The subject Microbiology is a major in a variety of degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Science. Microbiology is the study of microscopically small organisms such as bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae. Microbial activities and interactions are vitally important to virtually all processes on earth, playing key roles in nutrient cycling, biodegradation, climate change, food spoilage, as well as the cause and control of disease. The science of microbiology aims to gain and expand our fundamental understanding of microorganisms by studying their morphology, metabolism, physiology, reproduction and genetics, as well as their interactions with other organisms and their role in ecology. Together the subject areas of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics form the core of Biotechnology.  The following degree programmes have Microbiology as a major: