Studies & Degrees in Medical Microbiology
Choose where you would like to study Medical Microbiology:
IndiaNigeriaRussiaSpainThe United KingdomThe United StatesUkraineAre you interested in a career that would allow you to study the full range of infectious organisms and help prevent human diseases, including the major microbial class of diseases? Are you aware of the various qualifications you’ll need to find work in these types of positions, including the academic preparation that is required? Medical microbiology is a fascinating field, in which experts have the opportunity to explore the various infectious organisms that promote both health and disease in the human body and how these infections are prevented, managed and cured. However, specialists of this kind must undergo a rigorous course of preparation, beginning with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Microbiology. To help get you started, below we will provide a broad outline of the type of coursework you can expect to encounter while pursuing a degree in Medical Microbiology, followed by a list of potential career opportunities available for qualified graduates.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Medical Microbiology is designed for students who want to acquire a thorough understanding of the range, type, structure and physiology of infectious organisms—organisms that cause disease in humans, particularly those of a microbial nature. The program is classified as an undergraduate degree, so depending on the country in which you live, the course of study will typically span three to four years in duration and include general education courses in addition to the core classes that are directed related to the discipline.
Based on the three-year European model (which is ultimately followed by a two-year Master’s degree program), the initial year of study will include an introductory module on microbiology, along with modules that cover the fundamental aspects of biochemistry, genetics and physiology. Together, these classes provide a basic and imperative foundation for both microbiology and the disease-related aspects associated with it. Students will also become proficient in computer applications that will be used throughout the course of the program, as well as in the chemical principles which emphasize the medically-related sciences.
In the second year of the program, core modules in microbiology constitute half or more of the program, with courses that deal with subjects such as:
- The bacterial world
- Eukaryotic microbiology
- Immunology
- Virolo gy
- Medical microbiology
- Pathogens, including their associated diseases, diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology, including public health measures
In addition to these microbiology modules, optional coursework is offered in biochemistry, genetics and physiology, all of which give students the opportunity to narrow down their interests in a particular field of study.
The third and final year of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Microbiology will be dedicated to studies directly related to infectious organisms, and will include active research in a university or hospital laboratory. This constitutes the final research project which accounts for a significant portion of a student’s final grade.
Careers in Medical Microbiology
A Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Microbiology can pave the way to some exciting career opportunities in a variety of work environments, including
- Research and development
- Teaching and research
- Sales and marketing
- Product development
- Quality control
- Policy and Regulation
- Academia (colleges and universities)
- And more…
Professionals with knowledge in Medical Microbiology are in high demand in both private and government-based industries, performing work in sectors such as biotechnology; pharmaceuticals; management and administration; research and development; policy and enforcement; and patent law and intellectual property, all of which offer a very competitive salary and plenty of room for advancement.