Microbiology is incredibly important to every life on this planet. We are all surrounded by microbes and live in a microbial world. We are covered in bugs. We have microbes inside us, and the environment is full of microorganisms. These versatile organisms play a significant role in a variety of biochemical processes, including biodegradation, climate change, biodeterioration, food spoilage, climate change, nitrogen fixation, epidemiology, and biotechnology. The environment is full of microorganisms and is involved in innumerable natural processes.
In essence, microbiology is the scientific study of all tiny living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eyes and can only be seen via a microscope. These microorganisms include bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, parasites, protozoa, and yeasts. The role of microbiologists is to study microscopic life forms and processes, such as their behaviour, evolution, ecology, physiology, and pathology of infections or diseases they cause. Chiefly, microbiologists diagnose, treat, and prevent infections caused by microorganisms.
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Demand for microbiologists
Keeping with the changing circumstances, India has shifted its priorities with regard to medical microbiology research. Microbiologists have been in massive demand in India and across the world since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the employment of microbiologists is expected to grow 5 per cent between 2020 and 2030. As the field of microbiology is set to expand over the decade, it’s the right time to kickstart a career in this domain. Aspirants looking for an opportunity to make a real difference to society through their work can enrol in the MSc microbiology program.
MSc Microbiology: Introduction, Eligibility, and Career Prospects
Master of Science (MSc) Microbiology is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by many top colleges and universities in India. The programme is a combination of the disciplines of chemistry and biology, focusing on studying microorganisms and their relations with the environment.
Moreover, the course offers two specialisation streams: Food and Environmental Microbiology & Medical and Pharmaceutical Microbiology. In the Food and Environmental Microbiology stream, the programme covers electives like probiotics, prebiotics, food combination, food-borne disease, bio-fertilizers, and bioremediation.
On the other hand, Medical and Pharmaceutical Microbiology studies the specific microorganisms linked with the development, scale-up, and manufacture of pharmaceuticals and eventual minimization or elimination of the microbes in a process environment.
MSc Microbiology entry requirements
Here is the list of requirements applicants must meet in order to pursue the MSc Microbiology programme. Check it out!
- Applicants must have completed classes 10 and 12 with a minimum of 50 per cent marks.
- Applicants must have finished BSc in Biology/Biotechnology or B Pharma/BPT or BSc Food Science Technology or BSc Microbiology or BSc Nursing or BMIT or BSc Biochemistry or BSc Chemistry or BSc Zoology or BSc Environment Science or BSc Food Nutrition and Dietetics or any other equivalent undergraduate programme with a minimum of 50 per cent marks.
- Private universities conduct entrance examinations and personal interviews to select the desirable students. To brush up on your basics, you can check out microbiology lectures by Lecturio!
MSc Microbiology graduates can join the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, brewery, or manufacturing companies based on their interests and earn hefty salary packages. Sign up now!