• Introduction to microbiology. • Composition of the microbial world. • Historical aspects of microbiology. • The relevance and scope of microbiology. • General characteristics of microorganisms. • Microscopy and specimen preparation. • A brief survey of microbes as friends and foes. • General characteristics of bacteria. • General characteristics of fungi. • General characteristics of microorganisms contd. • General characteristics of viruses. • General characteristics of algae. • General characteristics of protozoa. • Microbial growth, reproduction and control. • Microbial growth. • Measurement of microbial growth and factors that influence microbial growth. • Physical methods of controlling microbial growth. • Chemical methods of controlling microbial growth. • Systematic classification of microorganisms. • Introduction to systemic classification of microorganisms. • Systematic classification of bacteria. • Systematic classification of fungi. • Systematic classification of algae. • Systematic classification/microbial genetics and biogeochemical cycling of elements. • Systematic classification of protozoa. • Mechanisms of genetic variation and hereditary. • Biogeochemical cycling of elements.