About this course

The course provides an introduction to fungal microbiology at the master's level through lectures and lab courses. We will initially give a taste of the significance of fungi in the light of the UN's sustainability goals, and we will discuss this more thoroughly throughout the course. We will give an introduction to the biology of fungi (metabolism, genetics and ecology) and systematics. We will then elucidate mycological aspects in food production, industrial biotechnology and the development of disease in humans, animals and plants.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student should have knowledge of

  • different phyla/groups of fungi and their microstructures and life cycles
  • basic taxonomy and identification of fungi
  • the biology of fungi (metabolism, genetics and ecology)
  • the role of fungi in production and deterioration of food
  • fungi used in biotechnology
  • fungi as a cause of disease in plants, animals and humans

Skills

The student should

  • be able to identify the most important fungi at the genus level
  • explain the life cycle of the most important phyla in the fungal kingdom
  • be able to relate the characteristics of different fungi to host / agent interactions and significance in bioproduction / biotechnology and disease
  • be able to handle fungi and fungal spores in the lab
  • be able to understand scientific texts on mycology
  • have a basis for participation in mycological research, at the theoretical as well as the experimental level
  • be able to perform the preparations, techniques and analyses employed in the course.
  • be able to masters the instruments and equipment used in the course.

General competence

The student should understand fungal biology and be able to relate it to biotechnology, ecology, food production and pathology.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, laboratory exercises, self-studies.

  • Teaching support

    Questioning hours before the exam.

    Canvas.

  • Syllabus

    • Textbook: Nicholas P. Money. Fungi. A Very Short Introduction. 2016
    • Selected, scientific publications
    • Compendium - Laboratory exercises

  • Prerequisites

    • Microbiology equal to BIO130.
    • Basic biochemistry equal to KJB200.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    Genetics, molecular biology.

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment:

    • 3.5 hours, final written exam counts 60%.
    • Lab presentation counts 40%.
    • Grades: A - F.

    Course retake: Only the final exam is to be repeated.

    If parts of the assessment has been fulfilled: only the remaining parts of the assessment shall be performed.



    Lab presentation Karakterregel: Letter grades Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddelkode: A1 No calculator, no other aids

  • About use of AI

    K3: AI can be used in connection with work on learning activities and study requirements to the extent that it is appropriate. Students must follow NMBU's guidelines for the use of AI and specify how AI has been used.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    • Internal examiner will evaluate all exam papers.
    • Lab presentations will be evaluated by two internal examiners.
    • An external examiner must approve the evaluation arrangements for the course.

  • Mandatory activity

    20 hours laboratory exercises and group presentations.

  • Teaching hours

    One or two 2-hour lectures per week in 10 - 12 weeks (28 hours in total).

    6 laboratory exercises, 4 hours each.

  • Preferential right

    M-BIOTEK

  • Admission requirements

    Special Requirements in Science.