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Why Study Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms. These include single cell organisms (unicellular, cell colonies), multicellular, and lacking cells (acellular). Microbiology also includes subdisciplines such as mycology, parasitology, bacteriology and virology. 

Why study microbiology?

The obvious answer is that it is fascinating subject. More specifically, although not immediately obvious, microbiology has a huge impact on our lives. Microorganisms are everywhere. They are in our environment, on our body, everywhere we go.

  • They help turning over soil and aquatic habitats.
  • They can aid digestion. Ectosymbionts live outside the cells of the host.  For example, bacteria that is on your skin and in your digestive tract.
  • They break down dead and decaying matter.
  • They can help in the environment. Bacteria are being used to help in clearing up after environmental incidents, such as oil spills.
  • They may live with a host to the benefit of both organisms.  These are called symbionts.  A symbiont is an organism that is closely associated with a host, a larger organism.  The symbiont will live on, in or near the host.  Symbiotic relations are usually positive but can be negative.
  • Endosymbionts live inside the host’s cells.  For example, in some plants the endosymbiontic bacteria lives in the root cells and helps the plant to grow.
  • Microorganisms also include pathogens, which are organisms that cause diseases in plants and animals.

Where Does Microbiology Come In?

Not all microorganisms are bad. Microbiology has helped to treat and prevent diseases which are caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi.  In medicine, for example, microbiology led to the discovery and development of:

  • Antibiotics, and
  • Vaccines.

Microbiology is not only relevant in medicine.  Microorganisms are also used in a wide range of industries such as –

  • Foods
  • Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Genetics
  • Mining
  • ... and more.

The Importance of Microbiology

Microbiology is important in so many different professions, including -

  • Medicine
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Nursing
  • Laboratory work
  • Wine-making
  • Brewing
  • Environmental engineering.

Learn More

Learn more about microbiology to improve your job and career prospects. It is an area of study which has such an impact on our daily lives. As Microbiology is relevant to so many different industries, training in a discipline such as this potentially opens up so many different career or employment possibilities. 

We offer a 100 hour course in Microbiology that you can study by distance learning. Start at any time - learn from our highly knowledgeable Science tutors. If you have any questions or want to know more, get in touch with our specialist Science tutors - they will be pleased to hear from you.

Why Delay?  Enrol today.

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