SIUC Microbiology - Undergraduate Programs Microbiology Microbiology, the study of microorganisms, is of major importance to our lives. Our richer and deeper understanding of the molecular basis of life has come almost exclusively from the study of microbial systems.
Microorganisms now serve as models for the study of basic biological processes.
In addition, the importance of microorganisms in causing disease and in cycling nutrients in the environment ties the study of microbiology closely to both medicine and agriculture. Many recent discoveries in molecular biology derive from investigations of bacteria and viruses. This new information is already being used to solve human medical problems. For example, the emerging industry of biotechnology is intimately linked to progress in microbiology and molecular biology. These discoveries now supply us with quantities of insulin, interferon, human growth hormone, and a host of other medical and research products previously available only in trace amounts.