been made by microbiologists: since 1910, one-third of the Nobel Prizes in the machines and physiological have been awarded to microbiologists. They are concerned with the welfare of humankind, concentrating not only on aspects of host-microbial interactions influencing disease and immunity, but also on ecological concerns impacting food production and the environment.

In demand
There is a great demand for microbiologists in a number of sectors. Graduates with specialization in microbiology find positions in the areas of medical, agriculture, food, industrial, pharmaceutical microbiology, microbial genetics or physiology. They can become teachers, science writers, technical librarians, or managers in scientific companies. Some of these professions require advanced degrees. Specialization in microbiology is designed to furnish necessary experience in academic and practical skills to prepare graduate for continuing graduate education in pure or applied biological sciences.

Research on microorganisms has contributed considerably to the understanding of important cellular processes humans, animals and plants, and has also allowed us control to diseases caused by microorganisms. Microorganisms are being exploited in biotechnology to produce e.g. medical drugs and can be designed to be active ingredients in function food, or to remediate pollutants from the environment.

Job opportunities
As a biotechnologist you have numerous job opportunities in different sectors.

Microbiologists work in hospitals in pathology/cytology laboratories.

In the pharmaceutical industries opportunities exist in the R&D division. In agricultural research microbiologists are recruited for conducting research.

Microbiology and immunology provide major inputs to biotechnology and hence several organizations involved in biotechnological research opportunities.

In the government sector, you can get the job in the Department of Microbiology, and employment opportunities are offered by a number of agriculture and horticulture institutes.

Market divisions of some industries also require the services of microbiologists.

Career profile
Bacteriologists: Study bacteria, bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.

Biochemists: Study organisms – how organisms obtain energy, consumes nutrients and reproduces.

Biotechnologists: Manipulate genes in order to modify microorganisms. Their work has produced novel organisms that make new products for human use. (i.e. insulin, medicine, grocery store items).

Cell biologists: Explore the actions of molecules on and in the cell. Their investigations determine how micro organisms and cell function.

Environmental scientists: investigate the effects of biological, chemical, and geophysical activity in the environment. Their studies provide information necessary for helping humanity cope with the consequences of life.

Geneticist: the language of the life is written with four letters, A, C, G, and T each letter taken by itself is meaningless. But together the letter creates a code of life. Geneticists study the process by which organisms inherit and transmit genetic information.

Immunologists: Investigate the body’s defence against disease. To answer basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.

Mycologists: Explore the various uses the models and yeasts for the production of antibiotics as well as food.

Parasitologists: Investigate the complex life cycles of and adaptations made by organisms which depend on other organisms for survival.

Science writers: write article for the general public as well as for microbiology professionals. They must have a through understanding of language, grammar and science.

Teachers: Educate students about the usefulness and uniqueness of micro organisms.

Virologists: Study viruses and bacteriophages. Virologists are interested in how viruses change and are always on the alert for new types.

Eligibility
A large number of institutes in India offer diploma, graduate, post-graduates and Ph.D. courses in microbiology.
Eligibility for BSc. Course: Plus II with the life science/microbiology.