B.Sc. Microbiology

Microbiology is a broad discipline that involves the study of the biology of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. The main focus of our course is the pathogenic potential of the organisms that cause disease in man; also covered are aspects of the biochemistry, physiology and genetics of microorganisms. Recently, our knowledge of how microbes function has expanded enormously, both in the disease process and at a molecular level. Genetic engineers are using bacteria and viruses to clone eukaryotic genes to study and treat human genetic disorders. Vaccines are being developed for diseases such as AIDS, Legionnaire's disease and listeriosis. In the areas of biotechnology, agriculture and food production, microbes are continually exploited for the benefit of man.