Scope of Microbiology

Microbiology is one of the most popular courses after BiPC and is a prominent branch of Biology which involves the study of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. A microbiologist identifies and examines the behaviour of certain microbes in given conditions and the impact they can have. Encompassing the elements of various other disciplines such as genetics, immunology, and molecular biology, the scope of Microbiology is huge. Read this blog to know all about the scope of microbiology, branches, careers, courses, salary, jobs and more!

Branches of Microbiology

As discussed, the scope of Microbiology is very broad as it consists of various specializations under it which cover different aspects of this very field. Here are the most sought-after branches of microbiology:

Branch	What Does it Study?
Bacteriology	Bacteria
Mycology	Fungi
Protozoology	Protozoa
Phycology	Algae
Parasitology	Parasites
Immunology	Immune System
Virology	Viruses

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

Must Read: List of Top Microbiology Courses

Scope of Microbiology

Microbiologists today are in huge demand in several 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

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 are 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 to produce useful and valuable products such as hormones, enzymes, etc.

Careers in Microbiology

With the constant awareness of the usefulness of Microbiology, many people are flocking towards this field to pursue some of the high-salary courses after 12th science. Here are the top 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 INR

Must Read: Microbiology Jobs

Biotechnologist

To devise and create products that can be used in scores of applications, a Biotechnologist carries out 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 very popular work profile. 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, NGOs, 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

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.

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 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. 

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 studies marine life and identifies the causes disrupting the same. With various microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and 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, which helps 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!

Biomedical Scientist

Normally working in 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 legal statements for court cases. They are mostly involved in either laboratory analysis or crime scene investigations.

Know How to Become a Bacteriologist!

Microbiology Courses

Now that you are familiarised 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.

Bachelor’s Level

• BSc Hons Biology (Microbiology)
• BSc Microbiology
• BSc in Applied Microbiology
• BSc in Industrial Microbiology
• BSc in Food Microbiology
• BSc in Clinical Microbiology
• BSc in Cell & Molecular Biology

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

Must Read: MD in Microbiology

Popular Specializations 

Here is a list of popular specializations offered in microbiology. Check them below:

• 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

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the key eligibility requirements for a career in Microbiology:

• For Microbiology courses after the 12th, the applicant must have completed 10+2 with Science, especially BiPC subjects.
• For Microbiology courses at the master’s level, you must have a degree in Biology, Microbiology or any related specialisation and universities in India might also ask for scores of NEET PG/AIIMS PG/JIPMER, etc.
• If you want to pursue Microbiology courses abroad, you might be required to submit ACT/SAT scores for bachelor’s level courses and GRE scores for master’s level courses. Additionally, you must also provide English proficiency test scores like IELTS/TOEFL, etc. as well as an SOP and LORs.

Skills Required for a Microbiologist

• Logical and clear reasoning
• A capacity for problem-solving
• Teamwork and leadership
• Excellent communication skills and writing skills High level of accuracy
• Working knowledge of relevant computer programmes and statistics.

Top Universities

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. 

Abroad

1. Harvard University
2. Imperial College London
3. University of Tokyo
4. University of California -Berkeley
5. Yale University
6. University of Cambridge 
7. The University of Queensland
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
9. University of Hong Kong
10. McGill University
11. University of Oxford 
12. Erasmus University Rotterdam
13. University of Copenhagen
14. Seoul National University

India

• Amity University, Noida, U.P.
• Bharath University, Chennai
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
• Jiwaji University, Faculty of Sciences & Faculty of Life Sciences
• Delhi University
• Christian Medical College, Vellore

Conclusion

In the future, we must use microbiology to create innovative solutions to combat diseases, eliminate pollution, and feed the world’s ever-growing population. To accomplish so, we must investigate host-pathogen connections, investigate the role of microbes, develop novel medications and vaccines, employ molecular biology or rDNA, and create high-quality food sources that can also be utilised to make enzymes for industrial applications. Furthermore, we must find ways to degrade toxic and harmful waste and pollutants, as well as use vectors to treat ailments and increase agricultural crop productivity.

Biotechnology has transformed the way humans perceive and interact with the world. It has allowed us to generate novel medications and treatments, as well as boost crop yields and food production and create new products and materials. Despite its potential for abuse, biotechnology has the potential to improve people’s quality of life and assist us in addressing many of our environmental challenges. Biotechnology may remain a tremendous force for good with careful monitoring and responsible research.

FAQs

Thus, the scope of microbiology is visible in almost all prominent sectors. Needless to say, with scores of universities available, choosing the right educational institute and course combination can be a daunting task. Take the assistance of Leverage Edu’s AI tool which will curate a list of the most suitable institutes based on your professional goals.