Microbiology is a branch of biology that studies microorganisms, which are tiny organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. Microbiologists study these microorganisms in order to understand their characteristics, behavior, interactions with other living things, and how they can affect human health. The field of microbiology has many applications, including medicine (for example, developing new antibiotics or vaccines), agriculture (using beneficial bacteria to improve crop growth), environmental science (studying the role of microorganisms in ecosystems), and biotechnology (harnessing the power of microorganisms for industrial processes).