Microbiology is an essential part of the study of biology. People passionate in this field can do their master’s degree in Microbiology. Bacteriology is the study of bacteria whereas Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms.

Importance of the paper:

Bacteriology involves the identification, classification, and characterization of bacterial species. A person who studies bacteriology is a bacteriologist. On the other hand immunology deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of health as well as diseases; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders.

Paper pattern:

As per the latest pattern, there are no choices. The paper is divided in two parts: Part 1 having two essay type questions each carrying 20 marks. Part 2 has 10 short note questions, each carrying 6 marks. As there are no choices in the examination, the students should have a good grip on the subject. Solving previous years’ question papers can be very helpful.

Frequently asked questions:

Short notes on Cytokines, Endotoxins, Graft reaction and host reaction, Anaerobic culture methods, tantalization, Radio immunoassay, bacterial flagella, autoclave, enriched media, active immunity, gaseous disinfectants, dark field microscope, methyl red test, complement fixation test, uses of HLA typing. Topics such as structure of bacterial cells, genetic mechanism of drug resistance, transmission of genetic material in bacteria, hypersensitivity, counter immune electrophoresis, oxidase test, Elisa, contributions of Robert Koch, alternate pathway of complement, antibiotic sensitivity testing, sterilization, antibody reactions and precipitation reactions, various terms and terminologies of microbiology etc.

Time and marks:

The paper is of three hours with a maximum marks 100. The pattern of the exam has been changing over the years.

Recommended books:

• Textbook of Microbiology by R. Vasanthkumari
• General Virology.