What is the study of microorganisms called?

The study of microorganisms is known as microbiology. This field encompasses the examination of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, focusing on their structure, function, classification, and the impact they have on humans, other living organisms, and the environment. Understanding microbiology is essential in various fields, including medicine, where it plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating infections, as well as in public health, where it informs practices to control disease spread.

Biochemistry, while related, primarily concerns the chemical processes and substances in living organisms rather than focusing specifically on microorganisms. Pathology involves the study of diseases and their causes, effects, and diagnosis but does not solely concentrate on microbial life. Immunology is the branch of biomedical science that focuses on the immune system and its responses to pathogens, but again, does not exclusively study microorganisms themselves. Each of these fields interacts with microbiology but does not define its core focus.