Microbiology is a dynamic sub-discipline that is pertinent to everybody with numerous degrees of training and to experts in a wide range of fields. The activities of microorganisms are crucial to virtually every process on Earth. Microorganisms matter since they influence each part of our lives.

The study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa is known as microbiology. Fundamental research into the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and clinical aspects of microorganisms is included in this field. Maintaining food, water, and energy security for a healthy population on a habitable planet are just a few of the current global aspirations and challenges that microbiology research has played a crucial role in addressing.

Other degree areas of biology, such as molecular biology, genetics, and immunology, overlap with microbiology. Because microbiology is involved in a variety of fields like pharmacy, medicine, clinical research, agriculture, the water industry, and nanotechnology, its scope is enormous.

Study Levels:

There are numerous bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in this field. The courses can be taken by students at any level, from bachelor's to doctoral. The courses that can be taken in the field of microbiology are listed below:

• B.Sc in Microbiology
• B.Sc in Genetics
• B.Sc in Microbiology and Immunology
• B.Sc in Biology
• B.Sc Dairy Manufacturing – Microbiology
• B.Sc in Biology – Biomedical Sciences
• B.Sc in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
• BSc Clinical Microbiology
• M.Sc in Molecular Biology, Microbiology
• Master in Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology
• Master in Molecular Biology and Environmental Microbiology
• M.Sc in Microbiology
• M.Sc in Microbiology and Physiochemistry
• M.Sc in Interdepartmental Microbiology
• Master in Microbial Biology
• Master in Agro-industrial Microbiology
• PhD in Microbiology

Specialisations:

Microbiology encompasses a variety of aspects of medicine, virology, pharmacy, and other domains, presents enormous opportunities across a variety of industries. Seeking a postgraduate certificate and having some expertise in a specific region is vital for advancing job prospects, especially as a Microbiologist. Students will learn about a wide range of topics throughout the course because this is such a vast field of study. Some are mandatory, while others are available as concentrations that allow you to specialize in a subfield. The following are the various specializations that fall under this sub-discipline:

• Applied Microbiology
• Agricultural Microbiology
• Environmental microbiology
• Evolutionary Microbiology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Immunology
• Nano Microbiology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Cellular Microbiology
• Microbial Physiology
• Soil Microbiology
• Molecular Genetics
• Veterinary Microbiology
• Virology Bioinformatics
• Water Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Employability:

Microbiology is a broad field with applications in a variety of sectors. Considering increasing concerns regarding bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases, microbiologists are in high demand in many different industries. Numerous advanced diagnostic tools, medical devices, and other tools related to complex biological systems rely heavily on microbiology. Depending upon your level of education and specialisation, positions in a lab can go from Assistant to Director of Research.

Microbiology graduates can work in government, hospitals, public health labs, industrial labs (food, dairy, chemical, pharmaceutical, and genetic engineering companies), and research labs. Graduates in microbiology are valued by employers for their scientific, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. The different career choices include:

• Biotechnologist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Researcher
• Laboratory Technician
• Teacher/Professor
• Biosafety Professional
• Food Technologist
• Microbiologist
• Recombinant DNA technologist
• Immunologist
• Nanotechnologist
• Fermentation technologist
• Cosmetic scientist
• Pharmacologist