Microbiology studies viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa, a diverse world that affects the health of the planet and people, in addition to offering fabulous tools for the industry. This invisible world can only be explored through genetics or biochemistry and is associated with areas as diverse as ecology, immunology or biotechnology. Microbiology is present in all these areas.

Due to the high interdisciplinarity of Microbiology, the field of action of Microbiologists is vast. Graduates can work at a laboratory or at the consultancy level, in sectors related to medical and pharmaceutical, agricultural, public health, environmental and food safety areas, or even in industry, either in production or in quality control. Graduates in microbiology have a versatile and flexible training profile, which, in addition to allowing them to act in the use and control of microorganisms, guides them to develop activities in other areas linked to Microbiology.

This is the only degree in Microbiology in the country, offering a differentiated profile with multiple fields of activity. The degree lasts 3 years (180 credits - ECTS) and leads to entering professional life or further pursuing studies into the second or third cycles (master’s or PhD).

What can a graduate in Microbiology do?

Graduates can work in various areas of intervention, including:

• Research or analysis laboratories that are based on the intersection of Chemistry and Biology, especially involving the different aspects of Microbiology;
• Diverse professional contexts in the Health, Food and Environment sectors, in which Microbiology has a central role, whether in laboratories, consulting or at the administrative level;

Some examples are integration/contribution in:

• Food Safety Programs
• Water, food, clinical analysis
• Food and retail distribution chain
• Food and pharmaceutical industry
• Water treatment
• Business incubation and technology transfer
• Commercial and science communication area
• Continuation of studies (2nd and 3rd cycles of Bologna)

What characterizes the degree at ESB?

These are some characteristics of the Degree in Microbiology at ESB:

• Comprehensive training that includes related areas (such as biotechnology or molecular genetics)
• Learning centered on extensive experimental practice
• Integration in a University where multidisciplinarity and personal training are part of the brand image
• Proximity to research lines in our Research Centre (CBQF) highly focused on the various aspects of Microbiology
• In-depth preparation in clinical, environmental and food areas

The job market looks for and rewards people who combine multiple transversal skills (soft skills) to offer a safe, determined, flexible and daring professional attitude. Our degrees do not focus only on technical skills, they also work on other dimensions:

• Interpersonal communication
• Teamwork
• Critical thinking
• Professional ethics
• Time management
• Self confidence
• Leadership
• Creativity