Microbiology is a branch of biological science that studies microorganisms (also known as microbes), which are microscopic unicellular or cell-cluster organisms and infectious agents. The different types of microbes studied by microbiologists include bacteria, archaea, viruses, eukaryotes, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae. These microbes can differ dramatically in terms of size and characteristics.
Though microbes often carry negative connotations due to the association of certain microbes with diseases, many other microbes carry several benefits. For example, microbes underpin processes such as industrial fermentation (which is used to make useful products such as alcohol, vinegar and dairy products) and antibiotic production. They also act as molecular vehicles to transfer DNA to complex organisms such as plants and animals.
Microbiology is a broad discipline, and microbiologists study microbes at the level of proteins and genes (molecular biology), at the cellular level (cell biology and physiology), and at the community level (public health, ecology and epidemiology). Branches of microbiology include virology, parasitology, mycology, microbial genetics and bacteriology.
To apply for this programme you need to have passed 12th (10+2) in science stream with minimum 50% aggregate marks. After obtaining a B.Sc. degree you can pursue a M.Sc. in Microbiology at the postgraduate level.
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: