Microbiology is the study of organisms that are mostly too small to be seen by the unaided human eye. Microorganisms include protozoa, algae, fungi, lichens, bacteria and viruses. These organisms occur universally and have a significant influence on agriculture.
Microbiology is one of the most important and exciting of the biological sciences.
Not only is it a basic biological science, having provided much of our understanding of the chemical and physical principles behind living processes, but it is also an important applied science. Microorganisms have a key role in maintaining fertility and structure in soils and in degrading organic pollutants. The importance of microorganisms to industries which process agricultural products is also widely known. The food preservation and dairy industries rely greatly on processes designed to kill or inhibit growth of disease and spoilage organisms. On the other hand, the dairy, brewing, wine-making and baking industries make use of the ability of microorganisms to convert primary materials into desirable end products.