Plant Biology: Biology of Fungi

Collect, identify and study major fungal groups, especially basidiomycetes (mushrooms, rusts and smuts), ascomycetes (cup fungi, yeasts and mildews), and affiliated taxa. Extensive field and lab work, with thematic lectures. Prerequisite: PBIO 1040 or BIOL 1450 or BCOR 1450 or BCOR 1425 or Instructor permission.

Prereqs enforced by the system: PBIO 1040 or BIOL 1450 or BCOR 1450 or BCOR 1425 Open to degree and PACE students

BIOLOGY OF FUNGI (PBIO 2770) Dr. Terry Delaney, Assoc. Professor of Plant Biology terrence.delaney@uvm.edu Course Description (may be modified): 1) Learn about FUNGI through lectures and discussions, field trips, collections, and lab study using microscopy, chemical tests, and morphology of fresh specimens. 2) Learn the unique and shared features of diverse groups of fungi, including biology, form, reproductive strategies, key roles as ecosystem members, pathogens on other creatures, and value as foods, poisons and drugs. We will highlight many species that have had large impacts on human health, cuisine, and culture. 3) Survey, identify and study the major fungal groups, especially within the basidiomycetes (e.g. mushrooms, boletes, polypores, and kin) and ascomycetes (e.g. cup fungi, yeasts and mildews). We will also include discussion of the other major taxa of true fungi (Eumycota). 4) Analyze and identify field-collected mushrooms and other macro-fungi, using visible, microscopic and other features for identification. Create herbarium-quality preserved specimens for archiving at the University of Vermont. Readings: (1) The Fifth Kingdom. W. Bryce Kendrick (4th Edition, 2017). (2) Mushrooms of the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. Timothy J. Baroni (2017), Timber Press.

Expectations: Have fun, and learn a lot! Read the assigned material prior to class, attend and participate in lecture and field trips, and be engaged in the laboratory. Produce a collection of approx. 15 preserved and characterized mushrooms or other macro-fungi. Some independent research is required to collect and to study the specimens you will collect. Students will also make a verbal presentation to the class. Additional requirements: 10x hand lens, collecting knife, basket for collecting mushrooms, clothing and footwear suitable for forest excursions. Brightspace will be used to communicate with class and share electronic files. At the end of the course, a student Course Evaluation is expected and welcomed.

Assessment (weights may be adjusted): Two-three exams 30% Fungal Collection (15 species) 40% Student Presentations 10% Field and lab quizzes 10% Participation 10%