Is SLT better than Microbiology? Is science laboratory technology better than Microbiology?
IS SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY BETTER THAN MICROBIOLOGY?
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, achaea, fungi and protozoa. This discipline includes fundamental research on the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution and clinical aspects of micro organisms including the host’s response to these agents. It is the scientific study of micro organisms, those being unicellular, multicellular or acellular. Microbiology encompasses numerous sub-disciplines including Virology, Bacteriology, Protistology, Mycology, Immunology and Parasitology. Microbiology is a biological science course under the faculty of science in most universities. The number of years required for the award of the BSc. in Microbiology degree is 4 (four) years.
Science Lab Tech focuses on the fundamental program of the biological and physical sciences and with emphasis on analytical laboratory techniques and applications, specifically in the realms of chemistry and biology. Science Laboratory Technologists carry out a variety of laboratory based investigations in biological, chemical, physical and life science areas. They perform tasks such as collecting samples, carrying out tests, measuring reagents and chemicals to be used in the laboratory, and analyzing test results. They also plan, setup, and undertake controlled experiments and trials. Science Laboratory Technology is offered as a course by Schools of Science, Polytechnics (most common) and a few Universities.
Microbiologists and Science Laboratory Technologists are both essential in helping us to treat diseases as well as being laboratory based courses. Many work as biomedical scientists in hospitals and laboratories; testing samples of body tissue, blood, urine, and other fluids to diagnose infections, monitor treatments or track disease outbreaks. However, to answer the question, No, Science Laboratory Technology is not better than Microbiology. For one, Microbiology is offered in the University as such the degree given by the university (BSc. Microbiology) carries more weight than the degree of a Science Laboratory Technologist (ND, HND, or B.Tech in Science Laboratory Technology) and as such Microbiologists are ore likely to be selected in an employment program than Science Laboratory Technologists.
A microbiologist is responsible for investigating the growth, structure development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms as well as help in developing new pharmaceutical products and vaccines. A Microbiologist’s job description and career range is better and wider than that of a Science Laboratory Technologist as there are a lot of options for a Microbiologist to major in while a Science Laboratory Technologist’s career range is somewhat streamlined and narrow. Microbiology is also more lucrative than Science Laboratory Technology as there is a considerable difference in the salaries of both professionals at all levels of experience.
So basically Microbiology is not also a more prestigious course to study in the higher institution but is also a more lucrative field of work and has better job opportunities.
Shyllon Olayinka
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