All About Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microbes or microorganisms. It deals with the aspects of microorganisms like their behavior, ecology, biochemistry, physiology, evolution, and pathology of diseases caused by them. After the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, people have been keener about careers in Microbiology and their scope. If you are interested in research and microbes, then plunge into a career as a Microbiologist in your preferred specialization.

Read the blog and find answers to all your questions regarding Microbiology and Microbiologists.

What do Microbiologists do?

Microbiologists aim to answer several global questions by studying microbes. In addition, they are making a difference in our lives by contributing to various sectors as mentioned below:

• Medicine and Healthcare:
  Microbiologists serve an essential role in the healthcare sector. They study microorganisms and use the knowledge to treat or prevent diseases.
  
  The microbes and viruses are observed and used to make antidotes for various harmful bacterial illnesses and viral infections.
  
  They also contribute to the development of new medical technology and the upgradation of the healthcare system in general.
  
  
• Environment and Climate Change:
  
  Microbes produce methane that results in global warming. Microbiologists convert this methane into biofuel, an alternate source of energy, thus preventing climate change.
  
  Microbiologists study the microbes to treat industrial waste and develop early-warning sensors to detect pollution.
  
  Microbes are also used by technologists and engineers to produce greener sources of energy. Microbiologists have contributed majorly to this transformation.
  
  
• Agriculture and Food Security:
  
  Microbes are used in producing various food items like cheese, bread, yogurt, etc.
  
  While a few microbes can damage the crop, they can also be used as pesticides and weeds to increase crop yield.
  
  Microbiologists study the requisite amount of microbes that should be present in the soil. Then, they use microbes to cure plant diseases by manufacturing plant pests and other useful things beneficial in the agricultural sector.

Scope of Microbiology:

The scope and importance of microbiology have grown broader as the field of science and technology has seen a massive advancement. Microbiologists can work in various sectors, private or government, as the field offers versatility.

The careers in microbiology are scattered in various job areas like:

• Medicine/ Pharmacy
• Dairy Industries
• Research Centers 
• Water and Irrigation Industry
• Agricultural Industry
• Chemical technology 
• Nanotechnology

Microbiology Jobs: 

Microbiology has a diverse scope which opens up various job opportunities. Here is a list of job roles: 

• Research Assistant
• Food/ Industrial/ Environmental Microbiologists
• Quality Assurance Technologists
• Sales or Technical Representative
• Clinical and Veterinary Microbiologists
• Medical Technologists
• Biomedical Scientist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Microbiologist
• Pharmacologist
• Food Technologist
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Physician Associate
• Research Scientist

Microbiology Government Jobs:

Scope and importance of microbiology government jobs in India are enormous and varied as it offers lucrative microbiology job opportunities.

There are several vacancies for the Microbiologists in central and state departments such as:

• Water
• Irrigation
• Agriculture
• Health, and others.

Microbiologists can also work in government research agencies, technical institutes, health program campaigns, and PSUs.

Microbiology Salary in India:

The average microbiology salary in India (INR) is approximately between 2 to 8 Lakhs per annum. The salary for a Microbiologist in India depends on the experience, skillset, designation, performance, consistency, initiative, and overall contribution.

Apart from commercial sectors, leading universities and colleges employ Microbiologists as researchers and professors to impart knowledge to the future generation. In addition, higher studies can be pursued to explore more on the scope of microbiology. 

Microbiology Courses in India:

There are several microbiology courses in India to choose from based on the field of interest.

 Undergraduate Courses:

• Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)
• Bachelor of Science (Industrial Microbiology)
• Bachelor of Science (Food Technology)
• Bachelor of Science (Clinical Microbiology)

The duration of an undergraduate course is 3 years. Students can work at a science or pathology laboratory with a Bachelor's degree.

Postgraduate Courses:

• Master of Science (Microbiology)
• Master of Science (Applied Microbiology)
• Master of Science (Medical Microbiology)
• Master of Science (Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics)

The duration of a postgraduate course is 2 years. After graduating, students can work in microbiology-based industries like pharmacy, dairy, breweries, distilleries, enzymes, etc. and can also pursue a Ph.D.

Specializations under Microbiology Courses:

• Bacteriology
• Virology
• Immunology
• Astromicrobiology
• Agricultural Microbiology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Evolutionary microbiology
• Cellular microbiology
• Veterinary Microbiology
• Nano Microbiology
• Water Microbiology, and many others

Students can pursue further studies in M.Phil or Ph.D in microbiology and take up post-doctoral research or teaching at universities/ postgraduate colleges.

Eligibility For Microbiology Course:

The eligibility for various level of education under microbiology is mentioned below:

Undergraduate Course:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects from any recognized board.

• A minimum of 50% should be secured by the candidates in 10+2. 
• Admissions are usually merit-based. Some colleges conduct admissions based on their entrance exam.

Postgraduate Course:

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology is mandatory with a minimum score of 60%.
• Most universities conduct an entrance exam for admission to their Masters program. 

M.Phil or Ph.D Courses:

• To pursue M.Phil or Ph.D, a master's degree with the requisite qualifying marks is mandatory in the related field.
• Most universities conduct an entrance exam for admission to their M.Phil or Ph.D programs. 

Microbiology Colleges in India

There are several microbiology colleges in India. Here is the list of the top colleges:

• Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai
• Presidency College, Chennai
• The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore
• Fergusson College, Pune
• St. Xavier's College (SXC), Mumbai
• Gargi College, New Delhi
• St. Joseph's College (SJC), Bangalore
• Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Howrah
• PD Patel Institute Of Applied Sciences (PDPIAS), Anand
• Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai

Top 7 Microbiology Colleges in Karnataka:

Here are the top 7 colleges in Karnataka to study microbiology courses in India:

St. Joseph's College (SJC), Bangalore:

It is one of the oldest colleges with a history of 139 years. SJC has been conferred a College of Excellence by the University Grants Commission. M.Sc Microbiology Course Fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 1,28,500/-

Mount Carmel College (MCC), Bangalore:

Established in 1948, MCC is one of the premier institutions for women's education in India. It is known for its high-standard set in education and research. B.Sc Microbiology Course Fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 42,000/-

Kristu Jayanti College (KJC), Bangalore:

KJC's highly experienced faculty and affordable fee structure make it a popular choice amongst the candidates. B.Sc Microbiology Course Fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 50,000/-

St. Aloysius College, Mangalore:

It is a private, coeducational institute that offers various courses in the field of science. M.Sc Microbiology Course Fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 79,000/-

The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore:

Oxford college is affiliated to Bangalore University and accredited by International Accreditation Organization (IAO). M.Sc Microbiology Course Fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 50,000/-

Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore:

RMC known for its infrastructure and education, the institute offers various courses in the field of science and medicine. M.Phil/ Ph.D. Microbiology Course Fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 66,500/-

JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore:

The JSS institute is known for the education and the values it offers in various streams. M.Sc Microbiology Course fees (Approximate PA Fees): Rs. 44,600/-

Key Takeaway:

A career as a Microbiologist offers an open ground for research in academics and industry. Enroll in a top college and study the microbes that you can't see from your naked eyes to make a career that is bright enough to see from your naked eyes.