Living matter circulates between the soil and the atmosphere while energy flows in an ecosystem allowing the exchange of gases and nutrients between microbes. Living organisms that break down dead and decaying matter and turn them into useful resources and nutrients for plants are called microorganisms or bacteria. They can be observed with a microscope and this study is called microbiology.
Research around bacterial characterization such as evolution, behavior, physiology and pathology is covered in microbiology. Understanding the microbiology has helped mankind to achieve medical advances in drug formulation and vaccine development as well as in other important industries such as the food and beverage sector.
Microbiology is now available in a virtual educational format. Students can consider a online microbiology course taught by Dr. Sean Elliot.
Beneficial and harmful bacteria
Microbial activity can be both helpful and harmful depending on the type of microorganism, time, temperature and other conditions. Bacteria and fungi help decompose the dead body and turn it into nutrient-rich compost for plants. During decomposition inorganic molecules are released into the atmosphere. Animals and humans depend on plants growing in organic matter-rich soil for their nutrition. When they die, the cycle of living matter continues, so it is possible to convert dead matter into fossil fuels and other organic compounds that are essentially useful for sustaining life on the planet. pure.
Germs are harmful to humans, animals and plants and cause disease. They penetrate inside the body of a living organism and paralyze the physiological functions necessary to maintain a healthy organism. For example, bacteria cause diarrhea, pneumonia, cholera, and plague. Chickenpox, colds, flu, and measles are spread by viruses. The fungal attack leads to tinea pedis, ringworm, and skin infections. Food spoils due to the spread of mold, fungus, and bacteria.
The importance of microbiology research
Microbiologists help to understand invisible bacteria and help devise strategies to combat their harmful effects and use them as biosynthetic agents in various fields such as fertilizers, hemp fiber processing, tanning and food industry. Some of the areas where microbiology research has benefited are:
Pharmaceutical innovation in drug development has undergone a major change as microbiology has been introduced as a key stage in the creation of essential antibiotics, steroids and vaccines. Antibiotics are produced by bacteria as part of their metabolic cycle. This antibiotic is extracted under laboratory conditions and is used to produce the drugs needed to help humans and animals fight infections.
Vaccines help fight infectious viral diseases such as the recent coronavirus. Polio and smallpox are eliminated from the world through an effective vaccination schedule followed by governments around the globe. Microbiology helps prevent microbial contamination during storage and handling of essential medicines.
The application of microbiology in the biotechnology industry is common in all stages. Biotechnologists use bacteria to make products for a variety of industries, including food, dietary supplements, textiles, paper, disease prevention, alternative fuels, and environmental monitoring. and waste management. Using microbial activity in food processing is an age-old method, now used on a larger scale in the food processing industries.
Microbial biotechnology supports gene and DNA mapping to understand human diseases and the favorable conditions for contamination to spread. Genetic Engineering used to change the DNA of bacteria to produce viable drugs and vaccines.
Research hacks and tips
A science with a complete curriculum requires consistent and organized learning methods. When a microbiology student establishes a schedule to study microbiology regularly, a bit of the curriculum is completed periodically and in time for revision. Attending classes and taking notes helps students clear their doubts with the course instructor. When taking notes, one can highlight or annotate important points for later reference and review. One can make pre-made calculation notes in short points, use mnemonics and flashcards to memorize long syllabus easily.
Microbiology Online Course
Microbiology is divided into two categories – pure microbiology and applied microbiology. Based on this classification, many microbiology courses serve the purpose of teaching some key areas in the form of supplementary courses that are even used for continuing education purposes. Most such courses are online, and a few of them are available as free courses that are usually designed for self-study. Here is a list of microbiology online courses that one can pursue from anywhere:
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Harvard University
Harvard University offers a variety of microbiology certification courses relevant to the applied sciences and useful to anyone preparing for industry-related jobs. Most of these courses are free. A certificate endorsed by the university can be obtained with the payment of a minimum fee by the desired students. The topics covered in these free online certification programs are:
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Case studies in functional genomics
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Introduction to bioconductors
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advanced bioconductors
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Food fermentation – the art of cooking with bacteria
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Cell Biology
Harvard’s commitment to providing the best concepts of science without discrimination and making it accessible to everyone has allowed these microbiology courses to be available as courses. online recordings.
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MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a pioneer in virtual education offering free online microbiology courses. The course on cell therapy and its applications helps to understand stem cell therapy for microbiologists and researchers. Other cell therapies such as CAR-T are the new age solution for tissue culture therapy and growth of lost limbs and organs. The course teaches not only the microbiological aspect but also the technical and analytical chemistry behind the application of cell therapy.
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CDCP Elearning Series
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an eLearning series of comprehensive microbiology courses and can be used as a continuing education unit. The courses offered are devised by fellow researchers with quantitative experience in the given subject. Some of the topics that are part of the eLearning microbiology series are:
Most of these courses are based on pure microbiology and will help to understand the basics
Conclusion:
Microbiology is holistic, however, help is always available and one should not be prevented from approaching a professor if they do not understand the subject.
