Microbiology is the study of small living organisms that are too tiny to be seen by naked eye. It is a fascinating field of microbes. Microbes includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Microbes play central role in ecosystem. They are essential part of every ecosystem and one surprising but true fact is that they are the most abundant. Our earth contains million and trillions of microbes and only nearly 3% are discovered yet. They are ubiquitous. They are found in all kind of environments whether it is acidic or alkaline, low temperature or high temperature, low moisture or high moisture and the list goes on.
The microbes that live in extreme of environments are called as extremophiles. You know we have nearly 1000 species of bacteria residing on our skin. On one hand microbes are very harmful they cause a number if disease in animals, plants and humans while on other hand numerous kinds of micro-organisms are being used for the benefit of mankind.
❖ Why studying microbiology is useful?
The answer lies in the fact that by having an insight into the microbial world we can find solution of several complications that may affect our health, climate, agriculture, food and beverages and immunity. People studying microbiology are called as microbiologists. Because of the wide application of microbiology touching almost every field the microbiologists may find work not only in one domain but can work in numerous sectors. Now this question may arise in mind that where the microbiologists work. So, the answer to this is microbiologists can work in research institutes, universities, pathology and diagnostic labs, industries manufacturing drugs, vaccines, food products involving micro-organisms and beverages that incorporates micro-organisms such as probiotics. Besides these classical microbiologists can also extend their knowledge, skill and abilities in marketing, regulatory affairs, publication of research work, patent attorney, science centres, technical centres and journalism.
Microbiology has a very wide spread use in health care. The knowledge of pathogenic microbes can help in their prevention and treatment while introduction of new therapies and new vaccines helps in fighting infection caused by micro-organisms. For such practice the knowledge of microbial world is needed. Microbiologists can be said to be right hand of doctors because they help in testing and diagnosing disease. They as biomedical scientist works in labs in hospitals, test body tissues, blood, body fluids samples etc. that help in diagnosis of infection and under lying disease. Thus, help doctors in diagnosis of disease and further treatment. One career aspect of microbiologists can be to work as clinical scientist and in research institutes, hospitals, universities and R&D labs in industry.
Apart from healthcare microbiologists can work for the betterment of environment. As a known fact microbes play a key role in almost all the bio-geochemical cycles occurring on earth.
❖ Bio-geochemical cycles
A bio-geochemical cycle is a cycle of matter. It is the pathway by which a chemical substance cycles between the biotic and the abiotic compartments of Earth.
Therefore, their studying environmental microbiology provides an insight into the biosphere. There are many microbes for example lichens, E. coli that are pollution indicator so their knowledge helps us identify and manage the environmental pollution. Microbes cause disease in agricultural crops is a known fact but with the use of genetic engineering micro organism are now can be used to protect agricultural crop from pests and disease.So one job of microbiologists is to investigate the importance of micro-organisms in agriculture. Many food and bioscience industry hire microbiologists for such work.
Not only for environment micro-organisms play important role in flavouring and manufacture of numerous food product and beverages. Microbes are used to make batter of dosa idli etc.. generally anything that involves fermentation. Probiotics the latest version of good bacteria is not new to us. We have heard of Yakult, probiotic ice-creams and juices that have incorporated good bacteria in them. The good bacteria help to improve and strengthen our digestive system. Moreover, there are trillion of bacteria inhibit our guts naturally that helps to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Microbes are used to make even chocolates. Yes! You heard it right Marmite, Salami and some of the chocolates are made by the assistance of microbes.
Conclusion:
So to sum up, studying microbiology opens various bright future scopes. One can dwell into the world of medicines, food and beverages, vaccines etc. Besides research and development, a student may opt to become academician as well. Quality control of microbiological processes and goods (medicines, drinks, food products) safety and monitoring of manufacturing processes is another carrier option for microbiologist. There are many universities which offers microbiology. Among them one emerging university is IIMT university, Meerut.
IIMT university, Meerut is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing the students with a world-class education. It has commitment for academic excellence and dedication for providing students with a supportive and engaging learning environment. With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your educational and career goals. Here Microbiology functions under the School of Life Sciences and Technology. Diploma, UG, PG, and Ph.D. courses are offered to students with biology background. The department is well equipped with state of art class rooms and fully equipped labs.
As microbiology is a lab-oriented program so in IIMTU you will find labs having all sort of equipment such as autoclave, laminar air flow, incubator, centrifuge, electrophoresis unit etc. You will be acquiring knowledge about microbiological techniques after gaining admission here. Various activities are being conducted in microbiology department apart from regular curriculum as per NEP 2020. One such activity recently held there on World’s AIDS Day, poster competition with theme “Equalise” in which students participated and prepared thought provoking and very innovative posters. Such activities help students to do something different apart from their regular course work and help them to be aware of what’s going on around them. As a token of appreciation students were given certificates for positions of first, second and third.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? COME AND JOIN THE WORLD OF MICROBES!!!!
