Lectures number 1 scope and application of microbiology
- 1. Lecture : 1 Scope of Microbiology
- 2. In today’s world, bacteria and viruses are threatening human existence itself and most of us are still wondering how these microscopic organisms could possibly do that. Well, most of us just wonder and move on. But are you one of those who actually wish to explore the various microorganisms there are like bacteria, fungi, algae, etc, and know-how they actually impact the environment?
- 3. THIS BLOG INCLUDES: 1. What is Microbiology? 2. Careers in Microbiology in India 2022 Microbiologist Immunologist Mycologist Professor/Lecturer Water Quality Laboratory Technician Clinical Research Scientist Food Technologist/Scientist Medical Technologist Cosmetic Scientist Health Scientist
- 4. 3. How to Become a Microbiologist in India? 3. Salary in Microbiology 4. Top Recruiting Companies for Microbiologists 5. Government Sector Jobs in Microbiology 6. Courses in Microbiology Eligibility Criteria 7. Top Colleges of Microbiology in India 8. Top Universities Abroad to Study Microbiology 9. Pros and Cons in Career in Microbiology
- 6. Branch What Does it Study? Bacteriology Bacteria Mycology Fungi Protozoology Protozoa Phycology Algae Parasitology Parasites Immunology Immune System Virology Viruses
- 7. Apart from these, the major branches of Microbiology as per the application are: Soil Microbiology Food Microbiology Milk Microbiology Industrial Microbiology Medical Microbiology Biotechnology Gem Microbiology
- 8. Scope of Microbiology Microbiologists today are in huge demand in a number of industries and sectors across the world. Not being limited to just one, here are the most in- demand fields and areas where the scope of microbiology is visibly high: Food Microbiology Environmental Science Healthcare and Medicine Genetic Engineering Agrochemistry biotechnology Pollution control boards Biorefineries Hospitals Universities Research Centres Forensic Labs
- 9. Food Microbiology Microorganisms in food industries are used in preparing various other food products, such as pickles, cheese, vinegar, alcohol, bread, green olives, etc. Environmental Science The scope of microbiology in this sector is vast. From understanding and using the microbes(primary decomposers) and bioremediation to pest control, microbiologists can work on an array of issues prevalent in this field. Healthcare Sector Bacteria and other microbes are used to manufacture various Antibiotics and synthesize vitamins which is essential for the body. They are also used for gene therapy for treating genetic diseases. This is why the scope of microbiology in this field is increasing. Genetic Engineering The scope of microbiology in this discipline is vast due to the increasing popularity of the field. The genes of the microbes are manipulated in order to produce useful and valuable products such as hormones, enzymes, etc.
- 10. CAREERS IN MICROBIOLOGY Career Salary Biotechnologist 4,80,000 INR Food Microbiologist 5,00,000 INR Medicinal Chemist 5,50,000 INR Pharmacologist 8,00,000 INR Immunologist 15,50,000 INR Mycologist 4,33,536 INR Microbiologist 3,12,740 INR Biomedical scientist 5,81,325 INR Professor 4,30,797 INR Water quality laboratory technician 1,83,126 INR Food technologist/Scientist 7,50,000 INR Cosmetic Scientists 4,70,400 INR Clinical Research Associate 3,44,254 INR Sales or technical representative 4,30,000 INR Research assistant 3,73,000 INR Clinical and veterinary Microbiologist 6,75,078 INR Quality assurance technologists 5, 54,000 IN
- 11. Biotechnologist With an aim to devise and create products that can be used in scores of applications, a Biotechnologist carries extensive research on the physical, chemical, and genetic characteristics of microbes and produce user-friendly products. From agriculture and pharmaceutics to genetics and food sciences, the scope of microbiology while working as a biotechnologist is broad. Food Microbiologist When we talk about the scope of microbiology, food microbiologist is a work profile that is very popular. These professionals work towards preventing foodborne diseases by conducting extensive research on the disease-causing microbes, their conditions, packaging of food, food poisoning, legislation, etc. You can work in educational institutes, NGO’s, government and private agencies, etc under this profile and can further amp up your knowledge by pursuing a Career in Food Biotechnology or related disciplines. Medicinal Chemist With an aim to identify, design, and optimize drugs using chemical compounds, medicinal chemists play a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical sector. As a Medicinal Chemist, the scope of MIcrobiology is not only restricted to developing new drug formulations but also extends to devising new techniques through which drugs can be made. For those who want to establish a Career in Biochemistry, this can be an ideal role.
- 12. Pharmacologist As discussed, the scope of microbiology is not only restricted to certain specific fields but has applications in other sectors too. A pharmacologist is one such profession where microbiologists are in demand. Identifying and analyzing the link between living components and substances so as to formulate new medicinal products is the main task of such professionals. Nanotechnologist With applications in almost every sector, nanotechnology courses encompass the elements of chemistry, biology, physics, pharmacology, microbiology, etc. From identifying and finding solutions to infectious diseases to water and sewage treatment, the scope of Microbiology by working as a Nanotechnologist is immense.
- 13. Technical Brewer In the beer production industry, technical brewers are senior-level professionals who through their managerial and technical knowledge, oversee, manage and maintain the brewing process and equipment. Such experts should be adept in concepts related to biochemistry, microbiology, etc. Marine Biologist A marine biologist is one who studies marine life and identifies the causes disrupting the same. With various microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, algae forming an essential part of marine life, these professionals examine the physiological and behavioural processes of various marine species and can also work on taxonomy and fossil microbiology. Clinical Scientist Working in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and research institutes, clinical scientists strive to use their knowledge in the field of medicine and biomedical research, that help the growth of living organisms, along with developing various medications and treatments for it. To know more, explore our exclusive guide on How to Become a Scientist!
- 14. Biomedical Scientist Normally working in the laboratories, a biomedical scientist collaborates with healthcare professionals such as doctors or pharmacists to diagnose and manage various diseases, through a collection of various fluids, biopsies, and other samples. Forensic Scientist The scope of microbiology is also visible in Forensic Sciences. These professionals apply analytical and scientific knowledge and techniques to inspect the evidence from the crime scenes and prepare a legal statement for the court cases. They are mostly involved in either laboratory analysis or crime scene investigations.
- 15. How to Become a Bacteriologist! Microbiology Courses Now that you are familiarized with the key career profiles and opportunities you can explore avail the vast scope of Microbiology, here are the major undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programmes you can explore in this field.
- 16. Master’s Level Master of Applied Science (Microbiology) Master’s in Drug Delivery and Microbiology (Research) MSc in Clinical Microbiology MSc in Medical Microbiology Master’s in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Master’s in Microbiology MSc in Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics Doctoral Level PhD in Microbiology DMed in Medical Microbiology PhD in Drug Delivery and Microbiology (Research) PhD in Microbiology & Immunology
- 17. Popular Specializations Agricultural Microbiology Industrial Microbiology Evolutionary Microbiology Nano Microbiology Cellular Microbiology Soil Microbiology Veterinary Microbiology Generation Microbiology Microbial Water Microbiology Pharmaceutical Microbiology Microbial Genetics Environmental Microbiology
- 18. Top Universities for Microbiology Programs Apart from offering a healthy study environment and quality education, the following universities in the world are popular for their world-class educational infrastructure. Further, with their well-structured courses and industrial exposure offered for a deeper understanding of the concepts, the scope of microbiology increases. Harvard University Imperial College London University of Tokyo University of California -Berkeley Yale University University of Cambridge The University of Queensland Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Hong Kong McGill University University of Oxford Erasmus University Rotterdam University of Copenhagen Seoul National University
- 19. What is scope and importance of microbiology? Microbiology is an applied science with significant implications in genetics, biochemistry, food science, ecology, immunology, agriculture, medicine, and a variety of other fields. Despite their modest size, they are the most important biotechnological resource.
- 20. Is microbiology is a good career? Microbiology is a burgeoning discipline with promising job possibilities for competent individuals. The majority of the applied research initiatives in which microbiologists are involved need the participation of scientists from a variety of disciplines, including geology, chemistry, and medicine. Are Microbiologists in demand? Microbiologists’ employment is expected to expand 5% between 2020 and 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite slow job growth, roughly 2,000 new positions for microbiologists are expected to emerge each year
- 21. Variety of microbes Bacteria: are the unicellular organisms which can only be seen under microscopes. They belong to the kingdom monera. They lack nucleus in the cell. Majority of them absorb nutrients from their environment, but some may have autotrophic mode of nutrition. Archaea: are also single celled organisms belonging to class monera. They are different from bacteria in being favorable to living in extreme temperatures, pH, salinities, hydrostatics and osmotic pressures. Algae: are unicellular microscopic organisms but some may be large enough to be seen from the naked eyes. They can be found both marine and fresh water. Their mode of nutrition is autotrophic. Unlike bacteria, they have a clear nucleus present in the cell. It is the main source of food for other organisms. Prototheca cause diseases in humans.
- 22. Fungi are unicellular or multicellular, microscopic or macroscopic organisms. They have clear nucleus in their cell. They absorb nutrient from environment. Many of them are source of infectious diseases in humans, and some of them can be used for synthesizing antibiotics. Viruses are too small that even it is difficult to observe them under light microscopes. They are made up of nucleic acid and some proteins. They are active only inside the host cells, i.e., they can only replicate inside the host cells. Most of the viruses are the source of diseases in humans, plants and other animals. Viroids are further smaller than viruses which cause diseases and are only nucleic acid without protein, whereas prions are only proteins without nucleic acid.
- 23. Protozoa are the unicellular microorganisms having clear nucleus and some intracellular components. Some of the species such as amoeba are large enough to be seen from naked eyes. Many of them cause diseases in humans. They can be easily found in water, soils and in host animals such as mosquitoes.
- 24. Microbiologists Microbiologists do varieties of works. Some of them research for the structure of the microorganisms, while some studies about the pathogenic factors in the microbes. Microbiologists play a key role in developing vaccines and in the development of medicines for the treatment of diseases. Microbiologists also plays a key role in development and manufacturing of antibiotics and some other important pharmaceutical products such as human insulin, blood clotting factors, etc. The result of any research in one field of microbiology works as the basis of research and development of other fields of microbiology. In this way, all the fields of microbiology are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
- 25. Microbiology has two major branches: Basic research microbiology and applied microbiology I. Basic research microbiology 1. By organism kinds Microbial taxonomy Bacteriology Phycology Mycology Protozoology Parasitology Virology 2. By process Microbial ecology Microbial genetics Microbial metabolism 3. Related with diseases Immunology Epidemiology Etiology
- 26. II. Applied microbiology 1. Environmental microbiology 2. Disease related microbiology Infection control Chemotherapy 3. Industrial microbiology Genetic engineering Pharmaceutical microbiology Food and beverage technologies
- 28. The importance of microbiology can be understood by discussing three major aspects: 1. Mass production of organic chemical entities: Production of fermentation products is very important part in the food industries. The science of fermentation is related with microbiology. Preparation of aseptic media and introduction of microbial agents in the media, process of fermentation under sterile condition all include under microbiology. 2. Pharmaceutical products: Pharmaceutical products including many antibiotics, vitamin supplements, human insulin, blood clotting factors, blood thinning factors and many other important products are possible due to the science of microbiology. 3. Microbial enzyme technology: Microbial enzyme technology has helped in understanding the relationship between many microorganisms. The branch helps in getting such extracellular enzymes which can be used for cleaving particular chemical entities. Microorganisms like Bacillus mesenterious can be used to obtain enzymes such as proteases and amylases.