The Relationship Between Microbiology as a Science and the Microbiology Subject
The objective of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of the history of microbiology and its role in the education and preparation of future doctors, and to emphasize the importance of Microbiology in medicine and other related careers.
Abstract
From ancient times to the Renaissance, science constitutes a knowledge that is based on the contemplation of nature. The use of the preceding results, their permanent modification, the crossing of information, models, is what constitutes science, in a cumulative tradition of knowledge and practices. The objective of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of the history of microbiology and its role in the education and preparation of future doctors. Our knowledge of microbes has had a negative side, since they are the causative agents of infectious diseases, contamination and deterioration of food, materials, etc. After the golden age of Bacteriology, inaugurated by great figures such as Pasteur and Koch, Microbiology remained for some time a descriptive and applied discipline, closely interwoven with Medicine, and with a development parallel to that of Chemistry, which it would contribute several fundamental methodological advances. Our knowledge of microbes has had a negative side, fear, since they are the causative agents of infectious diseases, and of contamination and deterioration of food, materials, etc. However, we are beginning to realize that we are completely dependent on microbial life. Life not only began with prokaryotic microorganisms, but the continuity of the very existence of life on Earth rests with them. The Microbiology subject is essential to understand the functioning of ecosystems and the interactions between the atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environment. Our objective is that, after taking the course, the student has acquired a global vision about the microbial world, the impact of microorganisms in the environment and their possible use in technological processes associated with the environment. We emphasize the importance of Microbiology in medicine and other related careers.