Microbiology is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and algae. The job of microbiologists is to study the growth, development and behaviour of microorganisms and consequently control as well as utilise them for the benefit of living beings. Their primary task is to prepare cultures of various types of bacteria/virus, identify and isolate them. Primary applications of microbiology are in medicine, food technology and pharmacology.

Job openings

Depending upon their area of specialisation, microbiologists work in the following sectors

Medical microbiologists

• Independent or clinical pathology laboratories
• R& D labs
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Dairy industry
• Manufacturers of medical disposable goods, cosmetics and antiseptics

Industrial microbiologists

• Food technology industry (especially in the processed food sector)
• Beverage industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Manufacturers of medical disposable goods, cosmetics and antiseptics

Marine microbiologists

• Marine research units
• Marine pollution control bodies

Industrial microbiologists

• Agricultural microbiologists
• Agricultural research bodies

Increasingly microbiologists are working in association with biotechnologists in R& D as well as applied biotechnology (ie health care, fertilizers and pharmaceutical sectors).

Remuneration

The starting salary is around Rs 2,000 - 3,000 (for lab technicians). This increases to Rs 8,000 - 15,000 with experience and postgraduate qualifications.

Essential attributes

Microbiologists must possess the following essential attributes

• Analytical bent of mind
• Aptitude for research
• Keen powers of observation
• Mathematical and computational skills
• Good at technical and report writing

Undergraduate programmes

B.Sc. Microbiology is offered at the undergraduate level. This is a three-year programme. This course broadly covers the following subjects of study

• General Microbiology
• Immunology
• Soil Microbiology
• Food Microbiology
• Environment Microbiology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Medical Microbiology

Candidates who have completed plus two (or its equivalent) with Biology, Physics, Chemistry as electives are eligible to apply. There is no entrance exam but colleges/universities do specify minimum qualifying marks.