Hello Kulen,

Microbiology has a vast scope, the study of microbiology contributes greatly to the understanding of life through enhancements and intervention of microorganisms. There is an increase in demand for microbiologists in India and globally. A microbiologist can innovate new diagnostic kits, discover new drugs, teach, research, etc.

The scope in this field is immense due to the involvement of microbiology in many fields like medicine, pharmacy, dairy, industry, clinical research, water industry, agriculture, chemical technology, and nanotechnology.

You can go for a BSc. in microbiology, after BSc. you can do your masters in varied subjects like Micro, Biotech, clinical research, bioinformatics, agricultural biology, etc. and then apply for jobs in that field or go for a Ph.D. if you desire.

An undergraduate degree in microbiology gives you the opportunity to work at science laboratories and pathology labs. If you have a PG in microbiology, you can work in microbiology based industries like pharmacy, dairy, breweries, distilleries, enzyme, etc. and you also can pursue Ph.D. Students who complete Ph.D. can take up teaching at universities and PG colleges. They can also take up post-doctoral research.

Career prospects:

• Microbiologists can work in the area of food, pharmacy, agrochemistry biotechnology, biorefinery, environment, pollution control, and bioremediation.
• In the field of agriculture, microbiologists act as environmental and health specialists to study the role of microbes in plant disease, pest control, nutrition, and soil fertility.
• In the field of medicine and health care, the work is usually associated with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses associated with microbes.

Courses & Eligibility Criteria:

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology with 50% for B.Sc. Microbiology
• B. Sc. in Biological Sciences holders can apply for M.Sc. Microbiology/ Applied Microbiology, for specialization such as.

1) Medical Microbiology

2) Food Microbiology

3) Industrial Microbiology

4) Bioinformatics

5) Microbial-Technology

6) Clinical Research

7) Molecular biology

8) Biochemistry

9) Forensic Science

10) Hospital Management 

Microbiologists typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial settings where they conduct experiments and analyze the results.

Top colleges offering this course in India:

• Bharathiyar University 
• Delhi University 
• Osmania University 
• Panjab University 
• Sardar Patel University 

Top colleges offering this course abroad:

• Harvard University 
• Stanford University 
• Tufts University 
• University of California - Berkeley 
• University of Wisconsin - Madison 

Salary:

Microbiologists enjoy many perks and benefits. Salaries for pharma or biotech labs professionals start at Rs.10, 000 – Rs.15, 000 per month, a figure that doubles within a few years. Government and research labs offer Rs.10,000- Rs.20,000. Junior Research fellows my get Rs.12,000. In developed countries, the pay is far better – researchers commonly earn $30,000 to $70,000 per year. 

I hope this helps.

Good luck!