Microbiologists study microorganisms (microbes) in order to understand how they affect our lives and aim to solve a range of problems affecting our health, the environment, climate and food and agriculture. This can include the prevention, diagnosis and control of infections and disease, as well as ensuring that food is safe, understanding the role that microbes play in climate change, and developing green technologies.

Microbiology is a substantial subject which overlaps with other areas of life sciences, such as molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry. Specialist areas include:

• medicine
• healthcare
• research
• agriculture and food safety
• environment and climate change