Environmental microbiology is a dynamic branch of microbiology that deals with the development of the environment and microbes that remediate the problems of the environment. This branch of microbiology harnesses the power of microbes to arrest toxic chemicals from contaminated sites.
It includes the study of industrial wastewater treatment and covers the practices used for treating wastewater that is produced by industries as an unwanted by-product such as textile mills, pulp, and paper industry, etc. This course provides detailed insights to Bioremediation strategies that focuses on the need to learn about the existing environmental problems and suggests ways to control their effects, by employing various Bioremediation approaches like Phytoremediation, Bioaugmentation, Biostimulation, Consortia, etc) alongwith comprehensive knowledge on in-situ and ex-situ bioremediation.
Environmental microbiology as a career option may be considered an interesting field allowing researchers to study the various microbial communities, how they interact and behave in the ecosystem. Government and private agencies have ample demand for an environmental microbiologist to study the soil, water, and microbes at various lab and field levels. like Environmentalists, Research Fellows, Academicians, Management trainees: Quality control microbiologists, Marine ecologists, Oceanographers etc. Environmental Microbiologists have great scope in various sectors namely the water agriculture, chemical and nanotechnology, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals industries. The opportunity also involves writing detailed research reports, collecting data from the natural environment and its analysis . Students can further enhance their knowledge by opting for courses in environmental microbiology being offered by most prestigious universities around the world.
The specialization further enables to meet the objective of introducing students to the concept of microbes and their impact on the environment. Students will not only be able to understand the key elements such as bioremediation, wastewater treatment, biosensors, biological components for biodegradation, green synthesis etc., but also acquire best practices and expertise in handling critical lab equipment through practical classes as well as real-world experience via industrial visits.
Environmental microbiology specialization curriculum (For B.Sc. Microbiology graduates) |
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2nd Year | 3rd Year | |
Theoretical session | Microbiology of waste water and effluent treatment | Bioremediation techniques |
Bioremediation of environmental pollutants | Microbial antagonism and biocontrol agents against plant diseases | |
Green synthesis of nanomaterials | Soil Microbial Diversity | |
Soil and Water microbiology | Industrial production of microorganisms for environmental applications | |
Water Potability | Solid Waste Management Plan | |
Hands- On session | Laboratory practical | Laboratory practical |
Visit to Industry/ Laboratory | Visit to Industry | Visit to research laboratory |
Assessment | Written | Written |
Practical | Practical | |
80% attendance is compulsory | 80% attendance is compulsory |