A microbiologist is a scientist who studies microscopic life forms and processes. This includes study of the growth, interactions and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites and their vectors.
What Does a Microbiologist Do?
A microbiologist is a scientist who studies the properties of fungi, algae, bacteria and other microscopic organisms. Areas of specialization include virology, immunology or bioinformatics. Microbiologists will study these microorganisms to learn about their life cycle and how they interact with their environment.
What degree do you need to be a micro biologist?
Microbiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related program that offers substantial coursework in microbiology, such as biochemistry or cell biology. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in biological sciences, including microbiology.
What do microbiologists do in South Africa?
Microbiologists study the basic anatomy, genetics and physiology of micro-organisms, as well as the vital interaction between micro-organisms and the environment. They manipulate micro-organisms, improving quality of life and diagnosing and controlling micro-organisms which contaminate human beings, animals and plants.
CAREER REQUIREMENT
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s degree for career entry; doctorate for independent research positions |
| Field of Study | Microbiology, biochemistry or cell biology |
| Key Responsibilities | Identify, classify and monitor the effects of microorganisms on plants, animals and the environment; participate in research projects; prepare technical reports and papers and present findings |
| Certification | Optional certification is available for clinical microbiologists |
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | 5%* |
| Median Salary (2018) | R 1082853.48 |
Below are steps to Become A Micro biologist In South Africa
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma
If want to study microbiology, concentrate your high school course selections in the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry and physics. Courses in English and mathematics are helpful as well.
Admission to any bachelor’s degree program requires a high school diploma or GED, and some recommend four years of science, three years of math and two years of composition classes.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in microbiology will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the internal structure of microorganisms, the functions of their organelles and the physical and chemical interactions that take place within cells and between cells. Possible courses topics include organic chemistry, microbial genetics, pathogenic microbiology, and cellular physiology.
Step 3: Earn a Graduate Degree
According to the BLS, a doctorate is needed for microbiologist positions that involve independent research. Doctoral programs may be oriented towards preparing you to study medicine, work as a research scientist or teach.
However, in all programs you will have to conduct original research on a narrowly focused topic. Some programs allow you to enroll with a bachelor’s degree, but others require you to have a master’s degree.
Step 4: Obtain Certification
The American College of Microbiology administers the NCRM certification exam, which is composed of four separate exams. Two are for supervisors and cover biological safety and medical devices. Two are for lab technicians and cover medical devices and food safety. Each is computer-based and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
Step 5: Find Employment
An education in microbiology has applications in medicine, biotechnology, environmental protection and food safety. Therefore, you may find employment opportunities with government agencies at all levels, as well as with pharmaceutical companies, colleges and universities and professional, scientific and technical services firms.
What degree do you need to be a micro biologist In South Africa?
Microbiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related program that offers substantial coursework in microbiology, such as biochemistry or cell biology. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in biological sciences, including microbiology.
Where can I study microbiology in South Africa?Colleges and Universities Offering Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in South Africa
Nelson Mandela University , Port Elizabeth. (i) Techniques Course.
University of Venda, Limpopo.
University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
University of Limpopo, Polokwane.
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
University of Fort Hare, Alice.
How long does it take to study microbiology in South Africa?
In South Africa, you can only study a Bachelor’s degree in Science to be able to become qualified in microbiology. There are no diploma’s available. You will need to complete a three year Bachelor of Science in Microbiology.
How many years does it take to become a microbiologist In South Africa?
Education/Training
A career as a microbiologist usually requires an education beyond the high school level. Some microbiologists practice with two-year associate degrees in a scientific field such as chemistry or biology, but most have at least a four-year bachelor’s degree from a college or university.
What do microbiologists do in South Africa?
Microbiologists study the basic anatomy, genetics and physiology of micro-organisms, as well as the vital interaction between micro-organisms and the environment. They manipulate micro-organisms, improving quality of life and diagnosing and controlling micro-organisms which contaminate human beings, animals and plants.
Can microbiologist become docto rIn South Africa?
MD Microbiology: Eligibility
After completing MBBS degree from any of the recognized Medical colleges or Universities, one must pursue MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Microbiology. Then you can start your career as a Microbiology surgeon in In South Africa
Are microbiologists happy In South Africa?
Microbiologists are below average when it comes to happiness. At Career Explorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, microbiologists rate their career happiness 3.1 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 38% of careers.
Is microbiology a good job In South Africa?
Job Prospects for Microbiologists
Microbiology is a thriving field that should provide good prospects for qualified workers. Most of the applied research projects that microbiologists are involved in require the expertise of scientists in multiple fields such as geology, chemistry, and medicine.
Is microbiology hard in college In South Africa?
Microbiology is a hard subject to study. It’s very detail heavy; requiring you to remember a lot of facts about microscopic organisms, morphologies and modes of action. Without some basic knowledge of biology and chemistry, or the ability to memorize things easily, it’s likely you’ll struggle.
Is being a microbiologist stressful In South Africa?
Then yeah, you might experience some stress. Microbiologists spend a pretty significant amount of time hunched over in a lab looking through microscope lenses at very tiny squiggly things, which gradually drives them insane.