Microbiology is the branch of biology that deals with the structure, function, uses, and modes of existence of microscopic organisms and their effects on other living organisms. It encompasses numerous sub-disciplines including virology, mycology, parasitology, and bacteriology. As pure microbiology, it encompasses the study of protozoa, bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses, microbes, nematodes, parasites, and immune system.
Apart from pure microbiology, it also includes microbial growth, microbial metabolism and microbial cell structure, the relationship between microorganisms and their environment, micro genetics, cellular microbiology, the study of the evolution of microbes, the study of the genetic relationship of micro-organisms, etc., the study of microorganisms in outer space and the microorganisms on nano level.
There is a wrong notion that micro-organisms are responsible for deadly diseases only. It has many benefits like production of antibiotics, yeast, curd, alcohol, vinegar, vitamins, amino acids and many dairy products. These minute organisms are beneficial in biodegradation of toxic, industrial and domestic wastes also. Micro-organisms also help in aiding digestion.
A student pursuing microbiology at undergraduate level can work in industries like breweries, distilleries, dairy farms, pharmaceutical among many others. Candidates can also pursue post-graduate courses to get better jobs. If he/she is interested in teaching or research work, it is essential to pursue the Ph.D. programme. There are various certificate, diploma and short-term courses in different disciplines of microbiology for jobs at the beginner and intermediate levels. There are specialisation courses in many fields of microbiology like bacteriology, virology, immunology, applied microbiology, microbial biotechnology, medical microbiology, food and dairy microbiology, veterinary and agricultural microbiology, etc.
Eligibility :
10+2 with science including biology / agriculture
Undergraduate Courses:
A microbiology course (B.Sc. /B.Tech.) includes study in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, virology, immunology and engineering.
Professional Institutions:
Microbiology at undergraduate course is taught in almost every university of India. Some of these are mentioned below:
- institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi. Web : http://www.ihe-du.com/
- St. Josephs College, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Web : https://www.sjc.ac.in/
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Web : http://xaviers.edu/main/
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka. Web : https://manipal.edu/mu.html
- Indira Priyadarshini Degree College for Women, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
- St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Web : https://www.sfc.ac.in/
- Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Web : http://www.bubhopal.ac.in/1068/Home
- G.H.G. Khalsa College, Ludhiana, Punjab. Web : http://www.ghgcollegesadhar.org/
- Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh. Web : https://www.amu.ac.in/
- Presidency College, Kolkata, West Bengal. Web : https://www.presiuniv.ac.in/web/
