MICROBIOLOGY: THE ORIGIN OF LIFE

Glossary

• What Is Microbiology? (Slides 1-4)
• Why Is Microbiology Suitable For Me?
• Information Pertaining to Microbiology

What Is Microbiology?

• Microbiology is the study of various microorganisms, and how they react to the environment
• Microbiology allows researchers to understand the world from a seemingly impossible place to look
• Microbiology is not just the observance of microorganisms - it is the ability to interact and to explore regions of the world we have trekked on before
• Microbiology is the ability to see the world on a much grander scale, one that we could not have dreamt before

What Has Microbiology Done For Medicine?

• Microbiology not only allows researchers to view the world on a much grander scale - it allows them to see the microscopic physiology of the human body
• The immune system, for instance, has been uncharted territory until researchers have been able to see it in action
• This allows for researchers to understand the microscopic interaction between pathogens and the white blood cells
• Microbiology allows for researchers to witness the physiology of the human body, understanding of which enables researchers to better identify disease and infection

How Do Researchers Acquire This Understanding of Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic life and how it interacts within the environment. It allows researchers to view the function of the world on a much smaller scale, as opposed to viewing the environment as a whole. Researchers are able to speculate and test the function of the environment on a much smaller scale and see the puzzle pieces of life, not just the product. Microbiology has enabled researchers to understand life's physiology, and what it does to survive. Researchers understand microbiology by looking at one puzzle piece at a time, and see how it interacts with the environment.

Microbiology is the study of microscopic life and how it interacts within the environment. It allows researchers to view the function of the world on a much smaller scale, as opposed to viewing the environment as a whole. Researchers are able to speculate and test the function of the environment on a much smaller scale and see the puzzle pieces of life, not just the product. Microbiology has enabled researchers to understand life's physiology, and what it does to survive. Researchers may look at one puzzle piece at a time, and see how it interacts with the environment.

Why Did I Choose Microbiology?

Microbiology is all about cause and effect between microorganisms and the environment they are provided, and it is the observance and interaction with microorganisms. Microbiology is studying and connecting knowledge from past experiences with current tasks. Researchers acquire knowledge incrementally. Instead of seeing the world as a whole, microbiologist researchers study small portions at a time, seeing one piece that helps to create all. By observing one piece at a time, researchers may acquire knowledge at a much more efficient rate, rather than seeing everything as a whole and attempting to find those connections. Microbiology is suitable for me, as I will be encouraged to study small portions of the world, and see how it interacts with other portions. I will be able to connect my knowledge at a much more efficient rate.

Information Pertaining to Microbiology

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A MICROBIOLOGIST?

Untitled Slide

• Microbiologists must be able to plan and conduct experiments pertaining to their study
• Microbiologists must supervise the work of lab technicians or undergrad students and evaluate their research results
• Must be able to isolate and classify microorganisms
• Monitor and record results of experiments
• Attend conferences to share findings and learn of findings from other researchers
• Monitor and properly use sophisticated machinery to observe microorganisms and interact with them

What is the Work Environment?

Untitled Slide

• Most microbiologists work within laboratories and/or offices, where they analyze and observe research and experiments.
• Most microbiologists handle highly dangerous (or lethal) microorganisms when conducting experiments and acquiring research
• Basic researchers in academia tend to choose the focus of their research and run their own laboratories.
• Applied researchers tend to observe and analyze products manufactured by medical and drug companies; they present their observations and recommendations for "tweaking" the product.

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES TO BEING A MICROBIOLOGIST?

Education and Training

• Most microbiologists have (at least) a bachelor's degree in microbiology or in a closely related field
• Students take introductory classes of microbiology before taking advanced classes (such as environmental microbiology)
• It is important that many undergrad students have training in a laboratory prior to joining the workforce.
• A P.H.D not only provides job opportunities of more advanced areas of microbiology --- it also provides lab experience, conducting experiments, and class work similar to that of the work required when being a microbiologist researcher.
• Many P.H.D students shadow postdoctoral microbiologists to gain a better understanding of microbiology and the working conditions and requirements

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND QUALITIES

• Microbiologists must be able to effectively and expressively communicate with their colleagues (communication skills)
• Able to make complex experiments to contribute to results of prior experiments (detail oriented)
• Able to work and collaborate with others to achieve a specific goal as efficiently as possible (interpersonal skills)
• Able to draw conclusions from results of experiments with evidence and strong reason (logical thinking)
• Able to meticulously observe experiments and frequently record "events" and keep an accurate record of work (observation skills)
• Able to work way around problems of setbacks and learn from mishaps (perseverance)

HOW MANY JOBS ARE THERE CURRENTLY IN MICROBIOLOGY?

JOB OUTLOOK

WHAT IS THE MEDIAN INCOME OF A MICROBIOLOGIST?

INCOME

HOW DOES MICROBIOLOGY FIT MY SKILL AND INTERESTS?

According to the Briggs-Chung Test, I Am An INTJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinker, Judging)

According to the Briggs-Chung Test, I Am An INTJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinker, Judging)

What Are Some Ways I May Self-Invest in Microbiology?

Untitled Slide

• Coursera
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Advanced and Medical Mathematics
• Medical School
• M.D, PHD
• Physiology
• Microbiology

What Are Some SMART Goals

Untitled Slide

• Use online resources such as Coursera and take classes on microbiology and/or microbiology-related topics
• Understand which area(s) of microbiology best suits my interest and expand upon my knowledge, either through Coursera, textbooks, etc
• Go to medical school and obtain an M.D., PHD in microbiology or a microbiology related area
• Question the consequences to becoming a microbiologist; what is required of me, and what I need to do
• Work as an intern at the Hershey Medical Center when eligible, and understand the function of the workplace