Microbiology is a study of small living organisms that cannot be seen through naked eyes. These micro organisms are an integral part of human environment and they are present everywhere. Some of them are yeasts, viruses, protozoa, moulds, bacteria and algae.

Many biologists further study about these micro-organisms. For instance, the virologists study about the viruses, mycologists deals with fungi, while the bacteriologists work with bacteria. In India, many colleges offer Bachelor of Science in Microbiology as a three-year course and the names of government colleges offering this course in India are given below:

• Government College for Girls, Sector-42, Chandigarh

• Government Arts College for Women, Periyar University, Tamil Nadu

• Government College of Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Chhattisgarh

• Government Science College, Bangalore University, Karnataka

• Government Degree College, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Andhra Pradesh

• Government Narmada P.G. College, Barkatullah University, Madhya Pradesh

Eligibility requirement:

Normally, the eligibility requirement to seek admission to the B. Sc Microbiology course is that candidates must have completed their higher secondary in science stream of education with physics, chemistry and biology subjects. In most of the universities, biology at the higher secondary level is a compulsory subject. Even candidates, who have taken pure science group at the higher secondary level are eligible to apply to the B. Sc Microbiology course.

Higher Studies after B. Sc Microbiology:

After successful completion of B. Sc Microbiology course, candidates can choose any of the following subjects for pursuing their higher education:

• Higher Diploma in Microbiology

• Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Microbiology

• Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Administration

• Master of Science in

o Microbiology

o Applied Microbiology

o Microbial Genetics & Bioinformatics

o Medical Microbiology

o Food Microbiology

o Industrial Microbiology

o Molecular biology

o Clinical research

o Biochemistry

o Forensic Sciences

o Hospital Administration

Career Prospects after completion of B. Sc Microbiology course:

Candidates, who have completed their B. Sc Microbiology can become microbiologists and there are wide range of employment opportunities available for microbiologists. They can find job placement in research laboratories and research organizations in public sector and private sector. They can also find job placement in pharmaceutical firms, chemical firms, etc… Since there is many similarities between microbiology and biotechnology, the career options available for professionals in the field of biotechnology are applicable to the professionals in the field of microbiology as well.  If the candidates, wishes to go for research activities in the field of microbiology, they should possess the following characteristics:

Qualities to be possess to become a good microbiology researcher:

Research in microbiology like any other field of research requires scientific and analytical temper, scientific pursuit driven by keen motivation, perseverance and hard work, keen observation and intense interest in research. Candidates should also possess good communication skills, ability to work with a team of professionals and methodical approach in work to succeed in the research field in microbiology.

Thus, B. Sc Microbiology course not only opens up wide range of job opportunities to deserving candidates, but also offers a wide range of higher studies option as well.