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Courses and Subjects
Overview
Microbiology is the study of the large
and diverse group of living organisms of microscopic
size which includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae,
worms and protozoa. An understanding of the basic nature
and molecular structure of the microbes has been a major
factor in the advancement of molecular biology as a
scientific discipline and in establishing microbial
genetics as an advancing science.
Immunology is the study of the defense
system the host employs to destroy foreign invaders
threatening its survival. These invaders are usually
microorganisms but they also encompass tumors and transplants.
Occasionally the immune system malfunctions resulting
in responses against harmless material (allergy) or
against the host's own tissues (autoimmunity). Understanding
the complex ways in which the immune system operates
is necessary for the development of new and improved
vaccines against infectious diseases. It is also required
for therapies to combat cancer, allergies, autoimmunity
and transplant rejection. Immunology is a core requirement
for any biomedical career
Microbiology is used in many large-scale
industrial processes, involved in the manufacture of
food and beverages, as well as the production of many
pharmaceutical, chemical and agricultural products.
Microbiology also plays a vital part in the control
of pollution in the environment through treatment processes
for water and industrial, agricultural and domestic
wastes.
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