Take a close look at life
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday February 9, 2011
MICROBIOLOGISTS are the polar opposite of celebrities, in that they live their lives over the microscope. They peer down at all manner of lifeforms, figuring out how they can be used to improve our lives, working among agar dishes and Petri plates.Much of microbiologists' work is at the cutting edge of science. They fight infectious diseases, develop antibiotics and are involved in genetic engineering. They have been responsible for unearthing much of what we know about the spread of germs. They make food preparation and consumption safer. They investigate ways to control pollution.Microbiologists work in medicine, healthcare, the food industry, agriculture and even the military. Louis Pasteur, who invented vaccines and pioneered the process that makes milk safe to drink, was a microbiologist and chemist. Joint Nobel Prize winner Barry Marshall, a microbiologist and physician, helped discover the link between a particular bacterium and ulcers and gastritis. Renowned microbiologist and virologist Professor Frank Fenner directed the programs that decimated the feral rabbit population in Australia and wiped smallpox from the globe.If you want to be a microbiologist, it is a good start to have a love and aptitude for science.You'd also want to be a good problem solver, with an analytical mind and an eye for detail. If you're not thrilled by the process of investigation and discovery, you should probably avoid this career path as an average day will consist mostly of poring over details.Microbiology is grouped under life sciences by the federal government for the purpose of evaluating job prospects and that employment category is expected to grow strongly over the next five years. The average earnings of life scientists are slightly above average.In order to become a microbiologist, you must study the subject as part of a bachelor's degree in science. It helps to specialise in microbiology through postgraduate study. Most universities set prerequisites in HSC-level maths, chemistry, biology and/or physics for qualification to their science degrees. The cut-off marks vary widely between different universities and university campuses.It is possible to subspecialise in viruses, bacteria or parasites, any of which will open doors to more fascinating careers. Whatever industry you choose to pursue with microbiology, the work will be hands on.WHERE TO STUDYFor qualifications in NSW, see jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au, gooduniguide.com.au, www.uac.edu.au or joboutlook.gov.au.
© 2011 Sydney Morning Herald
