Field Mycology and Identification of Fungi

Course content

The course gives an update on the ecology, morphology, evolution and taxonomy of larger fungi, but has its main focus on field mycology and identification based on morphological characters. Methods for studying fungi in the field are demonstrated, and species identification involving microscopy and interactive computerbased keys is trained. The course has a hands-on approach to learning, and uses the interactive citizen science platform “Svampeatlas” as a social learning media. The course involves a mandatory six days field course, 25-30 August, and independent project work in September-October (50 hrs). During the project period, three 2 hr group sessions will be arranged to discuss progress and challenges with the projects, and in addition scientific papers will be discussed based on student presentations.

Education

MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

By completing the course the student can:

  • demonstrate an overview of the ecology, evolution and taxonomy of larger fungi
  • recognize a selection of common or otherwise relevant fungal species from the Danish nature
  • demonstrate an overview of data sources and advanced approaches to fungal species identification.

 

Skills:

By completing the course the student can:

  • identify unknown fungi using the relevant tools of identification
  • recognize the most important poisonous fungi
  • utilize the fungi as tools for e.g. bioindication and conservation
  • design ecologically relevant field studies of fungal communities.

 

Competences:

By completing the course the student can:

  • understand challenges and relevant tools related to the study of macrofungal communities
  • undertake identification jobs related to fungi
  • identify and handle fungal biodiversity in nature management

Lectures, workshops, project work and practical exercises. The course involves a mandatory six days field course at a field station, placed just prior to block 1.

See Absalon

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

Notice that the couse includes a mandatory six days field activity in August (week 35, just prior to block 1) and continues with independent project work in block 1.

Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 min
Written assignment, 50 hours (report)
The report must be handed in one week prior to the examination
Weight: written report (50 %), oral examination (50 %). The grade is based on an overall evaluation of the two part exams.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

The written assignment is with all aids allowed

The oral exam is without aids

 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Criteria for exam assessment

See the learning outcome

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 4
  • Preparation
  • 59,5
  • Practical exercises
  • 61
  • Excursions
  • 30
  • Project work
  • 50
  • Exam
  • 1,5
  • English
  • 206,0