Description
A microbiologist is one who studies and controls the growth, development and behaviour of micro-organisms and utilises them for the benefit of living beings. Microbiologists play a significant role in the society, as they are the people who conduct research on the positive as well as negative effects of microorganisms on humanity.
Requirements
Student who aspires to become microbiologist can start their education right from undergraduate level. After passing 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology, one can take admission in BSc Microbiology. Further one can apply for MSc course in microbiology/ applied microbiology. Also one can opt for any specialisation like medical microbiology, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, bioinformatics, microbial-technology, clinical research, molecular biology, biochemistry, forensic science and so on. Admission to Bachelor’s and Master’s programme is made on the basis of merit.
Job Prospects
Microbiologists work in almost every industry from food, agriculture and pollution control to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and health. Medical microbiology is perhaps the most well-known because it deals with the roles that microbes have in human illness. Other types include veterinary microbiology, environmental microbiology, food microbiology and pharmaceutical microbiology. Gene therapy techniques are also developed by microbiologists in order to find solutions for genetic disorders.
Hospitals; research labs; pharmaceutical industry; food and beverage industry; bio- tech industry, agricultural research firms, government educational institutions, science writer, etc. are places where microbiologists are needed.
Pros & Cons
A microbiologist gets good salary. You have multiple disciplines to choose from. You get to work in multiple industries.
There are possible health risks through exposure to dangerous organisms.
