Microbiology – A field of biology that studies several kinds of microbes, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and algae. Microbiologists can specialise in a variety of disciplines that offer careers related to research, clinical roles, and numerous other applications of microbiology. These applications range from developing vaccines for diseases to determining protocols for the containment of rare microbe species.
In today's guide, we will understand the branches of microbiology and guide you on how to become a microbiologist.
Who is a Microbiologist?
A scientist who focuses on microscopic organisms and processes is known as a microbiologist. The topics covered by the broad science of microbiology span from the molecular and cellular to the community and infrastructural levels. For instance, microbiology encompasses fields like genetics (the study of genes), proteomics (the study of proteins), physiology (the study of how the human body functions), and pathology at the molecular and cellular levels (the study of diagnosis of diseases). Microbiology encompasses topics like epidemiology at the community and infrastructural levels (study of incidence, distribution and control of diseases).
To understand how microorganisms behave and affect plants, animals, people, and the environment, many microbiologists work in scientific research and continue to specialise in a particular field within field.
Branches of Microbiology
Microbiology has two main branches namely pure microbiology and applied microbiology. While applied microbiology focuses on production, engineering, and practical application, pure microbiology is made up of research-oriented fields. The various branches of microbiology have a great deal of overlap.
Microbiology further branches out into numerous fields:
1) Immunology: In this field, immunologists research the operation of the human immune system. They typically observe, identify, and treat allergies and autoimmune diseases in a clinical setting.
2) Virologist: Studying viruses and how they affect the environment is a speciality area of virology. In addition to conducting research, analysing experiment data, handling and confining viral diseases, and presenting research findings to committees, public health officials, and other agents involved in health and medical services, virologists may also play other responsibilities in the health sector.
3) Bacteriology: A bacteriologist works with bacteria and carries out tasks akin to virologists. This includes undertaking experimental research, gathering and analysing data from specimens, and assessing research results. It is frequently the responsibility of researchers to make well-informed assumptions about the social implications of their findings.
4) Microbial Ecology: The study of interactions among different microbes that are present in an ecosystem is known as microbial ecology. Understanding bacteria in the context of their functions, interpersonal relationships, and environments is the goal of microbial ecology.
5) Parasitology: The study of tiny parasites' biology and genetics is known as parasitology. Usually, a parasitologist will keep an eye on the features, life cycle, catalysts, and inhibitors of an infection.
6) Molecular Biology: The field of molecular biology investigates the molecular underpinnings of biological activity both inside and outside of cells. This covers the molecular synthesis, intramolecular interactions, and gene alteration and replacement, as well as their causes and effects. A significant component of molecular biology research focuses on the mechanisms by which DNA is converted into RNA and proteins.
Required Skillset to become a Microbiologist
The following abilities and characteristics should be developed if you want to become a microbiologist.
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Technical skills
- Analytical skills
- Teamwork skills
