NATIONAL Open University of NigeriaCourse develop by Mrs. O. A. F. Ilusanya OlabisiCourse reviewed by Dr. Gideon I.A. Okoroiwu Ph.D.2025-11-192025-11-192018https://nou.edu.ng/coursewarecontent/PHS%20217.pdfhttps://nou.edu.ng/coursewarecontent/PHS%20217.pdfhttps://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/handle/20.500.14186/2332This material examines the definition of microbiology, types of microbial cells, the different groups of microorganisms and the domains in which they are placed and why viruses are not placed in any of the domains.• 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.enArticle