Microbiology relates to the study of microorganisms which are living beings that thrive and multiply in our surroundings. These microbes exist everywhere; in us, on us, and around us. Microbial action which relates to its physiological activities that also affect other living organisms which can be hosts, can either be beneficial or harmful.
Even the human gut and skin is lined with beneficial bacteria that help in the easy digestion of food and protect the skin from unwanted fungal attack.
The subject is challenging and studying microbiology course online can help students with immersive videos that cover a range of topics. Online platforms offer a smooth track of information and enhance the learning experience through 3D animated simulation graphics. The lesson will be recalled even after a long duration when a student uses the current day’s AI-driven online courses that can be accessed from any device.
These online platforms make complicated life science subjects fun, easy to learn, and remember for weeks thereafter through innovative methods of teaching the subject.
Tips to learn microbiology
Memorizing a lengthy syllabus without understanding will not help a student in the long run. Microbiology is a vast subject as the implications of scores of known and recorded microorganisms are only a fragment of what exists in the surroundings and is yet unknown to us.
As the subject is exhaustive it is divided into various sub-branches of microbiology based on taxonomy and research. You can also break down your study pattern as per these two subdivisions. Here are effective tips to study microbiology as a core subject:
- Divide the subject
As the syllabus is humongous, it makes sense to divide the syllabus based on the categories. As per taxonomy microbiology can be subdivided into
- Virology
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Nematology
- Parasitology
- Protozoology
- Phycology
In this manner, chronological and organized notes can be made while preparing for your lessons and still be able to remember the facts relating to the branch of microbiology
- Use additional resources
Apart from textbooks, you can use additional resources to supplement your grasp of a topic through online information that is freely accessible over the internet. Online MedTech platforms offer immersive videos with quizzes and practice questions that help a student understand the topics in a fun and engaging manner.
- Attend classes regularly
The power-packed lectures of life sciences are full of information. When a student attends these classes regularly and takes notes, then based on the lectures and revision, one can clear any doubts with the instructor during the classes. The points raised by other classmates will also be beneficial learning content.
- Study groups
Study groups among college students who are studying the same subjects will help them share the burden of the classes by dividing the work among each other. Group members also motivate each other and share best practices that will prove to be useful in the long run.
- Additional courses
It helps to take addendum-free online courses in microbiology that are conducted by universities for additional credits. It develops a holistic approach and exposes content that may not be covered by your existing microbiology programs. Many universities offer self-paced free online courses in microbiology topics that have been explained through lecture videos and practice questions that carry participation marks. Most courses even offer a verifiable certificate upon payment of a nominal handling fee.
- Get basics right
Microbiology is not a foundational course and is based on a prerequisite understanding of the concepts of biology. So it is imperative to get the basics of biology right before taking up a microbiology course. Unless one understands biology, a microbiology student cannot comprehend the cellular biology of microorganisms that have either single or two to three cells only.
The conditions which are favorable for different microbes vary and it is imperative to understand these physiological triggers that affect the response and growth of microorganisms. Understanding cellular microbiology helps a microbiologist tackle real-world problems whereby good and helpful microbes are encouraged to increase and harmful pathogenic microbes are sanitized and destroyed.
- Memory hacks
All students develop memory hacks that are very useful to retain the content for a long time. Taking notes in class, revising, and making notes are one of the best and oldest tips for retaining the lesson for a long time. Attempting practice tests, quizzing each other by using flashcards, and using mnemonics to practice long terms are a few other memory hacks that have been tried and tested by most science students.
When one understands the logic and applies critical thinking in their practical work, chances of using theoretical concepts and relating them to lab work will increase. In this manner, students will retain the content for a long time and it becomes a part of the habit when a person starts their career.
- Understand your learning style
One student’s method may not suit others because their learning style and pattern are different. Although it is essential to share best practices, it is necessary to copy every habit of a senior or classmate who has a methodology that is working for them. Some students like to read aloud to memorize, some like to take notes. Likewise, few students take a break before a big exam and others like to study hard. Few may just like to relax and not do anything before any big test and complete their revision way before the actual test date. It is important to understand your style of learning and know what methods work best for you early on. This habit helps in the long run for most of your courses including microbiology.
Summing-up:
Microbiology students have a great scope when it comes to career prospects as long as they are good with their basics and get their foundation concepts right. They can take up a master’s or doctoral program in microbiology. Career prospects in the field of research and academia are lucrative. However, microbiologists are sought after in industry jobs specifically in the food processing sector.
