Microbiology (B.Sc.)

Core Subject Areas

• General Microbiology and Microbial Taxonomy

• Immunology and Host-Microbe Interaction

• Pathogenic and Clinical Microbiology

• Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology

• Industrial and Food Microbiology

• Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering

• Virology, Mycology, and Parasitology

• Research Design and Laboratory Techniques

• Biosafety and Ethics in Microbiology

Key Course Modules

1. General Microbiology: Explores the scope and history of microbiology, classification and diversity of microbes, microbial cell structure, growth, nutrition, and reproduction, forming the foundation for all future modules.
2. Microbial Physiology and Metabolism: Examines how microbes function at the biochemical level, focusing on enzyme systems, metabolic pathways (glycolysis, respiration, fermentation), energy production, and biosynthesis of macromolecules.
3. Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology: Focuses on microbial DNA/RNA structure, gene regulation, genetic variation, and mechanisms such as conjugation, transduction, and transformation. Includes CRISPR systems and molecular cloning techniques.
4. Immunology: Introduces the innate and adaptive immune systems, the role of antibodies, antigens, and immune responses in disease defense, as well as immunization strategies and mechanisms behind allergies, autoimmune conditions, and vaccines.
5. Medical and Clinical Microbiology: Provides in-depth understanding of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, diagnostic techniques, antimicrobial resistance, and laboratory testing in clinical settings.
6. Environmental Microbiology: Investigates microbial roles in biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen), microbial populations in soil and water, and applications in bioremediation, waste degradation, and bioenergy.
7. Industrial and Food Microbiology: Covers fermentation processes, microbial production of bio-based products (e.g., antibiotics, enzymes), food preservation and spoilage, and quality control measures in industrial settings.
8. Virology: Explores viral morphology, replication strategies, classification, and pathogenesis. Includes study of oncogenic viruses, emerging viral infections, vaccines, and antiviral drug development.
9. Mycology and Parasitology: Examines fungi and parasitic organisms affecting humans, animals, and plants. Topics include morphology, life cycles, diseases, laboratory diagnosis, and control strategies.
10. Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology: Practical training in aseptic techniques, media preparation, culture and isolation methods, microbial staining (Gram, Acid-fast, spore), microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing.