WHAT IS MICROBIOLOGY?

Microbiology (in Greek micron = small and biologia = studying life) is the study of microorganisms, including viruses, prokaryotes and simple eukaryotes. Today, most of the work in microbiology is done using methods from biochemistry and genetics. It is also related to pathology, immunology, and epidemiology as many microorganisms are pathogens.

Microbiology in general is defined as the study of microorganisms, which are unicellular or cell-cluster microscopic organisms. This includes eukaryotes (with a nucleus) such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes (without a nucleus) such as bacteria and viruses (though viruses are not strictly classed as living organisms).

TYPES OF MICROBIOLOGY

The field of microbiology can be generally divided into several subdisciplines:

Microbial physiology:
The study of how the microbial cell functions biochemically. It also includes the study of microbial growth, microbial metabolism and microbial cell structure.

Microbial genetics:
The study of how genes are organised and regulated in microbes in relation to their cellular functions. It is closely related to the field of molecular biology.

Medical microbiology:
The study of the role of microbes in human illness.  It also includes the study of microbial pathogenesis and epidemiology and is related to the study of disease pathology and immunology.

Veterinary microbiology:
The study of the role in microbes in veterinary medicine.

Environmental microbiology:
The study of the function and diversity of microbes in their natural environments.  It also Includes the study of microbial ecology, microbially-mediated nutrient cycling, geomicrobiology, microbial diversity and bioremediation.

Evolutionary microbiology:
The study of the evolution of microbes. Includes the study of bacterial systematics and taxonomy.

Industrial microbiology:
The exploitation of microbes for use in industrial processes.

Aeromicrobiology: The study of airborne microorganisms.

Food Microbiology: The study of microorganisms causing food spoilage.

Who is a Microbiologist?

A microbiologist is a scientist who studies living organisms (microbes) and infectious agents and investigates how these organisms exist and affect our lives.

Education

Microbiology majors who pursue a teaching certification can teach life sciences in elementary and secondary public and private schools and special education programs. With a Ph.D., graduates will be able to perform independent research, teach undergraduate and graduate students and assume executive level responsibilities in government and industry.

AREAS OF MICROBIOLOGY SPECIALIZATION

Virologists: Study viruses and bacteriophages.
 
Immunologists: Investigate the body's defense against disease.
 
Bacteriologist: Study bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution. 
 
Biochemist: Discover and teach us how organisms obtain energy, consume nutrients and reproduce.
 
Biotechnologist: Manipulate genes in order to modify microorganisms.
 
Cell Biologists: Explore the actions of molecules on and in the cell.
 
Parasitologists: Investigate the life cycles and adaptations of organisms which depend on other organisms for survival. 
 
Geneticists: Study the process by which organisms inherit and transmit genetic information.
 
Mycologist: Explore the various uses of molds and yeasts for the production of antibiotics as well as food. 
 
Food, industrial or environmental microbiologists, quality assurance technologists: Identify disease or harmful causing microorganisms and check for the quality and safety of vitamins, vaccines, antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants.

Clinical and veterinary microbiologists, medical technologists: Identify disease causing microorganisms in humans and animals.
 
Environmental Scientists: Investigate the effects of biological, chemical, and geophysical activity on the environment.

CAREER OPTIONS TO EXPLORE:

Microbiology is a dynamic field which has grown rapidly both with regard to fundamental knowledge and its application to medicine, agriculture, and industry. Dozens of biotechnology companies, formed to exploit these advances, provide employment for students with suitable training at the bachelor's level. New industries devoted to genetic engineering offer microbiologists excellent career opportunities. Microbiologists are also in great demand in clinical microbiology.

Students interested in the health sciences and related professions can take advantage of the University's excellent health science advising office. They can seek advice and support from the beginning of their studies in biology to their entrance into health sciences graduate programs and professional schools.

Students interested in teaching biological sciences and conducting research at a university should plan to complete the PhD degree. Students interested in teaching at a community college should pursue graduate work at least through the master's degree. Teaching at the junior high or high school (secondary) level usually requires the single subject teaching credential. Students considering this last option should discuss their plans with an academic advisor early in their academic careers.

TYPES OF EMPLOYERS

Microbiology graduates are well equipped for a wide variety of careers. They usually secure jobs in their respective fields of interest, most in the world of science. Some opt to work in universities, research institutes, hospitals or the National Health Service, often researching for a PhD and others take scientific employment in industry or the Civil Service. Employers have included the pharmaceutical, food and water industries, and the expanding field of biotechnology.

A microbiology degree can prepare students for a wide range of careers in industry, government, the non-profit sector, and education.

SAMPLE CAREERS IN MICROBIOLOGY

Hospitals & Clinics:
Hospitals and clinics employ clinical microbiologists to assist in diagnosis and disease prevention, conduct research and develop diagnostic tests.

Environment & Agriculture:
Microbiologists specializing in the environment identify disease or harmful microorganisms and check for the quality and safety of items used in the environment or consumed by animals and humans. Microbiologists specializing in agriculture look for ways to enhance and improve soil and fertilizer, look for biological rather than chemical ways to control pests and identify disease causing microorganisms in humans and animals.

Public Health:
Public Health microbiologists work to control and prevent disease in the population and also track down the source of food poisoning outbreaks, or locate air-conditioning systems containing bacterium.

Manufacturing/Food Processing:
Microbiologists in this field use microbial fermentation in the processing of many food items and research safer ways to produce and store food.

Cosmetics, Toiletries & Detergents:
Microbiologists and biochemists in this field develop and evaluate anti-microbial products and use specially engineered enzymes to reduce product pollution.

Pharmaceutical Companies:
Microbiologists are employed in this field to improve human and animal health through the development and testing of new drugs.

REFERENCES FOR MICROBIOLOGY:

Microbiologist Jobs
http://www.microbiologistjobs.com

The Microbiology Network: Job hunting resources
http://www.microbiol.org/jobs.htm