Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 100 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hello brilliant one! I’m truly happy to have you here today. You’re doing amazingly well by showing up, and I’m here to walk with you every step of the way. Today’s lesson is going to be a beautiful beginning to your journey in Microbiology—an exciting field that connects deeply with life, health, food, and even the air we breathe here in Nigeria and around the world. Let’s get started!
Definitions, Scope, And History
What is Microbiology?
Imagine this—you have a sore throat, and the doctor says it’s caused by a germ. Or maybe you’ve seen yoghurt in the fridge and heard someone say it contains “good bacteria.” That’s exactly where microbiology steps in! Microbiology is the study of tiny living things called microorganisms—like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa—that are so small you need a microscope to see them.
These little beings are everywhere: in the soil that grows our yam and cassava, in the air we breathe in Lagos traffic, and even inside your own body, helping you digest food like eba and okro soup. Some microorganisms are helpful, like those that help make bread rise or turn palm wine into vinegar. Others cause diseases like malaria or typhoid. Microbiology helps us understand them all.
Scope of Microbiology
Microbiology is a wide and interesting field. Here’s a quick look at its major branches:
Bacteriology: Study of bacteria. These can be harmful (like those causing tuberculosis) or helpful (like those in ogi fermentation).
Virology: Study of viruses. Think about COVID-19—virologists worked hard to understand it.
Mycology: Study of fungi. This includes moulds on bread or the mushrooms we eat.
Parasitology: Study of parasites like the one causing malaria.
Immunology: Study of how our body fights back—our immune system.
Microbial Genetics and Biotechnology: These study how microbes work at a deeper level, even helping in vaccine production and agriculture.
A Brief History of Microbiology
Long before microscopes were invented, people in Africa and across the world noticed that some diseases could spread, but they didn’t know why. In the 1600s, a man called Anton van Leeuwenhoek, using a simple microscope, saw tiny life forms in a drop of water—he called them “animalcules.” That was the beginning.
Later on, scientists like Louis Pasteur (the same person behind pasteurisation) and Robert Koch helped show how microorganisms cause disease. Their work gave birth to modern medicine, food safety, and public health practices we use today—even here in Nigeria, in our hospitals and health centres.
Summary
- Microbiology is the study of tiny organisms too small to see with the naked eye.
- It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and more.
- The field has many branches including bacteriology, virology, and immunology.
- Its history began with early observations of microbes and grew into a vital science that helps us understand health, food, and our environment.
Evaluation
- In your own words, what is microbiology?
- List three branches of microbiology and give an example of what each one studies.
- Who was the first person to see microorganisms, and what did he call them?
Keep going—every great microbiologist started with this same curiosity. At Afrilearn, we believe in your potential and can’t wait to see how far you’ll go. See you in the next lesson—shine on, superstar!