Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, their uses, and their affects on other biological organisms.

Includes all aspects of the study of natural and artificial microorganisms. Specialised areas of study include microbial ecology, evolution, and physiology, genetics and phylogeny, the medical (beneficial and harmful) effects of natural and artificially created microorganisms; the low-tech mass-production via genetically engineered bacteria of pharmaceuticals, hormones, and industrial chemicals; the study of microbes like viruses (virology), bacteria (bacteriology), molds and yeasts (mycology), protozoa, and algae.

Microbiology can be used in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention diseases; uses in terraforming and biospherics and in the treatment and recycling of organic wastes; and in the production of food stuffs.