The Department of Microbiology came into existence in June 1983, at St. Xavier’s College Mapusa, affiliated at that time to Bombay University. It was the first and only College in Goa to offer the subject at the B.Sc. level until 1989. Since June 1988, the Department is affiliated to Goa University. In June 1998, the Department started the six units course in Microbiology and was the first College in Goa to offer the six unit course at the degree level. Currently, the Choice Based Credit System is being followed which was implemented since June 2017.

All round formation of students is ensured through specially designed co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that are conducted throughout the year, such as, Outstation Study Trips, Certificate Courses, Internship Programmes, Consultancy/Extension Services, Inter Collegiate Microbiology Festival, Social Outreach Programmes, Seminars, Hands on Training Workshops, Career Guidance talks and Student Exchange Programmes.

After B. Sc. in Microbiology students can pursue Masters degree in Microbiology, Marine Microbiology, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, Marine Science, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Applied Genetics, Bioinformatics, Agricultural Microbiology, Veterinary Microbiology, Forensic Science, Integrated course for a Masters and Post Doctorate degree, Masters degree in Business Administration, Masters Degree in Hospital Administration, Masters degree in Nutrition & Dietetics Diploma in Medical Laboratory Techniques.

Students of Microbiology can seek employment as Executives in quality control in Food and Beverage based industries and Pharmaceutical based companies, Production Managers in Microbiology and Biotechnology based companies, Analysts in Pathology Laboratories and hospitals, Good Manufacturing Practice Auditors in industries, teachers/ professors in schools and colleges, Project Assistants in National Research Institutes, Officers in Pollution Control Board, Treatment Plants, Agriculture Departments and Environmental Agencies. Microbiologists can start up food processing units, biogas plants, waste management units, mushroom cultivation units, diagnostic centers and other small agro based industries.