Industrial Microbiology
In the atmosphere, oceans, seas, rivers, ponds, other water bodies, on the rocks, mountains, surface, beneath the surface - literally everywhere (except a few places) - of the earth living beings are found. The organisms found on this earth are as small as an ant and as large as an elephant or a whale. Much more than these organisms, which can be seen with unaided eyes, are millions of those organisms that can only be seen with the help of a microscope. That's why the organisms belonging to this larger group are called "Microorganisms" or "Microbes". Microbes can be found anywhere on this earth where there is even the least possibility of maintenance of life. The study of various aspects of life of microbes, which are capable of living in freezing cold oceans and hot water springs, on mountains and rocks, in the atmosphere, seas, rivers, ponds, soil, dead and decaying organisms, chemicals, bio-chemicals, food-stuffs, and even on the surface and inside of a living organism, their mutual interaction, and their interaction with their environment is called "MICROBIOLOGY".

The major groups of organisms that are studied in Microbiology are Bacteria, Algae, Fungi, Viruses, and Protozoa. Microbes measure from 15 nanometer to 5 millimeter in diameter.

Microbes are an integral part of human environment and that is why they are important to human health. They are crucial for the web of life in any environment. Certain microbes make molecules for other organisms of sea by assimilating light energy of sun. These microbes decompose dead bodies and wastes of other organisms and also decompose industrial wastes, work for the availability of nitrogen for plants, help in digestion of food in humans and other animals, synthesize some vitamins in animals, are responsible for various diseases in humans and different animals and plants, synthesize antibiotics, many industrial enzymes, are used in manufacture of various vaccines, beverages, and other food stuffs, are used in checking environmental pollution, etc.

Therefore, it is quite clear that the study of microbiology is very important and useful. Many things of human use such as curd, yogurt, cheese, bread, antibiotics, different types of vaccines, several proteins through recombinant DNA techniques, various enzymes, etc., have become available because of the study of microbiology.

For the sake of study, the subject of microbiology is divided into two major heads - Basic Microbiology and Applied Microbiology. These are further divided as under

Basic Microbiology -
On the basis of microbes-
• Bacteriology
• Algology
• Mycology
• Virology
• Protozoology
• Parasitology
On the basis of process -
• Microbial Metabolism
• Microbial Genetics
• Microbial Ecology
In relation to diseases -
• Immunology
• Epidemiology
• Etiology
• Medical Microbiology

Applied Microbiology -
In relation to diseases -
• Infection Control
• Chemotherapy In relation to environment -
• Environmental Microbiology
According to industrial process-
• Food and Beverage Technology
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Genetic Engineering
• Industrial Microbiology

From the above mentioned it is crystal clear that the study of microbiology is quite complex and elaborate. However, the study of microbiology makes us very important in terms of society and business. This offers ample opportunities of employment. A Microbiologist is one who studies microbiology.

Job Prospects
Industries -
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Cosmetics Industries
• Bottling Plants
• Water Processing Plants
• Dairy Industries
• Biochemical Plants
• Distilleries
• Fermentation Plants
• Fertilizer Industries
• Food Processing Industries
• Biotech Companies

Academic Institutions and R&D Set Up -
• Research Assistants and Associates
• Pathologist
• Molecular Biologists
• Microbiologist in Hospitals
• Bioremediation Specialist
• Cell Biologists
• Agro-research Specialist
• Pollution Control Units
• Teaching / Research Scientist

Duration : 3 Years
Eligibility: 10+2 (With Biology)