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Microbiology - Overview

Overview

Microbiology programs teach people about structure, growth, and behavior of microorganisms. Students learn about bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, and yeast cells. They also study the effect of microbial processes on living things.

Have you looked at the palm of your hand lately? Did you know that there are more microbes on your hand than there are people on this planet? Microbes are tiny creatures such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Makes you just want to go wash your hands, doesn't it? Actually, most microbes are harmless; however, some can make you sick. Microbiology is the study of these microscopic forms of life.

In this program, you learn about the structure, growth, and interaction of these small organisms. You learn about the relationship between these organisms and the spread and control of diseases. For instance, you may study about the effect of antibiotics on infections. You may do research on vaccines or healthcare products such as insulin for diabetics.

You also learn about the importance of these microorganisms to agriculture and food production. Did you know that yogurt, cheese, chocolate, and pickles are all produced by microbial activity? You could even investigate the microbial activity of yeast in the fermentation of beer.

Microbiology plays an important role in industry and in the environment. For instance, you learn about microbial strains used in waste management, and the unique bacteria used to help extract minerals from low-grade ores. You may also learn how to conduct assays to detect microbial contamination in food.

There are unlimited possibilities for you and probably as many applications for microbiology as there are microbes on your hand.

A few community colleges offer a two-year program in microbiology. These programs prepare you to work as a laboratory assistant.

Several colleges in the U.S. offer a bachelor's degree program in microbiology. These take four years of full-time study beyond high school. A bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate studies or for an entry-level position as a research assistant, quality assurance, or clinical technologist in some settings. It is also good preparation for medical, dental, and veterinary school.

Some colleges offer a combined bachelor's and master's program. You can complete a B.S./M.S. program in four years beyond high school, but it may require attending summer sessions.

A graduate degree allows you to broaden your career choices and to specialize more. Most positions, particularly in research, require at least a master's degree. There are over 140 master's degree programs in the U.S. It takes about six years beyond high school to complete a master's degree program. A Ph.D. in microbiology may take an additional two to three years. About 200 universities offer a Ph.D.

During graduate school, most students choose to specialize in a particular area such as:

• Biotechnology - gene manipulation to modify microorganisms
• Genetics - processes by which organisms inherit and transmit genetic information
• Immunology - study of the body's defense against disease
• Mycology - molds and yeasts for the production of antibiotics and food
• Virology - study of viruses and bacteriophages and how they change
• Parasitology - life cycles and adaptations of organisms that depend on other organisms for survival

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.
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