The recent outbreak of the pandemic novel Coronavirus has possibly made us realise yet again the importance of pure science and research.
Microbiology is the study of the microorganisms that are not visible with the naked eyes. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses etc. This branch of science deals with the fundamental understanding of how a single cell works detailing the function and structure of every single sub-cellular component. While a majority of microbes cause diseases in humans, plants and animals, a wide range of microorganisms are also used in several sectors owing to their beneficial properties.
This discipline includes fundamental research on the functional and clinical aspects of microorganisms.
A Microbiologist work in various fields of health care, pharmacology, biomedicine, genetics, food production technology, environmental protection and forensic science.
Roles And Responsibilities
- Focus on the identification and growth of organisms in order to understand their characteristics, with the overall aim to prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases like the recent pandemic.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments for diagnosis and treatment.
- Microbiologist research the use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
- Develop new products and procedures for sterilisation, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
- Use a variety of specialised equipment such as electron microscopes, gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography.
- Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
- Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens and toxins.
- Develop new products and procedures for sterilisation, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.
Key Skills
- Molecular Biology
- Quality Control
- Research Analysis
Career Opportunities
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Microbiologist
- Microbiological Analyst
- Microbiological Laboratory Technician
- Microbiologist
- Microbiology Director
- Microbiology Laboratory Manager
- Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist)
- Study Director
- Bacteriologist
How To Pursue A Career In Microbiology
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post-Graduation |
| Class XII with Biology | B.Sc Hons Microbiology | M.Sc Microbiology | P.Hd |
| Class XII with Biology | B.Sc Molecular Biology | P.G Dip. Microbiology | |
| Class XII with Biology | B.Sc Life Sciences | M.Sc Microbiology | P.Hd |
| Class XII with Biology | B.Sc Biology | M.Sc Microbiology | P.Hd |
Top Colleges
For Graduation
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Madras Christian College, Chennai
- The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore
- Fergusson College, Pune
- Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
- St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
- Gargi College, New Delhi
- Elphinstone College, Mumbai
- St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad
- Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
For Post Graduation
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Madras Christian College – [MCC], Chennai
- The Oxford College of Science – [TOCS], Bangalore
- Fergusson College, Pune
- Presidency College, Chennai
- St. Xavier’s College – [SXC], Kolkata
- St Francis College for Women, Hyderabad
- Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai
- Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
- AVVM Sri Pushpam College, Thanjavur
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Though I am not in science field, since I did my graduation in Chemistry, and can relate to this post. These are very niche fields that have so much of potential for youngsters to explore.
M = Meghalaya
As your rightly said COVID has brought to shore importance of research in fundamental fields like microbiology. And going forward there is going to be immense demand in this field. It’s definitely a promising field
Yes, Anagha. Also, we need students who are interested in pure science and research based careers. Everyone choosing to be a data scientist & engineers is not going to help. That’s where our role as counsellors come in. Most of the times students are not aware about careers in pure sciences and feel they won’t earn enough.