Department of Microbiology

Microbiology

What this department covers

The Department of Microbiology was established in 2018 in the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences with the aim of generating and disseminating scientific knowledge relating to microbiology. The department focuses on understanding microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi and their impact on humans, animals, food production, environmental health and disease. Its teaching and research address major challenges including antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases and the health of ecosystems.

The department offers the B.S. Applied Microbiology program and provides microbiology education to students of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), Food Science & Technology (FST) and Biochemistry. The Applied Microbiology program covers bacteriology, virology, mycology, vaccinology, immunology, molecular biology, cell culture, biotechnology, biosafety and biosecurity, medical, industrial and environmental microbiology, and public health. The department is equipped with modern microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture and laboratory animal facilities.

• Teaching and research across bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology and molecular biology
• Diagnostic services for infectious diseases affecting animals and birds
• Research on emerging microbial diseases, antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses and One Health
• Development and evaluation of vaccines, probiotics, antimicrobials, diagnostic reagents and other biologics

The department's mission includes establishing molecular and diagnostic facilities for bacterial, fungal and viral diseases of camels, domestic animals and wildlife, developing effective vaccines and antisera, and strengthening integrated strategies for controlling microbial diseases. Research priorities include emerging microbial pathogens, mycotoxins and mycotoxicosis, biosecurity, immunogenetics, immunotherapy, immunomodulation, immunoprophylaxis, immunodiagnosis and zoonotic diseases. The department also aims to produce highly skilled microbiologists capable of contributing nationally and internationally.