Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses and fungi and their many relationships to humans, animals and plants. Microbiologists apply their knowledge to public health and sanitation; food production and preservation, industrial fermentations which produce chemicals, drugs, antibiotics, alcoholic beverages and various food products; prevention and cure of diseases in plants, animals and humans; biodegradation of toxic chemicals and other materials present in the environment; insect pathology; and other activities which seek to control microbes, to enhance their useful activities and prevent those which are harmful.

Microbiology is the basis for the exciting and expanding new field of biotechnology, which endeavors to utilize living organisms to solve important problems in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.Microbes live in a great variety of environments and carrying out many of the processes found in higher organisms. They are thus interesting in their own right as model systems for the study of reactions, which occur, in higher organisms. As subjects for research in biochemical and molecular genetics, microbes have contributed most to the current knowledge of genetics at the molecular level (microbial systems are in the forefront of genetic engineering).

Opportunities for employment exist at all scholarly levels, in many local, state and national government agencies and in varied industries. The record for employment of microbiologists has been excellent for many years and with the increased interest in biotechnology, job prospects look even brighter for the future.

Students interested in careers in microbiology should have broad interests in the biological sciences and aptitude for biology and chemistry. For some areas of specialization, an aptitude for mathematics and physics is also essential.

Departmental courses are designed to provide comprehensive training and the skills required for working with microorganisms, as well as a broad understanding of all aspects of microbial life. Many of the microbiology positions require graduate level studies. In addition to the B.S. degree, the department offers graduate studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in various areas of concentration including virology, microbial genetics, microbial anatomy, immunology, and several applied areas.