What field of study focuses on microscopic organisms, including bacteria?

Microbiology is the field of study that specifically focuses on microscopic organisms, including bacteria. This branch of science encompasses the study of various forms of life that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. By examining these organisms, microbiologists can understand their biology, ecology, and how they interact with other living organisms and the environment.

Microbiology is essential in many fields, including medicine, where understanding bacterial pathogens is crucial for developing treatments and interventions. It also plays a significant part in industrial processes, agriculture, and environmental science, among other areas.

In contrast, virology is a subset of microbiology dedicated to the study of viruses, while pathology focuses on the study of diseases and the effects of diseases on the body, including what causes them. Immunology examines the immune system and how it responds to infections, including those caused by microorganisms, but does not encompass the full range of microscopic life studied in microbiology.