The course covers fungal systematics as well as fungal cell biology, genetics, and sexual and asexual reproduction. Other subjects in the course include a thorough introduction to fungal ecology and interactions between fungi and other organisms, including use of beneficial fungi in biological control of pathogenic fungi.  Use of fungi in biotechnology and the food industry are key topics.

Students will acquire insight into systematics, genetics, physiology and ecology of fungi.  Students will obtain knowledge on use of fungi in industry and in biological control. Students will be able to evaluate positive and negative effects of fungi and suggest measures to control undesirable fungal activity. The course includes laboratory exercises as well as presentation of a term paper on a topic chosen by the student.

Lectures, laboratory exercises and presentations of term papers; all require student participation and independent study. 

The instructors can be contacted via email for information on course activities:  mailto:linda.hjeljord@nmbu.nolinda.hjeljord@nmbu.no and mailto:arne.tronsmo@nmbu.noarne.tronsmo@nmbu.no

21st Century Guidebook to Fungi.  Cambridge University Press.  2011.

General microbiology equivalent to BIO130.  General genetics equivalent to BIO120.  Microbial physiology equivalent to BIO230.  Molecular biology equivalent to BIO210.

Plant pathology equivalent to PLV200.

Active participation in at least 80% of the term paper presentations and all the laboratory exercises.

Lectures: 36 h. Lab exercises and preparations, term papers and presentations: 100 h. Individual study: 164 h.

Special requirements in science. 

Lectures 4 h weekly; lab exercises or term paper presentations: 4 h weekly.

This course will be held for the final time in 2015, if economically feasible.

External examiner for the oral examination; internal examiners for the term paper, term paper presentation, and lab report.