MICROBIOLOGY
, 1. Description of what Microbiology involves:
Microbiology deals with the study of microorganisms and their interactions with biotic and abiotic
components of the environment. Microbes are so small that they are not seen by the naked eye.
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of
parasites. Medical microbiology, the large subset of microbiology that is applied to medicine, is a
branch of medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious
diseases. In addition, this field of science studies various clinical applications of microbes for the
improvement of health. Duties of a medical microbiologist includes providing advice on the likely
causes and suggest the best test to diagnose a patient suspected of having an infectious disease. The
testing done may involve the identification of parasites under a microscope, the use of biochemical
tests to identify colonies of bacteria or the use of molecular tests to identify organisms or even
specific genes, which may govern an organism’s behaviour. Interpreting test results ensuring the
delivery of prompt and accurate test results for patients and recommend appropriate further
investigation and antibiotic treatment is also a duty of a microbiologist. Microbiologists provide
advice concerning the choice of such drugs and the duration of treatment. Along with a team
research would be conducted to determine the traditional culture techniques such as
microbiological stains, measuring antibody response to infection, detection of microbial antigens ,
nucleic acid amplification (polymerase chain reaction) .
2. Interest, abilities and skills needed to pursue microbiology
Microbiologists typically have an interest in the Building and Thinking areas The Building interest
area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The
Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the
understanding of natural laws. To become a microbiologist you would need the ability to have an
enquiring mind and problem-solving skills, a methodical, logical approach to experiments and
research, attention to detail, organisational skills to plan experiments, the ability to use technical
equipment and computers, written and oral communication skills and teamwork skills.
Skills needed to pursue medical microbiology includes, Communication skills. Microbiologists
should be able to effectively communicate their research processes and findings so that knowledge
may be applied correctly.
Being Detail oriented. Microbiologists must be able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses
with accuracy and precision.
Use of Interpersonal skills. Microbiologists typically work on research teams and thus must work
well with others toward a common goal. Many also lead research teams and must be able to
motivate and direct other team members.
Logical-thinking skills. Microbiologists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound
reasoning and judgment.
Math skills. Microbiologists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas in their
work. Therefore, they need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
, 1. Description of what Microbiology involves:
Microbiology deals with the study of microorganisms and their interactions with biotic and abiotic
components of the environment. Microbes are so small that they are not seen by the naked eye.
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of
parasites. Medical microbiology, the large subset of microbiology that is applied to medicine, is a
branch of medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious
diseases. In addition, this field of science studies various clinical applications of microbes for the
improvement of health. Duties of a medical microbiologist includes providing advice on the likely
causes and suggest the best test to diagnose a patient suspected of having an infectious disease. The
testing done may involve the identification of parasites under a microscope, the use of biochemical
tests to identify colonies of bacteria or the use of molecular tests to identify organisms or even
specific genes, which may govern an organism’s behaviour. Interpreting test results ensuring the
delivery of prompt and accurate test results for patients and recommend appropriate further
investigation and antibiotic treatment is also a duty of a microbiologist. Microbiologists provide
advice concerning the choice of such drugs and the duration of treatment. Along with a team
research would be conducted to determine the traditional culture techniques such as
microbiological stains, measuring antibody response to infection, detection of microbial antigens ,
nucleic acid amplification (polymerase chain reaction) .
2. Interest, abilities and skills needed to pursue microbiology
Microbiologists typically have an interest in the Building and Thinking areas The Building interest
area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The
Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the
understanding of natural laws. To become a microbiologist you would need the ability to have an
enquiring mind and problem-solving skills, a methodical, logical approach to experiments and
research, attention to detail, organisational skills to plan experiments, the ability to use technical
equipment and computers, written and oral communication skills and teamwork skills.
Skills needed to pursue medical microbiology includes, Communication skills. Microbiologists
should be able to effectively communicate their research processes and findings so that knowledge
may be applied correctly.
Being Detail oriented. Microbiologists must be able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses
with accuracy and precision.
Use of Interpersonal skills. Microbiologists typically work on research teams and thus must work
well with others toward a common goal. Many also lead research teams and must be able to
motivate and direct other team members.
Logical-thinking skills. Microbiologists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound
reasoning and judgment.
Math skills. Microbiologists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas in their
work. Therefore, they need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
