Microbiology is the study of living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses. These tiny microbes are essential for understanding life on Earth, including human and animal diseases, food production, and the environment. As a microbiologist, you could work on fighting infectious diseases all over the world, developing new vaccines or fighting pests and diseases of crops. You can also help use microorganisms in genetic engineering and other modern biotechnologies.

As a rule, they have some of the following qualities:

• Interest in the basic structure, functions, growth and evolution of bacteria, fungi and viruses;

• Enjoy a variety of interests and strive to study a variety of academic disciplines;

• The desire to be critical and ethical about biological research and its impact on society;

• Understanding the natural world;

• Intellectual curiosity and imagination;

• Ability to quantitative and scientific thinking.

Microbiology programs are available at universities, colleges, and science schools around the world. You can study abroad in bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, and entering a university in another country is a great way to stand out among your peers by getting a unique look at the subject. At the undergraduate level, you can earn a bachelor's degree in microbiology within three or four years, depending on the curriculum and the place where you study. Some universities, especially in the United Kingdom, offer a Master's degree in Biology (Mbiol), which you can study as a bachelor. It combines bachelor's and master's degree programs, and an additional year is required to complete it.

If you have graduated with a degree in microbiology or a related field, you can get a Master's degree (MSc) within one or two years. If you want to get a PhD in microbiology, most postdoctoral research programs last up to six years. Microbiology is, in fact, a laboratory subject, so you will spend a lot of time doing laboratory activities. You will also be trained through lectures, small group classes, seminars and computer seminars. Your learning is usually assessed through a combination of written exams and coursework, which may include lab reports, essays, presentations, and data exercises.

The content and structure of the program will be unique for each university, and you will be able to choose certain modules that you study independently. Here are some of the common subjects that you can study as part of the microbiology diploma program:

• Biology of organisms;

• Evolution;

• Cell Biology and genetics;

• Biochemistry;

• Human anatomy and physiology;

• Physiology of bacteria;

• Virology;

• Immunology;

• Biotechnology;

• Research skills in microbiology.

Microbiology overlaps with other areas of biology such as genetics, molecular biology and immunology. This means there are opportunities for a microbiology-related career in a range of sectors. Typical employers include:

• healthcare organizations such as the NHS and private hospitals;

• public health organizations such as Public Health England;

• environmental organizations;

• industry — food and drink, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, water and biotechnology companies;

• forensic science laboratories;

• publicly funded research organizations;

• higher education institutions.