Microbiology is among the most popular subjects after BiPC and is an important field of Biology that studies the study of fungi, bacteria virus, as well as other microorganisms that can’t be observed with eyesight. Microbiologists identify and study the behaviors of microbes under certain circumstances and the effect they may have on the environment. Incorporating elements from many other disciplines, including immunology, genetics, as well as molecular biology the field of Microbiology is enormous. Check out this blog to learn everything you need to know about microbiology, its branches of study, career opportunities and courses, pay jobs, and more!
Branches of Microbiology
As we have discussed, the field of Microbiology is extremely broad since it is comprised of various subspecializations that encompass various aspects of the subject. These are some of the sought-after fields of microbiology:
| Branch | What Does it Study? |
| Bacteriology | Bacteria |
| Mycology | Fungi |
| Protozoology | Protozoa |
| Phycology | Algae |
| Parasitology | Parasites |
| Immunology | Immune System |
| Virology | Viruses |
In addition the most important areas of Microbiology in terms of application are:
- Soil Microbiology
- Food Microbiology
- Milk Microbiology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Medical Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Gem Microbiology
Scope of Microbiology
Microbiologists are currently in high demand across a variety of industries and fields all over the world. They are not restricted to only one of them, here are the most sought-after fields and areas in which the importance of microbiology is evidently large:
- Food Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Genetic Engineering
- Biotechnology for Agrochemistry
- Boards for pollution control
- Biorefineries
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Research Centres
- Forensic Labs
Food Microbiology
Food industry microorganisms are utilized in the preparation of different food products like cheese, pickles and alcohol, bread, vinegar and green olives.
Environmental Science
The field of microbiology the field is extensive. From understanding and applying microbes to understanding and using microbes(primary breakers) and bioremediation, to the control of pests, microbiologists are able to tackle a variety of problems that are prevalent in this area.
Healthcare Sector
Bacteria and other microbes are utilized to produce diverse Antibiotics and synthesize vitamins , which is vital to our bodies. They also are used in gene therapy to treat genetic disorders. This is the reason the field of microbiology in this area is growing.
Genetic Engineering
The field of microbiology within the field is huge due to the rising popularity of the discipline. The microbes’ genes can be altered to make beneficial and valuable substances like hormones, enzymes and more.
Careers in Microbiology
With the growing awareness of the value of Microbiology numerous people are rushing to this field to study one of the lucrative courses that are available after the 12th science. These are the top jobs in Microbiology:
| Career | Salary |
| Biotechnlologist | 4,80,000 INR |
| Food Microbiologist | 5,00,000 INR |
| Medicinal Chemist | 5,50,000 INR |
| Pharmacologist | 8,00,000 INR |
| Immunologist | 15,50,000 INR |
| Mycologist | 4,33,536 INR |
| Microbiologist | 3,12,740 INR |
| Biomedical scientist | 5,81,325 INR |
| Professor | 4,30,797 INR |
| Water quality laboratory technician | 1,83,126 INR |
| Food technologist/Scientist | 7,50,000 INR |
| Cosmetic Scientists | 4,70,400 INR |
| Clinical Research Associate | 3,44,254 INR |
| Sales or technical representative | 4,30,000 INR |
| Research assistant | 3,73,000 INR |
| Clinical and veterinary Microbiologist | 6,75,078 INR |
| Ouality assurance technologists | 5, 54,000 INR |
Biotechnologist
In order to develop and develop items that are able to be utilized in numerous applications Biotechnologists conduct an extensive study of the chemical, physical and genetic properties of microbes. They also create easy-to-use products. From pharmaceutics and agriculture to food science and genetics the field of microbiology when working as biotechnologist can be broad.
Food Microbiologist
When discussing the scope of microbiology food microbiologist is one profile that is highly sought-after. They work to reduce foodborne illness by conducting extensive studies on the microbes that cause disease and their environment, the packaging of food items, food poisoning, laws and regulations, etc. They can be employed in educational institutions, NGO’s as well as private and government agencies, etc . under this particular profile. You can also increase your skills by taking an employment in food Biotechnology or related fields.
Medicinal Chemist
To identify ways to develop, design and optimize the effectiveness of drugs made from chemical compounds medical chemists play a important role in the field of pharmaceuticals. As a Medical Chemist is a broad field of microbiology does not just limit itself to the development of new formulations for drugs and also involves the creation of new methods by which drugs are made. If you are looking to pursue the foundation for a Career in Biochemistry it could be the ideal job.
Pharmacologist
As we have discussed, the application of microbiology isn’t limited to a few particular fields, but can be utilized across other industries as well. A pharmacologist is a career where microbiologists are highly sought-after. Finding and studying the connections between living and non-living substances in order to create new medicines is the major task of these experts.
Nanotechnologist
There are applications for nanotechnology in nearly every field, nanotechnology courses comprise elements of biology, chemistry, physics and pharmacology, microbiology etc. From finding solutions for infectious diseases to wastewater treatment and water treatment the range of Microbiology when working as an expert in Nanotechnology is huge.
Technical Brewer
In the industry of beer production technical brewers are the highest-ranking professionals who, with their technical and managerial skills supervise, control and manage the equipment and process of brewing. These experts must be proficient in terms related to microbiology, biochemistry, and so on.
Marine Biologist
Marine biologists are a person who is interested in marine life and can identify the factors that disrupt the same. With a variety of microorganisms, such as algae, fungi, and bacteria being an integral element of marine life biologists study the physiological and behavioral functions for various species of the marine. They may also study taxonomy and fossil microbiology.
Clinical Scientist
Employed in clinics, hospitals as well as laboratories as well as research institutions, scientists try to make use of their expertise in the fields of medicine and biomedical research. They aid in the development of living organisms and also develop new treatments and medicines for it. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide on how to become Scientist!
Biomedical Scientist
Typically working in the labs Biomedical scientists work with healthcare professionals like pharmacists or doctors to detect and treat various illnesses by analyzing different biopsies, fluids, and other types of samples.
Forensic Scientist
The field of microbiology can also be apparent when it comes to Forensic Sciences. These experts utilize scientific and analytical expertise and techniques to analyze the evidence of crime scene and create legal statements for courts. They are usually involved in laboratory analysis or investigation of crime scenes.
Applications of Microbiology
- Microbiology is among the most extensive and complex of biological sciences since it covers a variety of biological disciplines.
- Apart from investigating the microbiology of microbes it also examines every aspect of human-microbe and environmental interactions. These interactions encompass biology, genetics, metabolism and disease, as well as infection, immunology, chemotherapy as well as industry, genetic engineering and agriculture.
The environment
- Microbes play a role in the cycle of nitrogen, carbon and as well as phosphorus (geochemical cycles)
- Help to maintain the balance of nature on Earth
- They can be found in associations with plants in symbiotic relations that help to maintain soil fertility. They could also be used to rid the earth of toxic substances (bio-remediation).
- Some plant pathogens can be devastating Others act as biological agents to fight these diseases.
Medicine
- The ability to cause disease in certain microbes like
- The Small Pox (Variola virus)
- Cholera (Vibrio cholera)
- Malaria (Plasmodium, protozoa) etc.
- They also provide us with the means to their control through antibiotics, as well as other medically significant medications.
Food
- Microorganisms have been utilized to make food items, starting with wine and brewing through cheese production, bread making, up to the manufacture Soy Sauce.
- Microbes also contribute to food spoilage.
Biotechnology
- Commercial applications comprise the production of acetone, organic acids, alcohols, enzymes, and a variety of other drugs.
- Genetic engineering is the process by which bacteria create important therapeutic substances like insulin and human growth hormone and interferon.
Research
- Due to their simplicity, they are simpler to study biological processes in monocellular organisms, compared to multicellular organisms that are complex.
- Many copies of a single cell are produced in huge numbers, in a short time and at a low cost. This can provide lots of homogenous material for experiments.
- Since they reproduce extremely quickly, they can be useful in studies that involve transfers of information genetically.
Future of Microbiology
- Future challenges will include coming up with new ways to fight diseases, cut pollution and feed the world’s growing population.
- AIDS hemorrhagic fevers, hemorrhagic fevers, and other infections
- Develop new medicines, vaccines and vaccines. Utilize the methods of molecular biology or rDNA to address the issues
- Host-pathogen relationships
- Examine the role of microorganisms in
- Food sources of top quality as well as other useful products like enzymes for industrial applications
- Degrade toxic and harmful wastes and pollutants
- As vectors for treating ailments and increase the productivity of agricultural crops.
Microbiology Courses
After you have become familiar with the most important career paths and the opportunities to and benefit from the broad scope of Microbiology Here are the top undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs you can pursue within this field.
| Education Level | Courses in Microbiology |
| Bachelor’s Level | BSc Hons Biology (Microbiology) BSc Microbiology BSc in Applied Microbiology BSc in Industrial Microbiology BSc in Food Microbiology BSc in Clinical Microbiology BSc in Cell & Molecular Biology |
| Master’s Level | Master of Applied Science (Microbiology) Master’s in Drug Delivery and Microbiology (Research) MSc in Clinical Microbiology MSc in Medical Microbiology Master’s in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Master’s in Microbiology MSc in Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics |
| Doctorate Level | PhD in Microbiology DMed in Medical Microbiology PhD in Drug Delivery and Microbiology (Research) PhD in Microbiology & Immunology |
Eligibility Criteria
Here are the essential qualifications for an entry-level job in Microbiology:
- To be eligible for Microbiology courses that start after 12th grade applicants must have passed 10+2 and Science specifically BiPC subjects.
- To take Microbiology classes at the Master’s degree level, you need completed a qualification or a master’s degree in Biology, Microbiology or any related field. Universities in India may also request scores of NEET JIPMER/AIIMS PG/PG, etc.
- If you plan to pursue Microbiology courses outside of the United States it is possible that you will have to submit the ACT/SAT score for bachelor’s-level courses, as well as GRE results for master’s courses. In addition, you will need to submit English proficiency scores such as IELTS/TOEFL or TOEFL, etc. along with the SOP along with LORs.
Top Universities for Microbiology Programs
In addition to providing a safe learning environment and a quality education, the following institutions all over the world are well-known for their top-quality education infrastructure. Furthermore, with their well-structured classes and exposure to industry that provides greater understanding of theories, the range of microbiology expands.
- Harvard University
- Imperial College London
- University of Tokyo
- University of California -Berkeley
- Yale University
- University of Cambridge
- The University of Queensland
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of Hong Kong
- McGill University
- University of Oxford
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- University of Copenhagen
- Seoul National University