The microbiology industry has seen rapid growth in India and abroad due to advancements in research and technology. This has created new avenues for microbiology enthusiasts, especially in genomics, proteomics, synthetic biology and personalised medicines.
Microbiologists around the world are continuously exploring and identifying new species of microorganisms. With the help of modern techniques and artificial intelligence, they are engineering microorganisms and therapies to cure infectious diseases.
These developments make microbiology a promising field for the future. Graduates who want to excel should know about these modern trends and techniques. This blog will guide MSc Microbiology students through the top trends in microbiology so they can stay ahead of the curve.
Let’s get started!
Top Trends in Microbiology
Discoveries and advancements in research and tech have expanded the field of microbiology. It has also revolutionised many fields like biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, and the environment.
Here are the current trends in microbiology that every MSc student set on a rewarding career should know.
1. Human Microbiome and Personalised Therapies
The human microbiome has always been a trend. Despite extensive studies, many questions remain. Recent research has shown how microbial populations affect health and disease, leading to a trend in personalised therapies. This new approach is set to make healthcare more effective and targeted.
2. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing
When it comes to microbiology, the popular gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 is never behind the trend. The precise applications of this CRISPR-Cas9 technique enable targeted changes and modifications in the DNA of the microorganisms.
3. Synthetic Biology
Biofuels, bioplastics, and other sustainable products are possible due to breakthroughs in synthetic biology. This field has become popular among researchers in no time. Some trendy utilisations include biosensors for quick and accurate disease diagnosis and synthetic genetic circuits for programming cellular functions.
4. Microfluidics Technology
Another emerging trend in microbiology is microfluidics technology. This tech field helps to manipulate small quantity fluids used in processes like single-cell analysis and high-throughput screening. Another benefit of this technology is that it provides exact control over the parameters of experiments.
5. Antimicrobial Resistance
After global warming, scientists are now concerned about antimicrobial resistance. Due to changing environmental conditions, microbes are developing resistance to antimicrobial measures. To combat this problem, concepts like bacteriophage engineering and synthetic biology are deployed to produce novel antimicrobial compounds.
6. Diagnostic Technologies
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have transformed diagnostic technologies, increasing accuracy in medical imaging and early disease diagnosis. Thanks to these tech advancements, portable point-of-care testing devices are now trending.
7. Environmental Sustainability
Research and studies on the application of microbes for managing and conserving the environment is an ongoing process. Biological ways to remove pollutants from the environment and improve soil health by using microorganisms are becoming popular. Bioremediation and sustainable agriculture have always been in demand.
Skills Every MSc Student Should Develop
It is important to keep up with the latest trends in microbiology. But equipping yourself with the necessary skills is equally important. To stand out in this discipline, here are some top skills:
- Laboratory Skills: These include technical knowledge of lab equipment and techniques like PCR, spectroscopy, microbial culture, DNA isolation and microscopy.
- Data Retrieval and Analysis: Microbiology includes an in-depth study of the genome of microorganisms to find the best possible solutions. Hence, skills in retrieving and analysing data like genes, genome and amino acid sequences from various databases are necessary.
- Research Paper Writing : Research forms the backbone of a microbiology degree. You should be proficient in writing scientific and research papers that can explain your research findings to others.
- Critical Thinking: As an MSc Microbiology student, critical and analytical thinking are not skills you can do without. They will help you solve problems like environmental contamination, antibiotic resistance, and more.
- Effective Communication Skills : To explain and present your work and research findings to your audience, it is essential to communicate effectively. You should be able to easily communicate all the details of your research, technical and non-technical.
- Time Management : A science student like you must balance your academic and personal life. For this, time management is the key. This skill should be a part of your life right from the first year of BSc Microbiology.
Microbiology Courses for Students
There are many courses for a bright career in microbiology. Beginning with an undergrad course, you can pursue higher education like a master’s and then do a PhD in microbiology. Any student with a minimum of 60% marks in class 12th with physics, chemistry and biology as main subjects can opt for microbiology. The courses are:
BSc (Hons) Microbiology
A BSc (Hons) Microbiology course is three to four years long, depending on your chosen institution. The UG degree covers theoretical as well as practical aspects of the microbial world. The first-year curriculum covers the basics, with more in-depth study in the later years.
MSc Microbiology
This two-year master’s program focuses on practical aspects of microorganisms to solve real-world problems. Students indulge in extensive laboratory work, such as microbial cultures, inoculation, microscopy, and DNA-related studies.
PhD Microbiology
A PhD generally takes four to five years to complete. The doctoral degree provides students with research training on advanced techniques and emerging areas. As a PhD scholar, you can find out research gaps, solve problems, or devise new methods or techniques to manipulate microorganisms for the betterment of humanity.
Career Opportunities after Microbiology Courses
The scope of microbiology is vast. You can build a promising career in this field with the right set of skills and a microbiology degree. Here are some of the most prominent career options after completing microbiology courses:
The vast scope of microbiology ensures a diverse range of career paths. Just peruse through the options below and take your pick!
- Research Scientist: You can work as a research scientist after a master’s or PhD in microbiology and solve real-world problems.
- Pharmaceutical Microbiologist: In this role, you can work in the pharma industry and develop drugs and vaccines.
- Clinical Microbiologist: A clinical microbiologist diagnoses diseases caused by microorganisms in hospital patients.
- Environmental Microbiologist: A career as an ecological microbiologist involves projects such as bioremediation, sustainable development, waste management, etc.
- Food Microbiologist: This role involves devising strategies and techniques to ensure food safety, enhance food quality, and conserve food.
- Synthetic Biologist: This is an emerging role in the microbiology field. Discovering or creating novel microbes for the industry is the major role.
- Phage Therapy Specialist: The newly growing phage therapies need specialising in bacteriophages and their clinical applications.
Now that you know the trends in microbiology, the skills a microbiologist needs and the career options, choosing the right institution is the next step. It is important to review the curriculum and ensure it matches your goals and aspirations. A research-focused institution is an ideal choice.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shoolini University is the best university for microbiology in India. The university is known for its high-impact research by faculty and students. Shoolini is among the top patent filers in the country with over 1500 patents filed by students and teachers. In addition, 19 Shoolini scientists have been listed in the top 2% list by Standford University.
The modern facilities and advanced laboratories create an ideal setting for students to bring their research ideas to life. Industry tie-ups with national and international institutions are the add-on benefits for microbiology students. Also, Shoolini receives many research grants from DBT, DST, CSIR, and GoI every year.
Moreover, top global educational ranking agencies like the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings rank Shoolini as the top private university in India.
Conclusion
To build a successful career in microbiology, MSc students must be in sync with emerging trends. They should consistently and persistently hone industry-relevant skills, both theoretical and practical. Further, internships, workshops, seminars, and guest lectures will deepen their understanding and prepare them for the road ahead.
So, get set to make meaningful contributions to society through the science of microbiology!
