What is microbiology? – History, Fields 22nd May 2023 – Tags: Bacteriology, microbiology, Mycology, Phycology, viruses
Our entire world is made up of microorganisms and microbiology. We ourselves do not realize how often we encounter bacteria both good and harmful to our bodies. Many products, ready for purchase on the Gentaur website, belong precisely to the equipment needed in microbiology laboratories. What kind of work takes place in such a place, and what does the field of science itself called microbiology do? We will find out in the following article.
What does microbiology do?
Microbiology is a science that deals with the study of living organisms that are so small that we cannot see them with the naked eye. The range of species found in this field includes bacteria, archaeons, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae. The organisms we have listed can also be referred to as microorganisms for short.
One of the most important microbiological tests is bacterial culture. After incubation, bacteria and fungi of various sizes and colors are visible on the culture plate, allowing the lab technician to detect which species he is dealing with.
History of microbiology
The beginning of microbiology is recorded with the invention of the microscope and the further refinement of this device. In the 17th century, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, whose interest was the manufacture of new microscope glass, noticed small creatures when observing under magnification, which later turned out to be among the first discovered microorganisms.
Of course, the first discoveries and ideas about this science had already appeared in ancient times, such as in Rome or Japan. It was then that the first theories about the existence of organisms invisible to the naked eye were developed.
We can note the beginning of the subfield of microbiology called bacteriology in the 19th century, where Ferdinand Cohn made the discovery of several species of bacteria, such as Bacillus bacteria. Other well-known scientists in this field were Louis Pasteur, who discovered the method of pasteurization and vaccines against rabies and anthrax, and Robert Koch, thanks to whom today the mechanism of bacterial infections is known and we know the cause of tuberculosis.
Areas of microbiology
- Bacteriology – the science of bacteria
- Mycology – the science of fungi
- Protozoology – the science of protozoa
- Virology – the science of viruses
- Phycology – the science of algae
- Microbial ecology
How to become a microbiology scientist?
In order to get the training needed to work as a microbiologist, you need to complete a university degree in biology, and then refine your knowledge through numerous specializations and training courses. It is also possible to achieve this goal by completing a medical degree, such as pharmacy, for example, and remaining a university scientist in this field. Most often, a doctorate is needed to advance further.
