*Syllabus may change from year to year; this is only an example.
Biology of Fungi
AGRO, HORT, PLPT 370
Syllabus - Fall 2002
Instructor
Gary Y. Yuen, Associate Professor
Dept. of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska
406 Plant Science, Lincoln, NE 68583-0722
(402) 472-3125; gyuen@unl.edu
Course Description
This course will survey fungal species and groups that are important in natural ecosystems or that are beneficial or deleterious to humans. Connections will be drawn between the biology of the fungi and their ecosystem/human impact, both current and historical. Taxonomy and identification will be addressed so far as to understand the biology and application of the fungus.
Room and Schedule
N176 Beadle; Tue. and Thur. 11:00 to 12:15
Credits hours and Prerequisite
3cr; 8 hours of biological sciences
Format
Lectures; two 80-minute classes per week; weekly demonstrations
Grading
Exams – all will involve short essays and primarily require synthesis of information to support a concept.
Midterm 1 – 20% of final grade
Midterm 2 – 20%
Final exam – 25%
Term paper - the paper will pertain to a fungal species or group as to its biology and its importance in a natural ecosystems or its human impact. The paper topic will be developed in consultation with the instructor with an outline developed by the 10th week of instruction.
Term paper outline – 10%
Term paper final draft – 25%
Reading
The reading assignments (book chapters and jouirnal articles) will be provided in electronic form. Books from which reading will be taken include Introductory Mycology by C. J. Alexopoulos, C. W. Mims and M. Blackwell, Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds by G. W. Hudler, The Fungi by M. J. Carlile and S.C. Watkinson, and Fungal Physiology 2nd Ed. by D.H. Griffin. In addition, readings from web-sites that present information on fungal identification and applications will be assigned.
Optional activities
Mushroom hunt; edible fungi tasting experience; field trip to local brewery and winery
Lecture schedule and topics
| Week |
Topic |
| 1 | What are fungi? Comparisons with plant, animal, and other kingdoms Major fungal groups |
| 2 | Morphological diversity - form fits function |
| 3 | Fungi and decomposition – a role in nutrient cycling Enzymes and bioremediation |
| 4 | Composting- some like it hot Coprophilic fungi – “hat thrower” and other dung fungi |
| 5 | Coevolution with plants Wood decay fungi – why trees aren’t immortal The world’s biggest organism |
| 6 |
Mushrooms – identification and appreciation in nature Poisonous and hallucinagenic mushrooms – impact on religion and mythology |
| 7 |
Culinary mushrooms, mushroom cultivation Making use of decomposition fungi - beer, wine, cheese, bread, tempeh |
| 8 | First midterm Fungi as plant pathogens Necrotrophism – rotting on the vine |
| 9 | Biotrophism - morphological changes, mimicry, edible smut Fungal evolution driven by agriculture – monoculture, fungicides, plant breeding |
| 10 | Societal change driven by fungi – late blight and the Great Potato Famine Society and fungi driving ecological change – chestnut blight and hypovirulence |
| 11 | Fungi for weed biological control Post harvest and food spoilage fungi – adaptation to high sugar |
| 12 |
Mycotoxins; ergot – the basis for witch hunts Fungi as human pathogens – allergies, respiratory diseases, immunosuppression |
| 13 | The chronic itch – dermal fungi Second midterm |
| 14 | Fungal-animal associations; gut fungi Fungi as insect pathogens |
| 15 | Insect biocontrol Fungi-farming ants |
| 16 | Mycorrhizae Lichens |
| 17 | Microbial competition – toxin and enzyme production Fungi and the pharmacy – antibiotics and other products |
| 18 | Plant disease biological control using fungi – ecological versus economic issues Fungi and art; review |
