Bacteriologist/Microbiologist - How to become a Bacteriologist/Microbiologist

Microbiologist also known as a Bacteriologist conduct research and laboratory experiments on occurrence, growth, development, control and utilization of bacteria and other micro-organisms. These professionals are also responsible for investigating micro-organisms relationships with man, animals and plants. Human being existence, his health, food, agriculture and even industrial development are very much dependent on microbes, thereby increasing the importance of the professional i.e. Microbiologist.

It is supposed that if microbes were to become extinct, disaster would become inevitable and irreparable. Thus, the bacteriologist, be it Medical, Agricultural, Industrial, Marine or General one, are very important in today’s world.

Medical Microbiologist study the role played by micro-organisms in spreading various diseases in humans and animals. They are responsible to research and investigate these organisms to find ways to cure and prevent, occurrence of these diseases.

Agricultural Microbiologist play an important role in improving the size and shape of the agricultural output. They study plant diseases, the role of micro-organisms in soil fertility and spoilage of farm products. I

Industrial Microbiologist play an important role in industries producing products such as alcoholic beverages, amino acids, citric acids, vitamin C and antibiotics etc. with the help of micro-organisms.

Marine Microbiologist deals with the micro-organisms present in the ocean whereas General Microbiologists focus on the fundamentals and basic features of micro-organisms including ecology, metabolism, genetics, physiology and structure.

To be in any of the above mentioned areas of microbiological study, utmost dedication, scientific and analytical temper, interest in research, observant attitude, diligence, ability to work in team of professionals, good communication skills and hard work are some of the few musts.

To discharge their duties with utmost perfection, the prospective microbiologist require professional knowledge about the field and condition they are going to work in the coming time. For that they need proper knowledge of their respective field which can only be achieved by doing professionally designed courses. So to be in this profession one has to undergo one or more of the ahead given courses.

Microbiology being a science subject can be pursued by candidates with background in science at the school level - B.Sc. and further M.Sc. courses can be taken up at the institutions and universities offering these courses.

For having a Microbiologist Career, one has to undergo one or more of the following Courses:

1. B.Sc. (Microbiology)

Eligibility

Microbiologist Education Qualification

To be eligible to join B.Sc. degree one should be 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry as main subject with 50% marks for some highly rated colleges providing this course.

How to become a Microbiologist?

Step 1

Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance tests conducted by the various state and Independent science colleges to admit candidates according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam. These exams are usually held in the month of May-June and consists of Objective type questions based on the subject of relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July.

However some colleges also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class

Step 2

After completing this 3 years of course in which one has to go through all the major aspects of the field of study, one can further specialize in the study of micro-organisms in the fields of their interest such as:

M.Sc  in

1. Bacteriology ; study of bacteria,
2. Mycology ; study of fungi and  
3. Virology ; study of viruses etc.

Microbiologist job Description

Microbiologist job include conducting  research and laboratory experiments on occurrence, growth, development, control and utilization of bacteria and other micro-organisms in various sphere of human life like in agriculture, human health etc. Microbiologist work also include studying  and investigating micro-organisms relationships with man, animals and plants.

Microbiologist Career Prospects

A well qualified microbiologist can make a challenging career in public and private sector hospitals.  These days with the growth in the private sector there are so many private hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, pathology laboratories etc., the demand for microbiologist is on the up-swing. With adequate knowledge and experience, Microbiologist can advance to supervisory or management positions in laboratories and hospitals. These Microbiologists can also run private pathology laboratories. Teaching in medical colleges and institutions is also a very good option for them.

Microbiologist Salary

Microbiologist Salary are reasonable in government and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories etc. The average starting salary of a microbiologist ranges between Rs.15,000  to Rs.20,000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. Those working in private hospitals and clinics have more income than those of government employees. Those who are doing private practice are earning handsome returns depending upon their skill, knowledge, experience and popularity in the surrounding areas.