Studies & Degrees in Industrial Microbiology
Choose where you would like to study Industrial Microbiology:
IndiaSpainThe United StatesAre you looking for a graduate program in which you can build upon the knowledge and skills you acquired while pursuing a bachelor degree in one of the biological or physical sciences? Have you considered earning a Master of Science degree in Industrial Microbiology? The Master of Science degree in Industrial Microbiology is an ideal program for students who wish to study and learn the various real-world applications of the Microbiology field. It is also a great step for any student in terms of employment prospects, as qualified graduates are consistently in high demand, both here and abroad. To help you become more familiar with this degree path, below we will discuss the program in a bit more detail, including the course description and content, as well as the eligibility requirements for admission.
Master of Science Degree in Industrial Microbiology: Course Description and Content
The Master of Science Degree in Industrial Microbiology (also called Applied Microbiology) is a two to three-year graduate-level program that is currently being offered by many colleges and universities throughout the world. The course is designed to show students how microorganisms are detected and removed—and often used—in the manufacturing of food and/or industrial products. Topics covered under this degree may include biochemistry, immunology, industrial and food microbiology, microbial physiology, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic microorganisms, and environmental microbiology. Students will gain the theoretical and academic depth in areas such as cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology, while also undergoing an invaluable practical and applied experience.
Although the exact titles of the required courses may vary from one institution to the next, some of the courses students are likely to encounter include:
- Microbiology Basics. This course covers the basic principles of microbiology, including the study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.); the isolation, cultivation and identification of microbes; and host parasite relationships as they relate to disease.
- Microbial Techniques. Microbial Techniques is a course that deals with the practical applications of the many concepts covered in Microbiology Basics.
- Food Microbiology. This course, which features a theory and laboratory module, is an introduction to the most important microorganisms encountered in the food and dairy industries. Students will study topics such as the various quality control techniques with regard to raw materials and finished products, microbial metabolism, food and drug regulations and guidelines, and the theory of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for food distributors.
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology. This course focuses on the practices of quality control and quality assurance as they apply to the pharmaceutical industry—practices that are based on the current governmental regulations. Students will also learn, through practical experiments, how to evaluate the anti-microbial effectiveness of disinfectants, food additives and preservatives, and antibiotics.
In order to be eligible to pursue a Master of Science degree in Industrial Microbiology students must possess, at minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in the field of biology, chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology. U.S. students will also need to achieve a passing score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and depending on the institution, all students may be required to undergo an interview with the program faculty prior to admission.