Applied microbiology

Applied microbiology is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Students will learn about their structure and way of life, how they interact with people and other living organisms in both harmful and beneficial ways and how they can be harnessed and utilized for industries such as the food and pharmaceutical industry. The field is at the core of game-changing new developments occurring in modern molecular biology. It is also vital to our ability to arrest emerging health issues - e.g. influenza outbreaks, SARS, ebola and the rise of antibiotic resistance in medically important bacteria.

Our teaching labs have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for practical training. Practical classes in microbiology are designed to provide laboratory skills in safe handling of microorganisms, experimental procedures illustrating their properties and functions, laboratory diagnosis, and genetic manipulation and expression. This hands-on approach will ensure that students are well prepared for the job market. Our lecturers are all active researchers as well as teachers, ensuring each course taught at Monash reflects the most recent advances in the various microbiology disciplines.

Applied microbiology is integral to many areas of science and industry including biomedical science, biotechnology, ecology, food fermentation and food safety, and the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates with a major in applied microbiology find employment in medical research companies and institutes, hospitals, government departments, universities, and the food and beverage industry.

Availability

Applied microbiology is listed in the Bachelor of Science at Malaysia as a major or minor.

Outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad understanding of the diversity and range of microorganisms, the interactions between humans and microorganisms, the role of microorganisms in industrial and environmental processes, and their role in the development of the techniques that underpin modern molecular biology
• demonstrate proficiency in a set of core microbiological and molecular biological technical methods, including both an understanding of the principles of the methods and their utilisation in laboratory settings.