Course Description
The biology, ecology, genetics, morphology, and taxonomy of fungi. Groups of organisms traditionally classified with the fungi will also be discussed. Students will learn how to collect, isolate, culture, and identify fungi.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional laboratory work involving isolation and identification of fungi is required. Also, tests for graduate students are different from those for undergraduates.
Athena Title
MYCOLOGY
Prerequisite
(PBIO 1210 and PBIO 1210L and PBIO 1220 and PBIO 1220L) or (BIOL 1103 and BIOL 1103L and BIOL 1104 and BIOL 1104L) or (BIOL 1107-1107L and BIOL 1108-1108L)
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the study of the organisms in the Kingdom Fungi. There will be attention paid to the morphology and taxonomy of fungi, as well as the basic biology of fungi, including their roles in various ecosystems and their direct and indirect impact upon humans. Students will receive direct hands-on experience examining numerous fungal specimens in the lab and will be able to recognize a large number of common species on sight. Students will also compile a fungal collection from the environment and use morphological and molecular techniques to identify their collected specimens. Students who successfully complete the course should be familiar with all major groups of fungi and will have the skills to identify fungi to the genus or species level. Successful students will understand the unique biology of fungi and should be well-equipped to undertake advanced studies in mycology and be able to work with fungi in industrial settings or in a basic biological or biomedical laboratory.
Topical Outline
Course Overview Ecology, Nutrition Classification, systematics Basidiomycota I Basidiomycota II Basidiomycota III Poisonous and Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Ascomycota I Ascomycota II Ascomycota III Asexual Fungi Mycotoxins Zygomycota Chytridiomycota, Zoosporic Fungi Oomycota Myxomycetes, Slime Molds Edible and Medicinal Fungi Fungal Genetics Medical Mycology Animal Pathogens Biocontrol Mycorrhizae Lichens Fungi in Food
Syllabus