Career opportunities and course options in microbiology

The course options are available in microbiology at both the undergraduate and post graduate level. Both bachelor and master degree students, generally get similar courses to study. Though, courses offered at the graduate level include an in-depth coursework focusing on original research. Students who opt for such courses are actually seeking careers in microbiology, nursing, biotechnology and other healthcare and science-related fields.

Introduction to the Courses

The course of microbiology is the only prerequisite for nursing but the other fields may require an elaborate study of the entire subject area. A major in microbiology may end up working in labs in conducting and assisting with the research process. As far as the courses are concerned, fundamentals of microbiology are taught at the entry level. The lectures give information about the eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms that focus upon their physiology and microbial anatomy.

The coursework in fundamentals lays down the foundation for medical and marine microbiology. Then, there are genetics and general virology that cover the study of genes and viruses. The study of virology comprises viral pathologies and antiviral treatment options. The course of immunology and microbial pathogens is to help students gain an insight into the immune system and its functioning in response to the microbial pathogens. At the end, the students are taught about the infectious diseases.

Employment Opportunities

There are several specialisations offered under this course. One such specialisation is medical microbiology which includes disease causing organisms. It is a study of viruses, bacteria and parasites to look for the causes and cure of diseases. People with an undergraduate level degree can work in the private sector as research technicians, academic institutions or non-profit organisations.

If you are aspiring to become a college educator or a scientific team member, then you could eventually be upgraded to fill-in a management or leadership position like becoming the director of a clinical microbiology or immunology laboratory. The employers at government agencies, private healthcare and philanthropic organisations, pharmaceutical companies, medical schools and veterinary hospitals look forward to employ fresh college graduates to highly educated professionals in their specific work areas.

You may scale great heights if you have added skills, such as good communication, management and business techniques. Education and experience can lead them to work on their individual research projects. They can also enter this sector as a teacher or a technologist or decide to pursue higher studies. After gaining a master degree, medical microbiology professional graduates can go to teach at the university level. They can also choose to work as supervisors, laboratory managers and research associates.

Aspirants can opt for educational institutions like Lady Hardinge Medical College, Amity University and Santosh University located in the capital city while looking for a career in the microbiology stream.