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Microbiologist

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Submitted By gingeryeti
Words 389
Pages 2
Anna Anderson
PTLW CSUEB
July 2011
Activity 1.1.2

MICROBIOLOGIST

* Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microscopic bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses. Many of these organisms cause disease (pathogens) and many can provide useful products such as penicillin (antibiotic).

* Education and/or Training Required
In order to work in this field you must have at least an undergraduate degree in microbiology. Further training with a Masters or Doctorate would be required to do anything other than entry level positions.

Excellent microscopy skills and training in aseptic techniques are a must.

* Responsibilities and Daily Activities
This job requires a strong academic background with a lot of math, chemistry, and biology. Computer and lab skills are essential.
Microbiologists grow cultures of bacteria (and other organisms) in medium for study. Using aseptic technique, they grow cultures to measure and calculate the rate of growth and how it grows. They learn what can and cannot kill their organisms and if it is a pathogen, they study ways to stop or slow its growth.

In the lab, they work with microscopes, grow cultures, measure the rate of growth, and perform experiments with these organisms. Lab safety is very important in their work. They would NEVER eat or drink in the lab because this could cause contamination or could infect the food they are eating.

* Salary Range
Microbiologists can work in the academic community, industry or government. The following chart indicates the starting salary for these positions. Type of Work Place | Baccalaureate | Masters | Doctorate | Academic Institution | $21,000 | $29,000 | $46,000 | Industry | $21,000 | $35,000 | $66,000 | Government | $23,000 | $28,000 | $56,500 |

* Documentation of Sources

American Society for Microbiology [Internet]. 2010. Washington (USA):

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