ABOUT MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology is the study of microscopically-small living organisms such as bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae. Microbes are impossible to observe with the naked eye, they constitute up 60% of all living matter on Earth. They have huge impact on other living organisms. Microbiology is a vast and multidisciplinary field which overlaps with other life sciences such as genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and even engineering. It aims to gain and expand fundamental understanding of microorganisms by studying their morphology, metabolism, physiology, reproduction and genetics, while others investigate their interactions with other organisms and role in ecology. 

WHY IS MICROBIOLOGY IMPORTANT?

Activities and interactions of different microbes are vitally important to all processes on Earth and playing key roles in nutrient cycling, biodegradation, climate change, food spoilage, as well as the cause and control of disease. 

Microbiology research has been a key to address many of the historical and current global challenges, such as maintaining food, water and energy security for a healthy population on a habitable earth. Fundamental microbial knowledge has led to the development numerous medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other biotechnology applications that benefit mankind. 

By applying microbes in a range of controlled settings, microbiologists can harness their power for beneficial use in areas as diverse as healthcare, food production and agriculture. 

The Microbiology Society sum up the importance of the field:

“Microbiology research has been and continues to be, central to meeting many of the current global aspirations and challenges, such as maintaining food, water and energy security for a healthy population on a habitable earth. Microbiology research will also help to answer big questions such as 'how diverse is life on Earth?', and 'does life exist elsewhere in the Universe'?”

The essential ongoing work of microbiologists includes making agriculture more sustainable, cleaning up pollution, manufacturing biofuels, and processing food and drink. With the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and global pandemics on the rise, microbiologists are also helping to produce the vital life-saving drugs that many people around the world rely on for survival.

AREAS OF MICROBIOLOGY

Agricultural microbiology – try to combat plant diseases that attack important food crops, work on methods to increase soil fertility and crop yields etc. Currently there is a great interest in using bacterial or viral insect pathogens as substitute for chemical pesticides.

Microbial ecology – biogeochemical cycles – bioremediation to reduce pollution effects

Food and dairy microbiology – try to prevent microbial spoilage of food and transmission of food borne diseases such as botulism and salmonellosis. Use microorganisms to make foods such as cheese, yogurt, pickles and beers.

Industrial microbiology – used to make products such as antibiotics, vaccines, steroids, alcohols and other solvents, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes.

Microbial physiology and Biochemistry – study the synthesis of antibiotics and toxins, microbial energy production, microbial nitrogen fixation, effects of chemical and physical agents on microbial growth and survival etc.

Microbial genetics and Molecular biology – nature of genetic information and how it regulated the development and function of cells and organisms. Development of new microbial strains that are more efficient in synthesizing useful products.

Genetic engineering – arisen from work of microbial genetics and molecular biology. Engineered microorganisms are used to make hormones, antibiotics, vaccines and other products. New genes can be inserted into plants and animals.

 Eligibility Criteria for B. Sc. Microbiology Course: 

12th H.S.C. passed with Science (Group AB or B) from Gujarat Board / Any recognized Board.

Eligibility Criteria for M. Sc. Microbiology Course: 

Passed graduation in B.Sc. Microbiology/Medical Technology/Biotechnology.

After B.Sc./M.Sc. Microbiology

Job Profiles:

Employment Areas: