Microbiology, study of microscopic organisms or microbes. Microbiology involves many fields of science in biology and medicine. Microbiology began in the 19th century as bacteriology, the study of bacteria. The French scientist Louis Pasteur is considered the founder of microbiology. Modern microbiology includes other microorganisms such as archaea, protozoa, algae, fungi, viruses, and microscopic parasites. Microbiologists use tools from genetics and biochemistry, as well as microscopes and other technology. Areas of research include the structures, functions, chemistry, evolution, and ecology of microorganisms, as well as their disease-causing or beneficial properties and effects. Microbiology has applications in medicine, chemistry, industry, biotechnology, agriculture, and food production.