Science of Microbiology
The invention of the microscope in the late 1600’s sparked the science of microbiology — the study of microbes. Scientists that study microbes are called microbiologists. Early on, microbiology focused on observing the tiny organisms visible through the microscope lenses. Over time the techniques for collecting and growing microbes improved. Microbiologists then began to understand how microbes reproduce, develop and cause disease. While we now know that bacteria can cause diseases, scientists only started to prove this in the 19th century.
Since its early beginnings, microbiology has expanded beyond just the microbes that affect human health. Microbiologists now study the entire range of microbes. The branches of microbiology can be defined by the organisms being studied. Microbiology can also be divided along more broad areas. These include areas such as evolution, genetics and applied fields, like industrial microbiology.
Microbiology Techniques
Microbes are challenging organisms to study. You can’t see them with the naked eye, so microscopes are needed to observe them directly. The earliest observations of microbes were made with simple lenses. Microscopes were then built with a combination of lenses. This enabled scientists to see more details and smaller organisms. Other types of microscopes and techniques were later developed. These provided scientists with a greater understanding of the microscopic world.
Observing microbes is only one of the challenges faced by microbiologists. Only a small fraction of microbes can actually be grown in a laboratory. This means that countless species of microbes have yet to be identified. Scientists can, however, study the microbes that are difficult to grow using other methods, such as DNA sequencing. Microbiologists are also able to alter the genetic material inside a microbe. This changes how the microbe behaves and functions.
Microbiology Careers
Microbiologists interact with microbes in many fascinating ways. This makes microbiology a career with endless possibilities. Some microbiologists study one particular type of microbe, such as bacteria or viruses. Others focus on how microbes interact with people, plants or livestock. Scientists may also develop practical applications of microbes. Using special techniques, they can alter the microbes so they produce medicines. Or use their natural abilities to create better laundry detergents. Microbiologists may spend their time working in a laboratory, out in the field or doing mostly administrative work.
The career paths for microbiologists vary. Colleges offer two-year technical programs, bachelors and master’s degrees, and doctoral programs. The degree and field of study determines the kinds of jobs that an individual can obtain. Students can also combine a degree in microbiology with another field, such as business or journalism. This opens up new career paths.