1. Career prospect in microbiology
Course Details
Career in microbiology can be a lucrative option in India as well as abroad. Numerous institutions all over India offer
degree programs at under graduate as well as at post graduate levels in the field of microbiology. Minimum
requirement to seek admission to under graduate programs is 10+2 in science stream (Physics, Chemistry,
Mathematics or biology), while for post graduate programs, the candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in
microbiology/Life science.
Career Prospects
Scholars of microbiology can opt for a career as Bacteriologists, Environmental Microbiologists, Food Microbiologists,
Industrial Microbiologists, Medical Microbiologists, Mycologists, Protozoologists, Biochemist, Biotechnologist,
Biomedical Scientist, Cell Biologists, Geneticists, Immunologists, Parasitologists, and Virologists. They can even
choose a career as science writer, who writes articles for common people and professional microbiologists. Career as
a teacher in the field of microbiology is also a lucrative option.
The career opportunities to choose from as a microbiologist will depend on the level of education and training you
receive. Some of the career options available to microbiologists are as follows:
Medical Microbiologists: Medical microbiologists study the role played by micro-organisms in inflicting diseases in
humans and animals. They research and investigate these organisms to find ways to cure and prevent, occurrence of
these diseases. Scientist in these areas perform research on vaccines, antiserums and products of biological origin.
Public Health Microbiologist: It is clearly related to medical microbiology. Public health micro-biologist tries to
control the spread of communicable diseases. They often monitor community food establishments and water supplies
in an attempt to keep them safe and free from infectious disease agents, and ensure the proper disposal of sewage.
Bacteriologists : Work in the field of bacteriology and study bacteria.
Agricultural Microbiologist: Agricultural microbiologists study plant diseases, the role of micro-organisms in soil
fertility and spoilage of farm products.
Industrial Microbiologists: Industrial microbiologists work with industries producing products such as alcoholic
beverages, amino acids, citric acids, Vitamin C and antibiotics etc. with the help of micro-organisms.
Marine Microbiologists: Marine microbiologists deals with the micro-organisms present in the ocean. It is a
relatively new division of microbiology and promises to be an exciting one.
Environmental Microbiologists : Work in the field of environmental science and study microbial processes in the
environment.

2. Food Microbiologists : Work in the food industry and study microorganisms that cause foodborne illness and
spoilage. Scientists working in food and dairy microbiology try to prevent microbial spoilage of food and the
transmission of food borne diseases such as botulism and salmonellosis. They also use micro-organisms to make
foods such as cheese, yoghurts, Single Cell Protein (SCP), pickles, wine and beer. In the future micro-organisms
may become a more important nutrient source for livestock and humans.
Mycologists : work in the field of mycology and study fungi.
Protozoologists : work in the field of protozoology and study protists.
Immunologists : Investigate the body's defense against disease. to answer
Related Career Options basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.
» Plant Taxonomy
Parasitologists : Investigate the complex life cycles of and adaptations made by
» Geophysics
organisms which depend on other organisms for survival.
» Biophysics
More... Biochemist : Discover and teach us how organisms obtain energy, consume
nutrients and reproduce.
Biotechnologist : Manipulate genes in order to modify microorganisms. Their work produced novel organisms that
make new products for human use. (i.e. insulin, medicine, grocery store items).
Teachers : Educate students about the usefulness and uniqueness of microorganisms.
Virologists : Study viruses and bacteriophages. Virologists are interested in how viruses change and are always on
the alert for new types.
General Microbiologists: General microbiology focuses on the fundamentals an