Microbiology is the branch of biology that studies the smallest living things: bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. It also studies immunology-how higher organisms respond to foreign substances.
This is an excellent major for undergraduate students who want a good general education with an emphasis on an important and interesting branch of biology. It also is an excellent major for students who plan to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, or another health profession.
Examples of what microbiologists do include:
- Environmental microbiologists who identify organisms and conduct research on their uses, such as cleaning up oil spills and hazardous wastes. They also develop genetic probes that can detect microbial contaminants in the water supply.
- Agricultural microbiologists who work to develop disease-resistant crops or produce vaccines to protect livestock from disease. They also identify organisms that can reduce dependence on chemical pesticides.
- Medical microbiologists and virologists who identify and study the microorganisms that cause diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and toxic shock syndrome.
- Immunologists who contribute to a better understanding of the immune response and to the development of vaccines.