Knowledge gained by microbiologists leads to a better understanding of molecular-level life processes and to beneficial applications in agriculture, industry, and medicine. All students are urged to consult with the department chair early in their education. Immunologists study the immune system, including allergies, vaccine production and disease diagnostics. Food microbiologists seek better strains of organisms used to make products.
Some microbiologists work in pharmaceutical plants in antibiotic development.
Others work on the production of solvents and other products from waste material. Medicinal, veterinary and clinical microbiologists work to maintain the health of people and animals. Microbial ecologists work on land and in water studying how microbes recycle dead plants and animals and how they can be used to maintain environmental quality or correct environmental mishaps. Microbial physiologists and biochemists study life processes that employ microbial systems and conduct basic research on microbial growth and development. Mycologists investigate how fungi are used to produce cheeses, fermented drinks, breads and antibiotics.